Ireland exported 200,619 tonnes of alumina to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, 83% of its total exports of the material. Central Statistics Office data, reported by The Irish Times, shows this is the highest share since 2022. Only 0.6% of Ireland’s alumina exports went to other EU member states during the same period.
Aughinish Alumina, the only significant producer of the material in Ireland, drives these exports. Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska owns the refinery. Leaked transaction data suggests alumina from the Limerick-based plant feeds the supply chain of Russian weapons manufacturers, including rocket producers.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the situation, arguing that sanctioning Aughinish Alumina would be “self-defeating.” Martin claims such a move would harm the EU more than Russia. This position contradicts CSO data showing only 0.6% of the plant’s output went to EU member states in the first quarter of 2026.
Aughinish Alumina warned that sanctions would cause severe disruptions. The company states closing the plant would force aluminium smelting operations in France and Sweden to restrict production due to supply shortages. The plant supports approximately 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in the local economy.
Members of the European Parliament are increasing pressure on the EU to close the loophole. MEPs are calling for targeted sanctions on exports from Aughinish to Russia to prevent the refinery from supporting the Russian war machine.
The case of Aughinish Alumina highlights a gap in EU sanctions enforcement. While the refinery remains a critical industrial asset for the Limerick economy, its ownership by Oleg Deripaska and its primary export destination continue to draw scrutiny from European lawmakers.