The Aughinish Alumina plant, which exports alumina to Russia, is a big employer in Co Limerick. Photograph: Alan BetsonPeople living near Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick defended the plant, despite the reported links between the alumina it produces and dozens of Russian weapons manufacturers. From the Shannon to Siberia: How alumina from a Limerick refinery enters Russia’s weapons supply chain Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick supplies vast amounts of raw materials to Russian aluminium smelters, according to a new investigation. About 1,000 people are directly and indirectly employed at Aughinish, with about 500 staff working at the plant. If they weren’t shipping the alumina, the plant wouldn’t be functioning, and the employment wouldn’t be here and it wouldn’t be beneficial to anybody,” Sheahan said.

Source: The Irish Times March 25, 2026 14:32 UTC