Key points Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick supplies vast amounts of raw materials to Russian aluminium smelters, according to a new investigation. Huge amounts of distinctive red-coloured bauxite residue is stored as so-called 'red mud' on 450 acres of land near the Aughinish Alumina plant. Aughinish Alumina Aughinish Alumina is the largest alumina refinery in Europe and owned by Rusal, a company founded by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Financial records do not definitively show whether specific Irish alumina is making its way into Russian weapons. The demand for Irish alumina increased in recent years despite Russia’s stagnating civilian economy.

Source: The Irish Times March 24, 2026 14:03 UTC