Minister to get report on Aughinish Alumina's Russian exports 'within 10 days' after 'clarifications'

The Department of Enterprise is engaged with Ukrainian and Swedish authorities on the report

Owned by the Russian metals giant Rusal, Aughinish produces alumina, a raw material exported to Russia to make aluminium. File photo: Niall Carson/PA

A report into Aughinish Alumina's exports will be with the minister for enterprise "within 10 days".

An investigation by the Department of Enterprise to consider whether the Limerick-based plant is contributing to the Russian war effort in Ukraine has been anticipated for a number weeks after The Irish Times and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project published an investigation examining Aughinish’s alleged role in supporting Russia’s military industry.

Owned by the Russian metals giant Rusal, Aughinish produces alumina, a raw material exported to Russia to make aluminium.

In the Dáil on Thursday, enterprise minister Peter Burke said he expects to have the report “within the next 10 days”, but that some “clarifications” are needed. He said his department is working with Ukrainian authorities on these and he met with the Ukrainian ambassador earlier this week.

Mr Burke said they have also been engaged with Swedish authorities in connection with investigations they are carrying out.

"We have to reach a certain evidential threshold before going to the European Commission. That is very challenging. I have been honest and open about that. It will be challenging to get evidence that meets that threshold. 

"I have also said that the Revenue Commissioners are reassessing their figures because the management of Aughinish Alumina has advised that an error was made in recording the trade flows to the EU versus the trade flows to Russia. 

"As I have pointed out in the House previously, it is my understanding that, in 2025, about 44% of exports went to Russia. I absolutely agree that it is unacceptable for any amount to get into the wrong hands."

Defending the Government’s record, Mr Burke said that since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine they have “never asked for any sanctions not to be put on Aughinish Alumina”.

“We have never asked for any leeway, we never have lobbied on their behalf.”

Labour's Ged Nash had told Mr Burke that any alumina from Ireland reaching the Russian war machine was "too much".

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“The Irish Times report clearly showed, based on official national statistics, that over 80% of alumina from Ireland was being shipped to Russia and turned into weapons.

“Your department has disputed this and said it’s less than 50%. But minister, 1% is 1% too much.”

On Wednesday, MEPs backed a non-binding resolution calling for the raw material to be added to the sanctions list, with Fine Gael, Labour, and Sinn Féin MEPs backing the proposal.

• Paul Hosford, deputy political editor