Australia bans aluminum raw materials export to Russia
Australia has announced a ban on the export of aluminum raw materials to Russia. This concerns an export ban on, among other things, aluminum oxide and aluminum ore.
“Russia relies on Australia for nearly 20 percent of its alumina needs,” the Australian government said in a joint statement from several ministries. According to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, this limits Russia’s capacity to produce aluminum, which is an important export product for Russia. In addition, aluminum according to Morrison “a critical component for weapons, including rifles, ammunition and missiles.”
Donation coal
At the request of Ukraine, Australia is also donating 70,000 tons of coal to keep the electricity grid and generators running. According to Prime Minister Morrison, this could supply electricity to one million households.
The Australian government also announced more humanitarian and military aid, such as an extra package of more than €14 million for defence. Australia’s total military aid to Ukraine is about 61 million euros. At least 43 million euros will also be earmarked for humanitarian emergency aid.