Australia has banned top Exports to Russian Federation:
Today Australia has imposed an immediate ban on exports of Aluminum ores to the Russian Federation as part of its ongoing sanctions against Moscow. The Australian government said in a joint statement that “Russia relies on Australia for nearly 20 percent of its alumina needs”. Further added that the move will limit Russian capacity to produce Aluminum.
Australia mining giant:
Most importantly, Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto owns an 80 percent stake in Queensland Alumina Ltd in a joint venture with Russia’s Rusal International PJSC, the world’s second-largest Aluminum producer. Last week, Australia also imposed sanctions on two Russian businessmen related to the mining industry, especially on Oleg Deripaska who holds stakes in QAL.
Australia government:
The Australian government has worked with the Coal Industry to source supplies, Whitehaven Coal has smoothly arranged a shipment and working with the Polish and Ukrainian governments to deliver the supplies as earliest as an available opportunity. As well as the Australian government pledged additional humanitarian aid and military equipment for Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine War:
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was working in close cooperation with international partners to increase sanctions pressure on oligarchs close to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine. Russia says it is carrying out “a special military operation” to stop the Ukrainian government from committing “genocide” – an accusation the West calls a fabrication.
Energy Sector:
Vekselberg is an investor in the Russian energy sector, who has interests in a company working with Origin Energy on a gas project in the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory. It said Vekselberg owned Lamesa Holdings, which was a minority shareholder in Falcon Oil & Gas, the parent company of Origin’s junior partner in the Beetaloo Basin.
Russian president says West aims to damage the Russian economy but insists it could withstand the sanctions. Putin said Russia was ready to discuss neutral status for Ukraine, three weeks into a war that has killed thousands of people and forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes.
