TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Australia bans alumina, bauxite exports to Russia
The export ban aims to impact aluminium production in Russia, which relies on Australia for 20 percent of its alumina.
Change Size
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during the launch of the 2020 DefenceStrategic Update, in the wake of cyber attacks targeting Australia, at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, Australia, July 1, 2020. (AAP Image/REUTERS /Lukas Coch )
A
ustralia expanded its sanctions against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine Sunday, immediately banning all exports of alumina and bauxite while pledging more weapons and humanitarian assistance.
The export ban aims to impact aluminium production in Russia, which relies on Australia for 20 percent of its alumina.
It comes just days after Canberra sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who owns a stake in Queensland Alumina Limited -- a joint venture between Russian aluminium company Rusal and mining giant Rio Tinto, which has vowed to sever all business ties with Russia.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government was working with partners to "put the maximum cost, the maximum pressure on the Putin regime to withdraw from Ukraine".
Morrison said Australia had levelled 476 sanctions against Russian individuals and institutions since the invasion began.
He also announced Australia would donate 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to Ukraine, following a request from the besieged nation.
"We understand that it can power up to one million homes," he said.
In addition, Australia will up its humanitarian assistance with an additional Aus$30 million (US$22.3 million), and will donate a further $21 million in defensive military assistance to Ukraine, including ammunition and body armour.
In recent weeks, the government has approved nearly 5,000 visas from Ukrainians displaced by the conflict, Morrison said.
He announced that Ukrainian refugees would be eligible for a new three-year humanitarian visa, allowing them to work, study and access the country's health system.
