The government of Australia imposed an immediate ban on exports of alumina and aluminum ores, including boxites, to Russia, report Reuters, citing the statement of the Australian government.
"Russia depends on Australia for almost 20% of its alumina needs," says the statement. "This step will limit Russian capacity to produce aluminum, a critical export for the country."
Last week Australia imposed sanctions on two Russian businesspeople linked to the mining industry. One of them is the billionaire Oleg Deripaska, co-owner of the company Rusal, one of the biggest aluminum producers. He also owns shares in an Australian company that mines alumina.
The Australian government also announced that it would transfer to Ukraine at least 70 thousand tonnes of thermal coal to meet its energy needs and additional military equipment and humanitarian aid.
As of March 20, Australia imposed sanctions on 443 individuals and 33 companies, including the majority of the Russian banking sector and all entities responsible for the country's sovereign debt.