Australia bans alumina exports to Russia, sources coal for Ukraine

FILE PHOTO: Ships wait to be loaded at the Rio Tinto alumina refinery in Gove, also known as Nhulunbuy, located 650 km (404 miles) east of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory July 16, 2013. Picture taken July 16, 2013. REUTERS/David Gray

(Reuters) - Australia has imposed an immediate ban on exports of alumina and aluminum ores, including bauxite, to Russia, the government said on Sunday as part of its ongoing sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

"Russia relies on Australia for nearly 20 percent of its alumina needs," the Australian government said in a joint statement from several ministries, including the prime minister's office. It added that the move will limit Russia's capacity to produce aluminium, which is a critical export for Russia.