[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Irish Court Overturns Aughinish Alumina Red Mud Storage Expansion Approval

Published: Jun 23, 2026 17:59

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The Irish High Court has overturned planning approval for Aughinish Alumina’s proposed expansion of its Bauxite Residue Disposal Area (BRDA), sending the project back to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) for further review. The expansion would have increased red mud storage capacity by 8 million cubic metres, supporting refinery operations until 2039. The court ruled that additional assessment is required regarding flood risks and potential alkaline seepage, although it did not conclude that the project poses unacceptable environmental risks. Local farming groups also raised concerns about embankment stability, biodiversity and agricultural impacts. This marks the second time the project’s approval has been quashed, following the withdrawal of a previous 2024 decision linked to an AI-generated planning report. The ruling comes amid heightened scrutiny of Aughinish Alumina over its alumina exports to Russia and ongoing discussions around potential EU sanctions.

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