Norilsk Nickel will increase the capacities of Zapolyarny mine

Norilsk Nickel announces that design works aimed at increasing disseminated ore output at Zapolyarny Mine have been completed. On September 14, 2012 a complete set of documentation and engineering research results were submitted to the Federal Autonomous Institution State Expert Appraisal Department for examination.

The project is targeted at the development of disseminated ore reserves of Norilsk-1 deposit located within licensed mining area (mining claim) of Zapolyarny Mine with gradual increase of mine production capacity from 1.2 to 2 mln. t of ore p.a., as well as the construction of power, heat and water supply facilities for the mine. Total project investments are estimated at USD 621 mln. The mine is expected to reach its design production capacity of 2 mln. t in 2019.

The project is implemented as part of the Strategy for the Company’s Production and Technical Development till 2025. Mineral base development is one of the Strategy’s priorities. The document states that by 2025 total ore output of the Polar Division and Kola MMC should be increased considerably. In 2011 ore output of the Company’s operations located in Russia amounted to 24.7 mln. t.

ABOUT MMC NORILSK NICKEL

MMC Norilsk Nickel, a company incorporated under the laws of the Russian Federation, is the largest diversified mining and metals company in Russia, the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium and one of the world's largest producers of platinum, rhodium, copper and cobalt. In addition to this, MMC Norilsk Nickel produces a large number of other by-products, including gold, silver, tellurium, selenium, iridium and ruthenium.

The key production units of the Company’s group in Russia are at the Taymyr and Kola Peninsulas. MMC Norilsk Nickel international assets include operations in Finland, Australia, Botswana and South Africa.

MMC Norilsk Nickel’s shares are traded at MICEX-RTS. ADR’s on the Company’s shares are traded on the other the counter market in the US and at the London and Berlin stock exchanges.