MMC Norilsk Nickel has entered into a long-term agreement with the company Bureau Veritas Rus - the official representative of the international company Bureau Veritas in Russia. Bureau Veritas Rus will consult MMC Norilsk Nickel on development and implementation of an integrated system of quality control and ecological management at its facilities in accordance with international ISO 9001:2000 and 14001:96 standards. The scope of work is the management of subsidiary and affiliated companies in the area of metals production and commodity metals production technology.

The training of the personnel, the implementation of the diagnostic audit, the development of the integrated system, the due diligence for certification in accordance with international quality control and ecology management standards are to be fully implemented by 2006.

In accordance with the production plan until 2015, which was approved by MMC Norilsk Nickel's Board of Directors in March 2003, the Company plans to significantly reduce the industrial influence on the environment by modernisation of enrichment and smelting facilities, and closing of facilities, which are harmful to the environment. As a result, emissions of sulphur dioxide (the main waste product generated by production) at MMC Norilsk Nickel's Polar Division will be reduced by 70 per cent by 2010 (as compared with the current levels). The reduction achieved at Kola Division (the Pechenganickel combine) by 2008 should be greater than 90 per cent. At the same time, MMC Norilsk Nickel spends US$ 200 mln annually on the technological renovation of its facilities that has positive environmental effect.

For more details please contact Elena Kovaleva, Deputy Head of PR Department:

Tel: (+7 095) 785 58 00

Fax: (+7 095) 786 8394

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