|
In 2002 MMC Norilsk Nickel produced 218 thousand tonnes of nickel. Export sales amounted for 208 thousand tones ( excluding 60 thousand tonnes pledged against a loan from the syndicate of Western banks), a 14 per cent increase compared to 182 thousand tonnes in 2001. Nickel sales on the domestic market were of 11 thousand tonnes in 2002.
MMC Norilsk Nickel produced 454 thousand tonnes of copper in 2002. The geographical breakdown of sales has changed: sales on the domestic market in 2002 increased by 60 per cent to 83 thousand tones while the export sales were reduced by 16 per cent to 354 thousand tonnes.
In 2002 MMC Norilsk Nickel produced 4.2 thousand tonnes of cobalt. Of this, 4.1 thousand tonnes were exported, and 9 tonnes were sold on the domestic market.
The company's distribution strategy regarding the precious metals market has changed significantly:
· Palladium consumer base has expanded;
· The company has entered into an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Stillwater Mining Company, the largest producer of platinum and palladium in the US;
· The company has also become the Russia’s largest gold producer with a market share exceeding 15 per cent following the acquisition of the Russia's largest gold mining company, "Polyus".
The distribution strategy of MMC Norilsk Nickel in 2003 will be focused on raising competitiveness level of its metals, cutting costs and expenses, and increasing the sales under long-term contracts. | 
.jpg){kind=small}
