The Norilsk Nickel group continues to implement an integrated system of quality control and environmental management at its main production facilities and bases.  This system meets the requirements of international standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 (with the most recent version of the standard being adopted in November 2004).  As part of this work, MMC Norilsk Nickel’s Management Board has approved the environmental and quality control policies, which were adopted in accordance with the demands laid out by these standards.

In particular, the Environmental Policy underlines the fact that MMC Norilsk Nickel is intent on further reducing of the negative effects of its production activities on the environment.  The main priorities of the Environmental Policy have been identified as the gradual reduction of the emission of atmospheric pollutants, above all the reduction of sulphur dioxide and solid waste, the further reduction of the emission of water borne pollutants into rivers, lakes and sea, and the construction of waste disposal facilities with the aim of reducing the damage done to the environment.  In order to ensure that it meets its obligations with regard to this, MMC Norilsk Nickel’s Environmental Policy follows the principles and demands of international standard ISO 14001:2004.

The company’s Quality Policy stresses that the company’s strategic aim is to provide for the steady development and growth of share value by satisfying the demands of its customers and other interested parties, and by improving the company’s products and efficiency in order to better compete in the marketplace.  The document also points out that the company is looking at a system of quality management that answers the demands of standard ISO 9001:2000, that will provide a means of continually improving production and other processes, as well as improving productivity and reducing costs.

“These policies strengthen MMC Norilsk Nickel’s principles regarding environmental protection and production, and confirm our commitment to international standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004”, says the Deputy Chairman of MMC Norilsk Nickel’s Management Board, Zhak Rozenberg, who is also the management representative in charge of the implementation of international standards regarding quality and environmental protection.

It is anticipated that the process of implementing the quality control and environmental management systems at MMC Norilsk Nickel will be completed in 2006.

Kola MMC has already received certification of its quality control system’s accordance with the demands of international standard ISO 9001:2000 (with the Severonickel combine receiving its certification in 2003, and the Pechenganickel Combine in 2004).  In December 2004 Kola MMC’s environmental management system was certificated in accordance with the demands of international standard ISO 14001:1996 with regard to the extraction of ore, the production of high-grade matte, nickel, copper, cobalt and its aggregates, precious metals concentrates and sulphuric acid.