NLMK is currently revamping the central dust collection systems at sintering machines Nos.3&4 at its Sinter Plant in Lipetsk.  The introduction of a new type of electrostatic precipitator by Alstom Power will reduce residual dust content in exhaust air almost fourfold. Total dust emissions from the Sinter Plant will decrease almost 20%. 
To date, investment into these improvements has already exceeded RUR560 million, whilst total investment is expected to come to approximately RUR1.2 billion.  NLMK plans to complete the works at Sintering Machine No.4 by the end of the year, whilst work at Sintering Machine No.3 will be completed by mid 2012.
In recent years NLMK has been making consistent efforts to reduce its environmental impact, especially dust emissions.  Since the launch of its Technical Upgrade Program in 2000 the Company has implemented around 250 projects at its Lipetsk site worth a total of RUR12.3 billion aimed at protecting the atmosphere against industrial emissions.  As a result, emissions at the site have been reduced by 22%. The total amount of funding allocated to environmental projects at the Lipetsk site exceeded RUR17 billion since 2000. Alongside the projects at the Sinter Plant, NLMK is currently revamping the gas cleaning systems at its steelmaking facilities which will allow reducing graphite emissions.  
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In 2011 Novolipetsk was ranked among Russia’s Top 100 – Ecology and Environmental Management for its environmental efforts in 2010. This year the Company also won the Russia’s Best Enterprises: Progress, Efficiency, Responsibility award for Most Environmentally Responsible Business. The contest was held by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. Novolipetsk was ranked among Russia’s Top 100 – Ecology and Environmental Management for the first time in 2007.