Norilsk Nickel launches mine in Australia

MMC Norilsk Nickel reports that in accordance with production plan for the Group’s international production assets development in Australia, the Maggie Hays mine was launched at Lake Johnston operations.

The monthly production capacity of the mine is 100 kt of ore at 1.3% average grade of nickel.

The works are being carried out in accordance with the schedule set. The volume of nickel production is expected to achieve 3.6 kt by the end of 2011, with consequent increase up to 9 kt. At the same time, geological exploration (18 thousand running meters) is to be carried out within existing deposit in the second half of the year.

According to Mr. Panov, Director for International Production Assets of MMC Norilsk Nickel, ‘the preparation works carried out and optimization of the mine output provided for an efficient nickel concentrate production’.

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 Polar 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 and 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.