OREANDA-NEWS. Palladium sales raised by 37% - from USD 407 million in 1H2005 to USD 559 million in 1H2006.

According to the press service of Norilsk Nickel, revenue increased mainly due to higher palladium selling price (by 71%), while the actual volume of metal sold by the Company decreased by 21,000 troy ounces.

The value of palladium sold by Stillwater Mining Company in 1H2006 was 29% less compared to the corresponding period of 2005, and amounted to 332,000 troy ounces. This can be explained by the fact that in 1Q2006 Stillwater Mining Company sold the last quantity of the metal received from MMC Norilsk Nickel in 2003 as part payment for the acquired shares of Stillwater Mining Company.