OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has affirmed Russia-based OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel's ("Norilsk Nickel") Issuer Default and senior unsecured 'BBB-' (BBB minus) ratings and Short-term 'F3' rating. The Outlook on the Issuer Default rating is Stable.

The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch's expectation that Norilsk Nickel will maintain a satisfactory financial and business profile, despite the cyclical nature of the mining industry.

The company's scale, low-cost structure, diversity of sales and production capacity, coupled with its healthy financial profile, help support its ratings.