OREANDA-NEWS. OJSC Mining and Metallurgical Company Norilsk Nickel ("Norilsk Nickel", "the Company") announced the completion of the purchase of OM Group's nickel business (the "Nickel Business").

As a result of the purchase, Norilsk Nickel has acquired the following assets:

• Harjavalta nickel refining operations in Harjavalta, Finland
• Cawse nickel mining and processing operations in Western Australia
• A 20% stake in MPI Nickel Pty. Ltd. ("MPI"), which operates the Black Swan and Silver Swan nickel mines in Western Australia, and is developing the Honeymoon Well project
• An 11.1% holding through common shares and convertible debt in Talvivaaran Kaivososakeyhtio, a biological heap-leaching project in the Kainuu Region in Finland.

With this acquisition, Norilsk Nickel will further extend its operations internationally to Australia and Finland, and will strengthen its position in the global mining and metals industry.

The company will increase refined nickel production capacity by up to 60,000 metric tons per annum, equivalent to an additional 35,000-40,000 tons per annum of refined nickel products excluding nickel produced under current tolling arrangements. The Company is excited about gaining access to best in class operational skills and laterite HPAL leaching technology, as well as extending its product line to include nickel salts and briquettes.

Deputy General Director Tav Morgan said, "This transaction represents a significant step in Norilsk Nickel's plans to further expand its position in the nickel industry, and we expect it to lead to further growth opportunities. Going forward, we plan to undertake further business development activity as we seek out opportunities with potential partners aimed at implementing and enhancing our production strategy."

Norilsk Nickel has made preparations for a seamless transition at the acquired operations, including the retention of a strong team of Nickel Business management personnel in Finland and Australia. Antti Aaltonen will take on the role of Managing Director of Norilsk Nickel Finland Oy, which will manage the Harjavalta and Cawse operations. He will be supported by Heikki Saari as Operations Director for the Harjavalta refinery, and by Tim Dobson as Operations Director for the Cawse mining and metallurgical processing facility.

OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel is Russia's largest mining and metallurgical company and the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium, as well as a major producer of platinum and copper. OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel is listed on the MICEX and RTS Russian stock exchanges (GMKN_RU), and the company's ADRs are traded over the counter in New York (NILSY_US), London (MNOD_LI) and Berlin (NNIA_GR).