OREANDA-NEWS. June 24, 2008. OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (hereinafter - Norilsk Nickel or the Company), the world’s largest nickel and palladium producer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ralph Havenstein as Chief Executive of Norilsk Nickel International based in Johannesburg, South Africa, effective 1st September 2008.

As head of Norilsk Nickel International, Ralph will have overall responsibility for the group’s operations and development projects in Finland, South Africa, Botswana and Australia.

Ralph has extensive executive experience in the oil, chemical and mining industries. He started his career with Sasol, the well known South African producer of synthetic fuels from coal and natural gas. Upon leaving Sasol in 2003 as executive director in charge of the chemicals businesses, he joined Anglo Platinum Ltd, as Chief Executive Officer until his departure in August 2007. During this time Mr. Havenstein also served as Vice President of the South African Chamber of Mines.

Denis Morozov, Norilsk Nickel’s CEO, stated: “I am delighted that Ralph has decided to join Norilsk Nickel. We look forward to the extensive experience he brings in leading the growth of large mining companies to our Group. This is another step in Norilsk Nickel’s efforts to build its leading executive team and create further opportunities for expanding internationally.”

Ralph Havenstein commented: “I look forward to being part of the Norilsk team in this exciting growth phase of its history.  The international operations are already a sizeable nickel business in their own right and I believe there is further potential to unlock additional value through strategic growth and development opportunities.”