OREANDA-NEWS. July 20, 2011. OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (hereinafter referred to as MMC Norilsk Nickel or the Group) 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, reported the press-centre of Norilsk Nickel.

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’.