OREANDA-NEWS. May 28, 2012. OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (hereinafter – MMC Norilsk Nickel, the Company or the Group) announces the implementation of corporate social programs in 2011. Specific working conditions at the Company’s operations require special care for employees’ health, which is the priority of MMC Norilsk Nickel’s social policy. Over RUB 3.5 bln. is spent annually on the implementation of corporate social programs.

In 2011 all prior corporate programs involving recreation activities for the Company’s employees and their family members were implemented and new programs were initiated. The programs are targeted to prevent occupational diseases, ensure proper rest conditions and, therefore, enhance social security level. Thus, the total scope of financing of health resort treatment and recreation programs for the Company’s employees in 2011 amounted to RUB 1.6 bln.

Development of Taimyr Airlines (NordStar trademark) and establishment of a new corporate air carrier, Nordavia Airlines made it possible to introduce corporate fares for the Company’s employees.

The Company gives special attention to promotion of sports and healthy lifestyle. To this end, public sports events are regularly held among the employees of the Group’s operations. In 2011, over 25 thousand of MMC Norilsk Nickel employees took part in corporate sports events. Sports events and competitions are very popular not only among the Company’s employees but also among the local community of the regions where the Company operates.

A critical motivation component, included in the standard social package of the Company’s employees is an opportunity to participate in corporate pension programs. By the end of 2011, over 25 thousand of the Group’s employees entered into non-governmental pension programs; the Company spent over RUB 730 mln. for this purposes.

Voluntary Health Insurance Program ensures access to a wide range of quality medical services for the Company’s employees. Moreover, Voluntary Health Insurance Program involves employees’ vaccination against seasonal flu, and preventive vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. In 2011, Voluntary Health Insurance Program encompassed around 5 thousand employees of the Group, including 1.7 thousand people insured against tick-borne encephalitis.

In 2011 the Company continued the implementation of large-scale corporate social programs “Nash Dom” (Our Home) and “Moi Dom” (My Home), aimed at recruitment and retention of highly skilled personnel, including employees of highly rare occupations and professions at the Company’s operations located on the territory of the Extreme North. Over 1,000 of ready-to-live apartments were purchased under Nash Dom Program.

Starting from 2012, on an annual basis, the Company will compensate travel expenses to employees of its operations located on the territory of the Extreme North and their family members.

ABOUT MMC NORILSK NICKEL

MMC Norilsk Nickel, a company incorporated under the laws of the Russian Federation, is the largest diversified mining and metals company in Russia, the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium and one of the world's largest producers of platinum, rhodium, copper and cobalt. In addition to this, MMC Norilsk Nickel produces a large number of other by-products, including gold, silver, tellurium, selenium, iridium and ruthenium.

The key production units of the Company’s group in Russia are at the Polar and Kola Peninsulas. MMC Norilsk Nickel international assets include operations in Finland, Australia, Botswana and South Africa.

MMC Norilsk Nickel’s shares are traded at MICEX-RTS. ADR’s on the Company’s shares are traded on the other the counter market in the US and at the London and Berlin stock exchanges.