OREANDA-NEWS. September 25, 2012. MMC Norilsk Nickel (hereinafter, MMC Norilsk Nickel or the Company) announces that design works aimed at increasing disseminated ore output at Zapolyarny Mine have been completed. On September 14, 2012 a complete set of documentation and engineering research results were submitted to the Federal Autonomous Institution State Expert Appraisal Department for examination, reported the press-centre of Norilsk Nickel. 

The project is targeted at the development of disseminated ore reserves of Norilsk-1 deposit located within licensed mining area (mining claim) of Zapolyarny Mine with gradual increase of mine production capacity from 1.2 to 2 mln. t of ore p.a., as well as the construction of power, heat and water supply facilities for the mine. Total project investments are estimated at USD 621 mln. The mine is expected to reach its design production capacity of 2 mln. t in 2019.

The project is implemented as part of the Strategy for the Company’s Production and Technical Development till 2025. Mineral base development is one of the Strategy’s priorities. The document states that by 2025 total ore output of the Polar Division and Kola MMC should be increased considerably. In 2011 ore output of the Company’s operations located in Russia amounted to 24.7 mln. t.