OREANDA-NEWS. February 15, 2013. OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (hereinafter MMC Noirlks Nickel or the Group) continues to promote rationalization activities in its businesses. The number of rationalization proposals, submitted by the employees almost doubled in 2012 and totalled 437, of which 340 were implemented. Economic effect resulting from such activities exceeded RUB 283 mln, that is 11,9% higher than the corresponding figure for 2011, reported the press-centre of Norilsk Nickel.

Majority of rationalization proposals are submitted by the employees of the Polar Division of MMC Norilsk Nickel. They submitted 288 proposals in 2012 out of which 178 are implemented and already benefit the Group.

This way, implementation of the proposal concerning introduction of changes to the construction of 1100 meters hauling horizon, submitted by Vladimir Trusov - Head of Technical Division of Taimyr mine saved the Group RUB 8,8 mln. Mr. Trusov submitted 3 rationalization proposals in 2012, the economic effect totalled RUB 13,8 mln.

Rationalization proposals submitted by the employees of Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant resulted in considerable improvements being made with respect to working conditions within the plant. The employees of MMC Norilsk Nickel’s subsidiaries actively participated in process improvement activities as well. In terms of the number of rationalization proposals submitted in 2012, the leaders were the same as last year: Norilsk Supplying Complex and Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company.  

In 2012, the employees of Kola MMC together with the specialists of Gipronickel Institute (subsidiary of MMC Norilsk Nickel) patented new cobalt and cobalt compound production technique, which is based on use of metallic reductants. This technique allows the company to avoid purchasing and producing specialized reductants for concentrate dissolution, which results in reduction of expenses associated with evaporation of solutions. This technique will be used at the new cobalt production facility, the commissioning of which is planned for 2014.

Additionally, together with the employees of Gipronickel Institute, the employees of Kola MMC patented a new technique aimed to produce precious metals concentrate from cuprious and copper-nickel feed. It is planned to use this technique for refurbishment of the Group’s nickel refining facilities.

The employees of Gipronickel Institiute also submitted several unique proposals. This way, for the first time in global practice a technique allowing direct one-stage production of blister copper from nickel-containing copper matte was proposed. All of the known methods use two-stage processing approach: smelting and converting. The new technique was patented by employees of Gipronickel Institute. The process is characterized by its low ecological impact, high quality of blister copper and high copper recovery rates.

Continuous improvement of the technologies is one of MMC Norilsk Nickel’s priorities. Vladimir Dyachenko –  Head of Research and Development Division of MMC Norilsk Nickel says: “The number of employees involved in this process and proposing new ideas is growing every year. The fact that the employer values these proposals serves as an additional stimulus for professional development of the employees”.