MMC Norilsk Nickel has signed an understanding memorandum with Techint Group for a drastic decrease of sulphur dioxide discharges into the atmosphere. The program envisages a gradual decrease of pollutant discharges into atmosphere from metal producing plants located in Norilsk. Newly created production capacities will guarantee utilisation of 95% or more sulphur dioxide from exhaust metal production gases from the Copper plant and Nadezhda plant, producing annually up to 950,000 t of sulphur which decreases atmosphere pollution considerably.

The understanding memorandum suggests a joint effort, exchange of necessary information, experience and technologies to guarantee the contracts execution as well as the development of further long-term mutually beneficial cooperation basis.

According to Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, General Director – Chairman of the Management Board of OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, “the company is interested in modernisation and improvement of production at our plants and in environmental protection accompanied by the introduction of European ecological standards and requirements, hence we hope that the selected company is up to the required professional level to achieve the goals”.

In his turn, Gianfelice Rocca, Chairman of Techint Group, said: “this agreement in the contracting sector strengthens the global presence of Techint Group which operates also through Tenaris and Tenova in the Russian market. We have invested and worked for 20 years in Russia, a country we consider strategic for our operations. We are delighted to have been chosen for such an important project which will bring significant benefits not only at industrial level but also for the region’s environment and social conditions.”