Norilsk Nickel and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have signed a joint declaration to support environmentally-sound technologies in the metals industry, the Russia-based miner said.

Li Yong (left), the Director General of UNIDO, and Dmitry Pristanskov (right), State Secretary — Vice President of Norilsk, were present at the signing.

UNIDO is a specialised agency of the UN system with the mission to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing and transition countries as well as to advance international industrial cooperation. The organisation’s activities are structured based on the following priorities: creating shared prosperity, advancing economic competitiveness and safeguarding the environment.

Norilsk, meanwhile, is the world’s largest producer of palladium (by production) and one of the largest producers of nickel, platinum and copper.

“It is a significant step forward in our partnership with UNIDO,” Pristanskov said of the joint declaration. “We are looking into opportunities to work together on a broad range of projects aimed at the reduction of environmental impact of the metals and mining industry and ensuring sustainable development in the regions of our operations and beyond.”

Li Yong said UNIDO sees “great potential” in engaging with the private sector to maximise the capacities of partners to “foster technology transfer and ensure an environmentally-friendly industrial development”.

He added: “We are confident that the joint declaration will bring positive outcomes in promoting best available techniques and best environmental practices to tackle important industrial development issues.”