On 15 August 2019, Igor Manylov, Head of Russia’s State Expert Review Board, and Dmitry Pristanskov, State Secretary — Vice President of Nornickel, signed a cooperation agreement. Under the agreement, the parties will join forces to enhance the efficiency of ongoing investment projects in the construction of mining and metals facilities.

“We are introducing new services and technologies helping to leverage the experience and intellectual potential of our experts at the stage of investment planning. We are evolving into an institute providing engineering and comprehensive solutions for investment projects and serving as a link between the parties involved in the construction process,” Igor Manylov said at the meeting.

In turn, Dmitry Pristanskov spoke about Nornickel’s ambitious investment programme that includes large-scale modernisation of the Company’s existing assets, mentioning also its environmental initiatives and potential growth projects. "We want to make certain that our projects meet all requirements and also receive expert approval. We expect that our joint efforts will help improve the quality of project design and look forward to working effectively with our partners at the State Expert Review Board.

A major focus of the agreement is to expedite the construction of Nornickel’s facilities by submitting design documents and engineering survey results for state expert review. Nornickel will submit in advance a list of planned construction projects and matters requiring expert approval. The State Expert Review Board will then draw up a road map to manage the timeline for sending documents for expert review. The document will also indicate the review location (the Board’s headquarters or branch office), the schedule of expert workshops on proper submission of design and/or survey documents, and other events.

Nornickel and Russia's State Expert Review Board plan joint projects