Moscow, 18 July 2025 — Nornickel announces that several of its employees have been awarded Russia’s highest state honours. The corresponding Presidential Executive Order was signed by Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on 17 July 2025.

The honorary title of Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation has been awarded to Alexander Khokhlachev for his outstanding achievements in the metallurgical industry, high level of professionalism, and many years of dedicated work. Mr. Khokhlachev is a Hydrometallurgy Operator at the elemental sulphur production unit of the B. I. Kolesnikov Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant, part of Nornickel's Polar Division. He has dedicated over 45 years to the industry, implementing advanced technologies and improving the efficiency and environmental performance of production processes.

The Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation is the highest state award for special merits in labour to the state and its people, associated with outstanding results in public, social, and economic activities aimed at ensuring the well-being and prosperity of Russia. It is the modern equivalent of the Soviet-era Hero of Socialist Labour title, revived upon the President’s initiative in 2013. This award to Alexander Khokhlachev is a recognition not only of his personal achievements but also an honour for the entire Nornickel team.

Additionally, the Order 'For Merit to the Fatherland', IV Class, has been awarded to two other employees for their success in the metallurgical industry and many years of dedicated work:

Anatoly Deyneka, a Blast Hole Driller at the underground drilling section of the Komsomolsky Mine, part of the Company's Polar Division.
Nikolay Kostov, a Carpenter at the Norilsknickelremont repair and construction trust.

The Order 'For Merit to the Fatherland' is one of Russia’s highest state decorations, presented to citizens for outstanding services to the state related to the development of Russian statehood, labour achievements, strengthening peace, friendship, and cooperation between nations, and for a significant contribution to the defence of the Fatherland.

In the year of its 90th anniversary, the entire Nornickel team was also honoured with a high state award — the Order 'For Valiant Labour'. This award acknowledges the high level of professionalism, dedication, and significant contribution of the company to the development of the country's metallurgical industry. This honour underscores Nornickel's importance as a key enterprise ensuring the sustainable development of the Russian economy.

Nornickel employees receive Russia’s highest state honours