Nornickel’s President Vladimir Potanin and Alexander Osipov, Governor of the Trans-Baikal Krai, have signed two cooperation agreements. One of the documents sets out a partnership strategy, while the second agreement provides for specific initiatives — regional support for Nornickel’s investment projects, and its increased contribution to the local social development.

The parties agreed to jointly implement priority programmes and projects focusing on education, science, healthcare, fitness, sports, culture, arts, social support and the environment. In these areas, Nornickel’s funding for the next six years will go up from RUB 1.85 bn up to RUB 2.4 bn. One of the major steps is allocating RUB 35 mln a year to support children’s and youth hockey in 2021–2023.

During the working meeting, Alexander Osipov thanked Vladimir Potanin for helping the region in tackling COVID-19 and awarded him a Certificate of Honour from the Governor of the Trans-Baikal Krai.

In 2020, the Company provided RUB 376.7 mln to fight the disease in the region and, at the request of its authorities, supplied two ambulances, two mobile laboratories, ventilators and testing reagents. Considering the difficult epidemiological conditions in the Trans-Baikal Krai, Nornickel decided to allocate an additional RUB 50 mln to combat COVID-19.

“Major investment projects pave the way for economic development and help create well-paid jobs and modern workplaces in the region. They also help implement an effective social policy by contributing significantly to our budget and enabling the local government to address key social issues, fulfil its obligations, and create a favourable environment in our communities. We would welcome as many of such projects as possible. Having joined forces with Nornickel, we are running a number of very promising initiatives that promote culture, sports and education in the region. And I really like Nornickel’s socially responsible and people-oriented approach,” said Alexander Osipov.

“Working and thriving together with a region where we have assets is important. We are grateful to the government of the Trans-Baikal Krai for supporting our advanced greenfield project and for Alexander Osipov’s willingness to continue facilitating our investment activities. Nornickel looks to strengthen our partnership further and play an active role in the local social development. This should assure people that our involvement with the region is not a one-off event, but is long-term and based on a solid and comprehensive footing,” said Vladimir Potanin at the signing ceremony.

For reference

Nornickel’s key asset in the Trans-Baikal Krai is Bystrinsky GOK (operated by GRK Bystrinskoye). It is the largest greenfield project in the Russian metals industry. Located in a hard-to-reach area of the Trans-Baikal Krai, Bystrinsky GOK took a mere 3.5 years to complete, launching in late 2017 and helping the local economy attract about RUB 100 bn in investment.

Nornickel’s tax contributions to the regional budget are expected at RUB 6.7 bn in 2018–2020. In 2019, the Company accounted for 6.6% of the region’s budget, and in 2020, its share is forecasted to stand at 4.2%.

In 2020, Nornickel applied for a subsoil licence to explore flanks of the Bystrinskoye Deposit. The licence is expected to be issued by the year’s end.

Nornickel expands partnership with Trans-Baikal Krai