Moscow, 6 August 2025 — Nornickel announces the launch of a comprehensive maintenance and repair programme for the key industrial assets of its Polar Division. The measures are aimed at enhancing the operational reliability of equipment, ensuring the technological stability of production, and creating safe working conditions.

Alexander Popov, Senior Vice President — Chief Operating Officer and Head of the Polar Division, emphasized the importance of the work:

“The maintenance of key equipment is not just a technical necessity but a strategic task that directly impacts production stability, personnel safety, and the achievement of our production targets. We are leveraging modern technologies and global best practices to minimise downtime and enhance the reliability of our assets. Conducting these shutdowns during the summer also allows us to improve environmental safety and reduce the atmospheric impact on the city.”

The summer plan includes shutdowns and major overhauls of key units at the Talnakh Concentrator Plant (TOF) and the Nadezhda Smelter (NMZ).

At TOF, a semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill will undergo repairs. During the works, 211 liner plates—the internal protective lining that shields the mill shell from wear during intensive ore grinding—will be replaced. The replacement of the left gear of the reducer, which transmits power from the electric motor to the mill drum, is also scheduled.

To enhance efficiency and safety, modern manipulators and specialised equipment are being used for the dismantling and installation of heavy structures to shorten work timelines and minimise risks to personnel.

Concurrently with the mill shutdown, scheduled maintenance will include the replacement of a drum screen and routine repairs on several conveyor belts involved in ore transportation. In total, six conveyors will be repaired, which will help synchronise downtime schedules and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the entire processing complex for the next six months.

At NMZ, around 350 specialists will carry out repairs on flash smelting furnaces No. 1 and 2. Worn-out caisson elements of the uptake lining, burners, hearth blocks, the refractory arch, tapholes, and launders will be replaced. Repairs to the gas ducts are also planned to prevent process gas leaks and enhance the plant's environmental safety.

In September 2025, a large-scale replacement of the main ventilation unit at the VS-9 shaft of the Skalisty Mine is set to begin. The new unit, acquired as part of the Company's investment programme, will ensure a stable supply of fresh air to deep levels and improve the microclimate at workplaces. Installation work will last for four months, with detailed planning and preparation currently underway.

From October 2025, a hoisting machine at the SS-1 north shaft of the Oktyabrsky Mine is scheduled for replacement. This is the third machine of its type to be replaced under the programme to enhance the reliability of the hoisting complex. The equipment is domestically produced and complies with modern international standards for the mining industry. Commissioning the new machine will ensure the stable and safe hoisting of ore from depth.

The 2025 maintenance programme is part of Nornickel's systematic efforts to modernise its production infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and reduce technological risks. All activities are being carried out in compliance with high standards of industrial, environmental, and operational safety.

Nornickel launches major summer maintenance programme for key equipment