Nornickel and the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FAEA) have signed an agreement on cooperation aimed at providing support to the indigenous peoples of the North who live in areas where the Company operates.

“Supporting the indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and Far East of Russia is one of FAEA’s top priorities, and a lot of this support comes from our collaboration with socially responsible business. As such, we are looking forward to working with Nornickel to preserve our culture and traditions, while also fostering the social and economic development of indigenous minorities”, said Head of FAEA, Igor Barinov at the agreement signing ceremony.

“Given the importance of our work with the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs, we signed the agreement to demonstrate the Company’s approval of public-private partnership in the delicate area of sustainable development for indigenous northern minorities and the places where they live,” commented Vladislav Gasumyanov, State Secretary and Vice President of Government Relations at Nornickel. “I believe that, together, we will find new ways to support the indigenous people of the North”.

The partnership is aimed at improving living standards for indigenous peoples in areas where the Сompany’s production facilities are located. The parties have agreed to work together to address the problems affecting local communities, including educational issues.

Nornickel’s relations with indigenous northern minorities rely on the International Labour Organisation Conventions. Nornickel’s commitments towards indigenous people are set out in the Company’s Indigenous Rights Policy, which lists the rights of indigenous peoples and the importance of preserving their way of life, habitat, culture and heritage.

Nornickel has been running projects which support indigenous people for a long time. In the last eight years alone, the Company has allocated over RUB 500 mln to this end.

As per its agreement with the Taimyrsky Dolgano-Nenetsky Municipal District authorities, Nornickel has funded the building of 2,500 sq m of housing in the Tukhard settlement, where housing stock disrepair has been a serious issue.

The Company plays a major role in the Northern Supply Haul programme: its fleet delivers coal, diesel, and construction materials to remote villages on an annual basis. Indigenous people receive support in the shape of air transport and food supply.

Nornickel’s Polar Division also purchases equipment for schools and hospitals. As part of its efforts to preserve the national traditions and culture of indigenous northern minorities, the Company helps stage annual festivals for tundra inhabitants to celebrate Reindeer Herder’s Day and Fisherman’s Day.

Nornickel teams up with FAEA