Norilsk Nickel kept output of nickel and reduced – copper in 3rd quarter

Overall nickel production in the third quarter of 2010 amounted to 75 thousand metric tonnes, generally being in line with production results in the second quarter of 2010. For 9 months of 2010, overall nickel production totaled 220 thousand metric tonnes, representing a 6% growth as compared to the same period of 2009. The growth in overall production volumes was largely driven by the strong performance of the Russian divisions and substantially higher loading rate of the nickel refinery - Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta.

Overall copper production in the third quarter of 2010 totaled 96 thousand metric tonnes as compared to 102 thousand metric tonnes in the second quarter of 2010. The decline in overall copper output in the third quarter of 2010 is attributable to the anticipated reduction of copper production at the Russian divisions and increased intra group shipments of copper in concentrate to the Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta refinery. For 9 months of 2010, the overall copper output totaled 295 thousand metric tonnes, being mostly in line with the results of the same period of 2009.