A roundtable discussion featuring Norilsk Nickel representatives was held at the Russian State Duma. The event called Extreme North Industrial Facilities Modernization: Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development Avenues addressed the results of the Nickel Plant shutdown project completed by Norilsk Nickel in August. Specifically, the roundtable panel discussed the environmental benefits of the project for Norilsk region and evaluated the project effectiveness. The discussion was a continuation of the environmental audit, the first step of which was a technical tour around Norilsk Nickel key production sites.
The discussion was initiated by the Institute for Environment along with the Duma Committee for the Economic Policy, Industry, Innovation-driven Development and Business. The event brought together the Duma members, experts, environmental scientists and Norilsk Nickel representatives.
It was highlighted that Norilsk Nickel had successfully resolved an array of social well-being and environmental challenges. The discussion moderator Vladimir Grachev, Chairman of the Board at Greenlight, an interregional non-governmental organization for the environment, referred to the Nickel plant shutdown as “a heroic deed for the environment”. Roman Pukalov, the Environment Protection Programs Director with Green Patrol, a national non-governmental organization, noted that “breathing got about 1/3 easier” in Norilsk. The hazardous industrial site shutdown, Pukalov said, ensured a much higher environmental safety rating for Krasnoyarsk territory.
Vladimir Gutenev, First Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee for the Economic Policy, Industry, Innovation-driven Development and Business, noted that Norilsk Nickel’s practice should be adopted by other big cities. Norilsk Nickel HSE Department Director Igor Rakhimov said the company was set to pursue further efforts to achieve a better environmental situation across Norilsk Nickel production footprint. In particular, Norilsk Nickel is planning to radically cut the sulfur dioxide emissions in the Polar Division, creating environmental benefits for Krasnoyarsk territory far beyond Norilsk. (Nornickel/Ukrainian metal)