Russian metals giant Norilsk Nickel has suggested the government cover 50% of spending on 85-billion ruble renovation of housing in the city of Norilsk, and subsidize construction of ice-class ships and upgrade of port infrastructure.
Sources said that the Industry and Trade Ministry had preliminarily approved the company’s request for state support, the majority of which should cover the housing renovation program in Norilsk, where half of the people worked for the company. The Construction, Housing and Utilities Ministry is ready to consider the company’s renovation program if Norilsk Nickel provides a list of housing to be renovated and the grounds for financing.
The sources also noted that the Far East Development Ministry was ready to include Norilsk’s renovation into a new edition of a state program for social and economic development of the Arctic zone. The Finance Ministry’s position on renovation is unknown.
Norilsk Nickel also wants cheap financing for upgrades of port infrastructure and construction of ice-class ships. The company estimates investment in transport assets at 84 billion rubles until 2030. In order to approve co-financing, the Transport Ministry wants the company to issue a declaration of intent to invest in construction of sea terminals. (Prime/Ukrainian metal)