Moscow, May 12, 2012 - OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (hereinafter - MMC Norilsk Nickel or the Company) announces that today the work of joint expedition of Big Arctic Reserve and Polar Division of MMC Norilsk Nickel aimed at polar bear migration study was initiated. Expedition consists of representatives of the Big Arctic Reserve and the Institute of Environmental and Evolutionary Issues, named after A. Severtsov (RAS).

The expedition's objective is the development of scientific grounds for the study and preservation of Kara-Barents Sea population of polar bears in the Russian Arctic. Up to date it has been to a certain extent a "white spot" in science, since Russian scientists have not yet studied this population.

Expedition will operate on the territory of Pyasina cluster of the Big Arctic Reserve. Scientists are to find the habitat of polar bears, take their blood and hair for examination and mark them with collars and special chips.


ABOUT MMC NORILSK NICKEL

MMC Norilsk Nickel, a company incorporated under the laws of the Russian Federation, is the largest diversified mining and metals company in Russia, the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium and one of the world's largest producers of platinum, rhodium, copper and cobalt. In addition to this, MMC Norilsk Nickel produces a large number of other by-products, including gold, silver, tellurium, selenium, iridium and ruthenium.

The key production units of the Company's group in Russia are at the Polar and Kola Peninsulas. MMC Norilsk Nickel international assets include operations in Finland, Australia, Botswana and South Africa.

MMC Norilsk Nickel's shares are traded at MICEX-RTS. ADR's on the Company's shares are traded on the other the counter market in the US and at the London and Berlin stock exchanges.

12.05.2012



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