Meeting with Norilsk Nickel CEO Vladimir Potanin

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Potanin, how is it going? How is the company doing?

Norilsk Nickel CEO Vladimir Potanin: Mr President, this year, Norilsk Nickel turns 90. First of all, I would like to express our gratitude, on behalf of the entire team, for the award the company has received - the Order for Labour Valour.

This recognition is especially meaningful given the challenging conditions in which we are operating: declining global prices for our products, disrupted supply chains and payment systems, and the need to redirect to new, unfamiliar markets.

Despite this, Norilsk Nickel has maintained its leading global position in nickel, platinum group metals, and a number of other commodities. We have also ensured stable production volumes of all our key metals over the past five years.

Furthermore, even against the backdrop of declining company revenues over the past five years, we have sustained our social impact. This includes upholding our environmental stewardship commitments and implementing consistent wage increases for our employees.

Among our social obligations, housing construction remains the most pressing issue for Norilsk. I am pleased to report that over 2,000 Norilsk families have recently moved into improved housing.

In the field of environmental protection, a key recent achievement is our compliance with your Executive Order to reduce harmful atmospheric emissions by more than 20 percent under the Clean Air programme, which we met last year. This year, we have raised our ambitions and, by year-end, will double our sulphur dioxide recycling capacity. It is safe to say that Norilsk is on track to become a truly clean city in the near future.

Vladimir Putin: You produce not only nickel but also platinum group metals, is that correct?

Vladimir Potanin: That is correct. In addition to platinum group metals, we also produce gold and many rare metals. Our production fully meets our country's domestic needs, and we successfully sell any surplus on the international market.

To be continued.