Norilsk Nickel Mine Explosion Kills Four and Eyes on Impact on Relocation Plan

SHANGHAI, Jul. 18 (SMM) - Four miners were killed in an explosion at the Zapolyarny Mine, part of the Polar Division of Norilsk Nickel, foreign media reported. 

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The company said the accident is not expected to influence ore shipments due to its low percentage of company’s total output. 
In 2016, nickel production at the Zapolyarny Mine accounted for 0.7 per cent of its total, and 2 per cent of its copper output, so no a major impact is expected on Norilsk's output and profit, even if the mine closes. 

Norilsk’s Polar Division has 145,000 tonnes of smelting capacities, including 7 mines, 2 beneficiation plants, and 4 smelters, and it contributed 50,900 tonnes (Ni content) to output in 2016. 

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The accident may affect its relocation plan for its old plant in 2017. Norilsk originally planned to complete the relocation in 2018. The company adjusts its 2017 output target to 208,500 tonnes (Ni content) for the relocation plan, down by about 27,000 tonnes on a yearly basis.  

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