Norilsk increase profit and pollution

Norilsk Nickel, the Russian group that is the world’s largest producer of palladium and nickel, has reported a steep rise in half-year profit, which can be attributed in part to higher prices on metals.

According to Russian Accounting Standards, the group’s profit climbed 31-fold, to RUR77.747 billion (USD3.06billion), in the six months to the end of June 2007.

However, the company is currently in conflict with the Norwegian government; measurements taken this summer show that emissions from its nickel plant located close to the border with Norway, have reached historic levels.

Both Norwegians living close to the plant and environmental organisations are demanding that Norilsk Nickel take measures to improve the situation at the Kolskaya GMK plant on the Kola Peninsula.

The Norwegian press has reported that Russian and Norwegian authorities have agreed to meet and determine how to jointly make air quality measurements in the area.

Environmental groups have accused Norilsk of allowing its operations on the Kola Peninsula to emit large quantities of sulfur dioxide, which are responsible for acid precipitation throughout the region.