Nornickel’s Vice President for Ecology and Industrial Safety, Stanislav Seleznev, has announced the upcoming launch of the second industrial line of the Sulfur Program at the Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant in Norilsk by fall 2024. This initiative is part of Nornickel’s comprehensive strategy to significantly reduce sulfur dioxide emissions within its Polar Division.
The first industrial line, operational since October, has proven effective, with its performance validated by Rosprirodnadzor, Russia’s environmental watchdog. Despite challenges posed by Western sanctions, which necessitated equipment substitutions, the program’s initial phase was successfully initiated. The implementation of this program at the Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant is expected to reduce emissions by 45% from 2015 levels.
Nornickel faced additional hurdles in upgrading the Copper Plant due to the withdrawal of cooperation from partners and equipment manufacturers, compelling the company to seek alternative technological solutions. This development underscores the complexity of addressing environmental concerns in the face of geopolitical and logistical challenges.
The company has also updated its environmental strategy to adapt to the economic impacts of the international landscape, dividing it into mandatory and optional blocks. The mandatory block includes over 150 specific measures aimed at minimizing emergencies, emissions, and environmental harm, with an investment of 500 billion rubles ($5.4 billion) projected through 2031.
The Sulfur Program, a cornerstone of Nornickel’s environmental efforts, employs technologies designed to capture at least 99% of sulfur dioxide from smelting units. The captured sulfur dioxide will be converted into sulfuric acid and then neutralized with limestone to produce gypsum, taking into account the unique conditions of the Norilsk Industrial District. 
