Protection of water bodies

The Company’s major production assets are located in regions with sufficient water resources. However, cognisant of the fact that certain regions of the world suffer from lack of water resources, the Company is extremely careful about its use of fresh water and strictly complies with restrictions applicable to industrial water withdrawal. Nornickel’s key facilities have a closed water circuit in place enabling them to reduce water withdrawal. Furthermore, the Company never withdraws water from protected natural areas. In 2018, 86% of all water used by the Company was recycled and reused. All sources of water used by the Company are subject to government-approved surveillance programmes for water and water protection zones.

Wastewater effluents also do not exceed the approved limits or have any major impact on biodiversity of water bodies and related habitats.