MMC Norilsk Nickel announced that it has applied for participation in the bid for the Udokan copper field in Zabaikalsky Territory. In accordance with initial bidding terms, Norilsk Nickel filed its formal application before the deadline fixed on May 14th 2008.

It received a set of necessary geological data and proceeded to the development of technical and economic proposals related to the intended use of mineral reserves in the licensed area.

According to Mr Denis Morozov general director of MMC Norilsk Nickel by participating in the contest for one of the largest copper fields of the world the Company demonstrates its commitment to expanding the raw material base and contributing to the long-term growth of domestic copper production.

Mr Denis Morozov said that “The scale of the Udokan project is commensurate with the corporate scope of MMC Norilsk Nickel. We leave open the possibility of inviting co-investors and partners to the joint deposit development if the Company wins in this contest.”

Udokan copper deposit is the largest in Russia and one of the largest in the world. Complex local ores consist of three ore types: sulphide, mixed and oxide.