OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickelhas announced that in accordance with production plan for the Group’s international production assets development in Australia, the Maggie Hays mine was launched at Lake Johnston operations.

The monthly production capacity of the mine is 100,000 tonnes of ore at 1.3% average grade of nickel.

The works are being carried out in accordance with the schedule set. The volume of nickel production is expected to achieve 3,600 tonnes by the end of 2011, with consequent increase up to 9,000 tonnes. At the same time, geological exploration (18,000 running meters) is to be carried out within existing deposit in the second half of the year.

According to Mr Panov director for International Production Assets of MMC Norilsk Nickel, the preparation works carried out and optimization of the mine output provided for an efficient nickel concentrate production.