According to its updated development strategy for metallurgical industry of Russia till 2020, Ministry of Industry & Trade of Russian Federation forecasts nickel output in Russia to be from 225,000 to 240,000 tonnes in 2010.

In 2011, nickel output is expected at the level of 240,000 to 250,000 tonnes depending on the way of development: power and raw material way, inertial, innovative. For 2015, nickel output is forecasted at 280,000 to 290,000 tonnes and for 2020 from 291,000 to 305,000 tonnes.

By estimates of Minpromtorg, nickel output in 2009 will make 215,000 to 230,000 tonnes. The main producer of nickel in Russia is Norilsk Nickel. Norilsk Nickel forecasts nickel mining of 232,000 tonnes at Russian enterprises in 2009.

Nickel export from Russia will also increase. In 2009, Minpromtorg forecasts nickel export at 190,000 to 205,000 tonnes (in 2008 export was 245,000 tonnes), for 2010 it is expected at 215,000 to 225,000 tonnes, in 2015, 256,00 to 260,000 tonnes and in 2020, 259,000 to 263,000 tonnes.

Nickel consumption in domestic market increases in comparison to 2008. In 2008 domestic consumption was 17,500 tonnes and in 2009 it is expected at the level of 25,500 tonnes. In accordance with the strategy, it is to stay 20,500 to 25,500 tonnes in 2010, while in 2015 it is to be 24,000 to 30,000 tonnes, in 2020 32,500 to 42,000 tonnes.

(Sourced from FinMarket)