Nornickel starts sulphur dioxide capture in Russia's most polluted city

MOSCOW (Reuters): Russian mining giant Nornickel launched a multi-billion dollar project on Wednesday aimed at reducing sulphur dioxide emissions by 45% in Norilsk, Russia's most polluted city, through a complex capture programme.

Nornickel, the world's largest palladium producer and a major producer of high-grade nickel, has changed the timing, cost and configuration of the programme several times. Before Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, the company had estimated costs at $4.1-$4.3 billion.

That price tag may change as Nornickel, though not directly targeted with Western sanctions, was forced to find new solutions for the final stage of the project's development as foreign suppliers pulled out over Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

"Challenges arose when certain international vendors declined to provide vital equipment to Russia," Nornickel said in a statement. After pivoting to new manufacturers and suppliers, over 90% of equipment now originates from Russia or allied countries, it said.