Norilsk Nickel disputes size of environ damage from fuel spill

MOSCOW, Jul 8 (PRIME) -- Russian metals giant Norilsk Nickel is contesting the amount of damage from a diesel fuel spill near the city of Norilsk calculated by an environmental watchdog, but confirms its commitment to eliminate the consequences, the company said on Wednesday.

On Monday, the Federal Service for Natural Resources Oversight assessed the damage inflicted on the environment by the spill at 147.7 billion rubles.

“Norilsk Nickel, the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel, as well as a large producer of platinum and copper, reports that it is disputing the amount of environmental damage caused by the spill of diesel fuel calculated by the Federal Service for Natural Resources Oversight. At the same time, the company confirms the obligation to eliminate the consequences of the accident at its own expense. The company sent a letter to the Federal Service for Natural Resources Oversight today,” the statement said.

A fuel tank at Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company, part of Norilsk Nickel group, lost pressure on May 29 and leaked out 21,000 tonnes of fuel and lubricants into the river Ambarnaya, causing a fire.

(72.1719 rubles – U.S. $1)

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