TEST
Caring for the environment and moving towards a sustainable future
Take a 5-minute break and take the test. You’ll learn a lot of interesting facts, for example, how many polar bears live on Wrangel Island.
Nornickel is committed to reducing the adverse impacts of industrial pollution on water, air, soil and animal diversity in the regions where it has operations. Responsible environmental management is integral to the company’s ESG efforts, enabling successful delivery of the sustainable development strategy.
| Start test |
Which ESG letter stands for responsible environmental management?
E stands for ‘environment’, i.e. caring for the nature and environment.
The term ESG was introduced in 2004 by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations. He addressed his message in the Who Cares Wins report to the executives of major global companies. 20 years later, both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses adhere to the ESG principles.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Resolution entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. It lays out 17 global goals, and each business can contribute towards their achievement at their own level. Nornickel is one of Russia’s ESG champions. The Company’s initiatives are recognized by various ESG awards.
The term ESG was introduced in 2004 by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations. He addressed his message in the Who Cares Wins report to the executives of major global companies. 20 years later, both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses adhere to the ESG principles.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Resolution entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. It lays out 17 global goals, and each business can contribute towards their achievement at their own level. Nornickel is one of Russia’s ESG champions. The Company’s initiatives are recognized by various ESG awards.
E stands for ‘environment’, i.e. caring for the nature and environment.
The term ESG was introduced in 2004 by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations. He addressed his message in the Who Cares Wins report to the executives of major global companies. 20 years later, both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses adhere to the ESG principles.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Resolution entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. It lays out 17 global goals, and each business can contribute towards their achievement at their own level. Nornickel is one of Russia’s ESG champions. The Company’s initiatives are recognized by various ESG awards.
The term ESG was introduced in 2004 by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations. He addressed his message in the Who Cares Wins report to the executives of major global companies. 20 years later, both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses adhere to the ESG principles.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Resolution entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. It lays out 17 global goals, and each business can contribute towards their achievement at their own level. Nornickel is one of Russia’s ESG champions. The Company’s initiatives are recognized by various ESG awards.
E stands for ‘environment’, i.e. caring for the nature and environment.
The term ESG was introduced in 2004 by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations. He addressed his message in the Who Cares Wins report to the executives of major global companies. 20 years later, both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses adhere to the ESG principles.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Resolution entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. It lays out 17 global goals, and each business can contribute towards their achievement at their own level. Nornickel is one of Russia’s ESG champions. The Company’s initiatives are recognized by various ESG awards.
The term ESG was introduced in 2004 by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations. He addressed his message in the Who Cares Wins report to the executives of major global companies. 20 years later, both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses adhere to the ESG principles.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Resolution entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. It lays out 17 global goals, and each business can contribute towards their achievement at their own level. Nornickel is one of Russia’s ESG champions. The Company’s initiatives are recognized by various ESG awards.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
Nornickel operates sustainable metal production, having invested heavily in reducing emissions from its facilities over recent years. Nornickel’s largest initiative is the Sulfur Program.
What is the goal of the company’s Sulfur Program?
What is the goal of the company’s Sulfur Program?
The Sulfur Program at the Nadezhda Smelter involves a complex system of treatment processes.
The sulfur dioxide gas from smelting operations is fed to the treatment plants and not emitted into the atmosphere. The gas is then used to make sulfuric acid which is mixed with limewater. Sulfur dioxide is neutralized with the production of eco-friendly gypsum. It can be used in mine reclamation, backfilling or construction materials.
The sulfur dioxide gas from smelting operations is fed to the treatment plants and not emitted into the atmosphere. The gas is then used to make sulfuric acid which is mixed with limewater. Sulfur dioxide is neutralized with the production of eco-friendly gypsum. It can be used in mine reclamation, backfilling or construction materials.
The Sulfur Program at the Nadezhda Smelter involves a complex system of treatment processes.
The sulfur dioxide gas from smelting operations is fed to the treatment plants and not emitted into the atmosphere. The gas is then used to make sulfuric acid which is mixed with limewater. Sulfur dioxide is neutralized with the production of eco-friendly gypsum. It can be used in mine reclamation, backfilling or construction materials.
The sulfur dioxide gas from smelting operations is fed to the treatment plants and not emitted into the atmosphere. The gas is then used to make sulfuric acid which is mixed with limewater. Sulfur dioxide is neutralized with the production of eco-friendly gypsum. It can be used in mine reclamation, backfilling or construction materials.
The Sulfur Program at the Nadezhda Smelter involves a complex system of treatment processes.
The sulfur dioxide gas from smelting operations is fed to the treatment plants and not emitted into the atmosphere. The gas is then used to make sulfuric acid which is mixed with limewater. Sulfur dioxide is neutralized with the production of eco-friendly gypsum. It can be used in mine reclamation, backfilling or construction materials.
The sulfur dioxide gas from smelting operations is fed to the treatment plants and not emitted into the atmosphere. The gas is then used to make sulfuric acid which is mixed with limewater. Sulfur dioxide is neutralized with the production of eco-friendly gypsum. It can be used in mine reclamation, backfilling or construction materials.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
The flora and fauna of large rivers in the Arctic zone are heavily affected by production operations. Several Nornickel projects aim to restore populations of valuable fish.
How does Nornickel restore biodiversity in the Yenisei?
How does Nornickel restore biodiversity in the Yenisei?
In 2023, 3 million juveniles of significant fish species: sturgeon, muksun, broad whitefish, coregonus and nelma, were released by Nornickel into the Yenisei. The fry were purchased from existing enterprises in the West Siberian fishery basin. Under an agreement with the Federal Agency for Fishery, over a 10 year period, the company is set to release 3 million juveniles annually into the Yenisei, and start active fish stock replenishment in the water bodies of the Norilo-Pyasin water system from 2033.
Induced breeding is an effective tool to restore fish populations. The average survival rate of juveniles in induced and natural breeding is ~10% and 1%, respectively.
Induced breeding is an effective tool to restore fish populations. The average survival rate of juveniles in induced and natural breeding is ~10% and 1%, respectively.
In 2023, 3 million juveniles of significant fish species: sturgeon, muksun, broad whitefish, coregonus and nelma, were released by Nornickel into the Yenisei. The fry were purchased from existing enterprises in the West Siberian fishery basin. Under an agreement with the Federal Agency for Fishery, over a 10 year period, the company is set to release 3 million juveniles annually into the Yenisei, and start active fish stock replenishment in the water bodies of the Norilo-Pyasin water system from 2033.
Induced breeding is an effective tool to restore fish populations. The average survival rate of juveniles in induced and natural breeding is ~10% and 1%, respectively.
Induced breeding is an effective tool to restore fish populations. The average survival rate of juveniles in induced and natural breeding is ~10% and 1%, respectively.
In 2023, 3 million juveniles of significant fish species: sturgeon, muksun, broad whitefish, coregonus and nelma, were released by Nornickel into the Yenisei. The fry were purchased from existing enterprises in the West Siberian fishery basin. Under an agreement with the Federal Agency for Fishery, over a 10 year period, the company is set to release 3 million juveniles annually into the Yenisei, and start active fish stock replenishment in the water bodies of the Norilo-Pyasin water system from 2033.
Induced breeding is an effective tool to restore fish populations. The average survival rate of juveniles in induced and natural breeding is ~10% and 1%, respectively.
Induced breeding is an effective tool to restore fish populations. The average survival rate of juveniles in induced and natural breeding is ~10% and 1%, respectively.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
Creating an urban environment providing comfortable living and working conditions in an extreme climate is an ambitious goal. Nornickel aims to transform the regions where its operations are located into modern, well-maintained and attractive territories.
What is the focus of the company’s Clean Norilsk program?
What is the focus of the company’s Clean Norilsk program?
The industrial waste accumulated over decades is a major problem for the Norilsk industrial region. Scrap metal, unused buildings, and construction waste have grown over the years, but neither the regional government nor local businesses did anything.
The Clean Norilsk program is expected to address this problem. The project’s primary objective is to make Norilsk a more attractive place to work and live.
Since the program launch, more than 300 old abandoned buildings have been demolished. In total, ca. 500 abandoned buildings and structures, 2 million tonnes of waste and 600,000 tonnes of scrap metal are to be removed in the next 10 years.
The Clean Norilsk program is expected to address this problem. The project’s primary objective is to make Norilsk a more attractive place to work and live.
Since the program launch, more than 300 old abandoned buildings have been demolished. In total, ca. 500 abandoned buildings and structures, 2 million tonnes of waste and 600,000 tonnes of scrap metal are to be removed in the next 10 years.
The industrial waste accumulated over decades is a major problem for the Norilsk industrial region. Scrap metal, unused buildings, and construction waste have grown over the years, but neither the regional government nor local businesses did anything.
The Clean Norilsk program is expected to address this problem. The project’s primary objective is to make Norilsk a more attractive place to work and live.
Since the program launch, more than 300 old abandoned buildings have been demolished. In total, ca. 500 abandoned buildings and structures, 2 million tonnes of waste and 600,000 tonnes of scrap metal are to be removed in the next 10 years.
The Clean Norilsk program is expected to address this problem. The project’s primary objective is to make Norilsk a more attractive place to work and live.
Since the program launch, more than 300 old abandoned buildings have been demolished. In total, ca. 500 abandoned buildings and structures, 2 million tonnes of waste and 600,000 tonnes of scrap metal are to be removed in the next 10 years.
The industrial waste accumulated over decades is a major problem for the Norilsk industrial region. Scrap metal, unused buildings, and construction waste have grown over the years, but neither the regional government nor local businesses did anything.
The Clean Norilsk program is expected to address this problem. The project’s primary objective is to make Norilsk a more attractive place to work and live.
Since the program launch, more than 300 old abandoned buildings have been demolished. In total, ca. 500 abandoned buildings and structures, 2 million tonnes of waste and 600,000 tonnes of scrap metal are to be removed in the next 10 years.
The Clean Norilsk program is expected to address this problem. The project’s primary objective is to make Norilsk a more attractive place to work and live.
Since the program launch, more than 300 old abandoned buildings have been demolished. In total, ca. 500 abandoned buildings and structures, 2 million tonnes of waste and 600,000 tonnes of scrap metal are to be removed in the next 10 years.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
It is important to know the estimated population of polar bears to plan conservation measures. But accurate polar bear population records have not been kept since Soviet times, so Nornickel joined the Polar Bear Census project.
How many polar bears have been found on Wrangel Island?
How many polar bears have been found on Wrangel Island?
Nornickel joined the project under an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The first stage of the Polar Bear Census was completed in autumn 2022 on Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea. It was the first time when Orlan unmanned aerial vehicles were used to monitor polar bears. The UAVs have traveled a total of 8,317 kilometers over more than 103 hours and taken almost 23,000 photographs. Researchers counted the bears using those photographs.
The first stage of the Polar Bear Census was completed in autumn 2022 on Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea. It was the first time when Orlan unmanned aerial vehicles were used to monitor polar bears. The UAVs have traveled a total of 8,317 kilometers over more than 103 hours and taken almost 23,000 photographs. Researchers counted the bears using those photographs.
Nornickel joined the project under an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The first stage of the Polar Bear Census was completed in autumn 2022 on Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea. It was the first time when Orlan unmanned aerial vehicles were used to monitor polar bears. The UAVs have traveled a total of 8,317 kilometers over more than 103 hours and taken almost 23,000 photographs. Researchers counted the bears using those photographs.
The first stage of the Polar Bear Census was completed in autumn 2022 on Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea. It was the first time when Orlan unmanned aerial vehicles were used to monitor polar bears. The UAVs have traveled a total of 8,317 kilometers over more than 103 hours and taken almost 23,000 photographs. Researchers counted the bears using those photographs.
Nornickel joined the project under an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The first stage of the Polar Bear Census was completed in autumn 2022 on Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea. It was the first time when Orlan unmanned aerial vehicles were used to monitor polar bears. The UAVs have traveled a total of 8,317 kilometers over more than 103 hours and taken almost 23,000 photographs. Researchers counted the bears using those photographs.
The first stage of the Polar Bear Census was completed in autumn 2022 on Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea. It was the first time when Orlan unmanned aerial vehicles were used to monitor polar bears. The UAVs have traveled a total of 8,317 kilometers over more than 103 hours and taken almost 23,000 photographs. Researchers counted the bears using those photographs.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
It is important for the company to understand its environmental footprint. For this purpose, Nornickel supports research involving specialists from the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
What is the name of a large-scale biodiversity study in the regions where Nornickel has operations?
What is the name of a large-scale biodiversity study in the regions where Nornickel has operations?
The goal of the Great Norilsk Expedition is to assess the current state of ecosystem biodiversity and identify areas of impact and on the Taymyr Peninsula, in Murmansk Region and Zabaikalye Territory where Nornickel has production facilities. The company is undertaking the project together with RAS Siberian Branch.
Since the spring of 2022, more than 30 professionals from 14 RAS Siberian Branch institutes have been working in locations stretching from the suburbs of Norilsk to the tundra of coastal Taymyr. Scientists conduct field studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which include:
Since the spring of 2022, more than 30 professionals from 14 RAS Siberian Branch institutes have been working in locations stretching from the suburbs of Norilsk to the tundra of coastal Taymyr. Scientists conduct field studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which include:
- visual observations;
- sampling and further physical, chemical and physicochemical analysis;
- study of local plant, animal, bird and water organism.
The goal of the Great Norilsk Expedition is to assess the current state of ecosystem biodiversity and identify areas of impact and on the Taymyr Peninsula, in Murmansk Region and Zabaikalye Territory where Nornickel has production facilities. The company is undertaking the project together with RAS Siberian Branch.
Since the spring of 2022, more than 30 professionals from 14 RAS Siberian Branch institutes have been working in locations stretching from the suburbs of Norilsk to the tundra of coastal Taymyr. Scientists conduct field studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which include:
Since the spring of 2022, more than 30 professionals from 14 RAS Siberian Branch institutes have been working in locations stretching from the suburbs of Norilsk to the tundra of coastal Taymyr. Scientists conduct field studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which include:
- visual observations;
- sampling and further physical, chemical and physicochemical analysis;
- study of local plant, animal, bird and water organism.
The goal of the Great Norilsk Expedition is to assess the current state of ecosystem biodiversity and identify areas of impact and on the Taymyr Peninsula, in Murmansk Region and Zabaikalye Territory where Nornickel has production facilities. The company is undertaking the project together with RAS Siberian Branch.
Since the spring of 2022, more than 30 professionals from 14 RAS Siberian Branch institutes have been working in locations stretching from the suburbs of Norilsk to the tundra of coastal Taymyr. Scientists conduct field studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which include:
Since the spring of 2022, more than 30 professionals from 14 RAS Siberian Branch institutes have been working in locations stretching from the suburbs of Norilsk to the tundra of coastal Taymyr. Scientists conduct field studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which include:
- visual observations;
- sampling and further physical, chemical and physicochemical analysis;
- study of local plant, animal, bird and water organism.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
For 10 years, the company has been supporting nature reserves and the unique natural areas) of the Arctic. Which Nornickel’s donation helped the staff of the Pasvik Nature Reserve on the Kola Peninsula identify a rare freshwater pearl mussel?
The only KamAZ-mounted mobile laboratory in the Northwestern region of Russia started working in 2019. The vehicle is adjusted to Arctic conditions and can be used on any terrain.
The laboratory is equipped with:
The laboratory is equipped with:
- camera traps taking images with pre-set frequency;
- air, soil and water monitors;
- GPS navigator.
The only KamAZ-mounted mobile laboratory in the Northwestern region of Russia started working in 2019. The vehicle is adjusted to Arctic conditions and can be used on any terrain.
The laboratory is equipped with:
The laboratory is equipped with:
- camera traps taking images with pre-set frequency;
- air, soil and water monitors;
- GPS navigator.
The only KamAZ-mounted mobile laboratory in the Northwestern region of Russia started working in 2019. The vehicle is adjusted to Arctic conditions and can be used on any terrain.
The laboratory is equipped with:
The laboratory is equipped with:
- camera traps taking images with pre-set frequency;
- air, soil and water monitors;
- GPS navigator.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) water disinfection is an outdated technique. Electrolysis using salt (sodium chloride) is a more promising process and Nornickel has decided to enhance it.
What metal does Nornickel plan to use in innovative water decontamination?
What metal does Nornickel plan to use in innovative water decontamination?
Electrodes for this process are made of titanium alloys or other metals, and a catalytic layer of platinum group metals, such as palladium, is applied to their surface. This layer accelerates the transformation of sodium chloride from salt into disinfecting hypochlorite.
Nornickel accounts for 42% of the global palladium supply and therefore, together with partners, is working to develop a new palladium-based catalyst formulation for electrolysis. The innovative water disinfection technology comes with an advantage of not requiring the transport and storage of large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed on site and in exactly the right amount.
By the end of 2023, the company plans to complete the Pd-based catalyst development phase and then proceed to field testing.
Nornickel accounts for 42% of the global palladium supply and therefore, together with partners, is working to develop a new palladium-based catalyst formulation for electrolysis. The innovative water disinfection technology comes with an advantage of not requiring the transport and storage of large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed on site and in exactly the right amount.
By the end of 2023, the company plans to complete the Pd-based catalyst development phase and then proceed to field testing.
Electrodes for this process are made of titanium alloys or other metals, and a catalytic layer of platinum group metals, such as palladium, is applied to their surface. This layer accelerates the transformation of sodium chloride from salt into disinfecting hypochlorite.
Nornickel accounts for 42% of the global palladium supply and therefore, together with partners, is working to develop a new palladium-based catalyst formulation for electrolysis. The innovative water disinfection technology comes with an advantage of not requiring the transport and storage of large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed on site and in exactly the right amount.
By the end of 2023, the company plans to complete the Pd-based catalyst development phase and then proceed to field testing.
Nornickel accounts for 42% of the global palladium supply and therefore, together with partners, is working to develop a new palladium-based catalyst formulation for electrolysis. The innovative water disinfection technology comes with an advantage of not requiring the transport and storage of large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed on site and in exactly the right amount.
By the end of 2023, the company plans to complete the Pd-based catalyst development phase and then proceed to field testing.
Electrodes for this process are made of titanium alloys or other metals, and a catalytic layer of platinum group metals, such as palladium, is applied to their surface. This layer accelerates the transformation of sodium chloride from salt into disinfecting hypochlorite.
Nornickel accounts for 42% of the global palladium supply and therefore, together with partners, is working to develop a new palladium-based catalyst formulation for electrolysis. The innovative water disinfection technology comes with an advantage of not requiring the transport and storage of large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed on site and in exactly the right amount.
By the end of 2023, the company plans to complete the Pd-based catalyst development phase and then proceed to field testing.
Nornickel accounts for 42% of the global palladium supply and therefore, together with partners, is working to develop a new palladium-based catalyst formulation for electrolysis. The innovative water disinfection technology comes with an advantage of not requiring the transport and storage of large stocks of sodium hypochlorite. The disinfectant is formed on site and in exactly the right amount.
By the end of 2023, the company plans to complete the Pd-based catalyst development phase and then proceed to field testing.
| Next |
| Check |
| Check result |
You are on the right track!
We believe your interest in environmental problems is only beginning to arise. Our test introduced you to the conservation efforts taken by major industrial companies. And it only mentions a small portion of such projects. We recommend reading about Nornickel’s efforts in maintaining the population of Arctic char, sometimes called the Tsar Fish, and preserving the Lapland Nature Reserve using the new state-of-the-art technologies.
| Start again |
You are quite knowledgeable!
You care about nature and demonstrate environmental competence. We hope you enjoy reading about the research of the Norilo-Pyasin water system supported by Nornickel.
| Start again |
You are an expert!
You are strongly concerned with environmental issues and sustainable development. You may consider a job in environmental safety and join some responsible business. But even if your expertise is different, you will be interested to learn how Nornickel intends to use gypsum produced in the Sulfur Program.
| Start again |
More tests