Nornickel's approach and commitments
Nornickel wholeheartedly respects and promotes human rights and freedoms in line with internationally recognised norms and practices. We comply with Russian laws and principles and requirements of the international law, and seek to adopt best industry practices, recommendations and initiatives. To this effect, we have set up a human rights due diligence system.
Key human rights initiatives and declarations guiding Nornickel activities
International and Russian initiatives
Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
Practical recommendations
Global Reporting Initiative, uniform reporting standards and recommendations
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR)
Industry-specific initiatives
ICMM Mining Principles
Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)
Assessment of mining assets readiness for IRMA certification
In 2022, Nornickel held an independent assessment to understand the degree to which its mining assets are ready for IRMA certification. The independent assessment was conducted by ENSOR Management Consultants LLC (formerly a branch of Environmental Resources Management, an international consultancy firm), which has many years of track record in assessing and managing environmental and social risks. The assessment perimeter included eight key mines of Norilsk and Kola divisions. Their activities were assessed based on four principles: business integrity, planning for positive legacies, social responsibility, and environmental responsibility.
The assessment showed that in the event of an official certification exercise, the Company would have likely met the requirements of the IRMA Transparency level. In 2023, Nornickel will keep working to put into action a roadmap of corrective actions and ensure compliance with the IRMA requirements.
Nornickel stance
IRMA 3.1.7.2, IRMA 3.1.7.3, IRMA 3.1.8.1, ICMM PE 3.4The Company does not tolerate any forms of discrimination and does not use forced or child labour, giving every employee an equal opportunity to exercise their labour rights regardless of gender, race, nationality, origin, financial, social, and occupational status, age, domicile, religion, political beliefs, and other circumstances not related to professional qualities.
CHRB A.1.3.bNo operations are run in, and no raw materials are procured from, areas involved in military conflicts. Nornickel expects its suppliers and contractors to respect human rights throughout their operations.
Statement from the Senior Vice-President — Head of HR, Social Policy and Public Relations
Nornickel is a large business employing 80,000 people. They work at sites located in Russia's far-flung areas with harsh climate, and the nature of their work requires maximum concentration. Given our stringent requirements as an employer, we must show the same level of commitment, transparency and respect. That is why we place a strong emphasis on offering our employees decent salaries, comfortable living conditions and self-fulfilment opportunities. This is how we understand human rights. And it is our responsibility and commitment to uphold them.
Senior Vice-President — Head of HR, Social Policy and Public Relations
Statement from the Senior Vice President — Operational Director
Employee health and safety is our strategic priority. We strive to achieve zero fatalities.
Senior Vice President – Operational Director
Statement from the Vice President for Federal and Regional Programmes
The aim of engaging with local communities and indigenous minorities is to develop regions where our sites are located and protect the right of local residents. We have put in place an entire system of providing stakeholders with access to a dedicated grievance mechanism to guarantee legal protection and ensure open feedback. Nornickel is actively investing in community development programmes. A comprehensive development plan for Norilsk is a great example of these efforts. Our responsible approach to human rights is also evidenced through such activities as obtaining indigenous peoples' free, prior, and informed consent to establishing a new Tukhard settlement, use of an independent grievance mechanism involving a human rights organisation, and extensive negotiations with local communities to get ready for the same process in the Murmansk Region.
Vice President for Federal and Regional Programmes