Organised by the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs, Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Nornickel, the event welcomed more than 200 delegates representing federal and regional authorities, business, associations of indigenous peoples, international organisations, as well as reindeer herders and leaders of tribal communities from Taimyr, Yamal, Chukotka, and many other regions. The forum was included in the event plan of the Russian Presidency of the Arctic Council.
“The relationships between business and indigenous peoples have a strong effect on corporate strategies in such areas as sustainability, responsible governance, human rights, support and food security of vulnerable people, environment, climate, and biodiversity. Another important matter is obtaining a social licence to operate in traditional territories, especially in the context of compliance with corporate standards of financial institutions and supply chain members,” said Igor Barinov, Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs.
Nornickel places a special emphasis on projects strengthening relationships with indigenous peoples and promoting traditional lifestyle and trades. The Company supports indigenous practices of using natural resources, builds shops to process wild reindeer carcases, fish, and wild-growing herbs, as well as facilities to store products such as venison, fish, and fowl.
“All our partnership programmes focus on the social and economic development of indigenous peoples. Instead of merely providing funding, we enable them to add value to their economic activities. Another priority of ours is the development of human capital — language, culture, and crafts of indigenous minorities”, commented Andrey Bougrov, Chairman of Nornickel’s Board of Directors.
In autumn 2022, Nornickel completed a number of major projects to support indigenous minorities of Taimyr. We have built six new homes in Volochanka with another two commissioned in Ust-Avam this summer. Next year will see the delivery of seven more residential buildings. The Nganasan community Nemu Huaala (Hare Stone) received financing for a new wood processing plant.
The forum participants discussed best practices in building ties between industrial companies and indigenous peoples. Generally accepted approaches in this domain include a due diligence policy providing for targeted consultations of businesses with such peoples when operating in their residential areas. The delegates focused on the principle of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) as a potential foundation for such consultations and constructive relations with indigenous peoples.
Last year, Nornickel became Russia’s first metals and mining company to launch an FPIC process, enabling indigenous residents of Taimyr to choose a relocation option for Tukhard. This process helps guarantee the protection of indigenous rights to independently define political, social, economic, and cultural priorities. The procedure was successfully completed in 2022.
At the forum, Head of the Tukhard Council of Representatives Igor Yamkin spoke about the progress of the new settlement construction. The Council of Representatives forwarded amended terms of reference to the project contractor.
“Indigenous peoples make decisions based on timely received information and in line with their own procedures and all international standards. Tukhard residents chose the settlement location and the required infrastructure, including a boat mooring, venison processing plant, tailor’s shop, retail outlets, a gym and much more. The new settlement will fully meet their expectations,” said Andrey Grachev, Vice President for Federal and Regional Programmes at Nornickel.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
MMC Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company, the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel and a major producer of platinum and copper. The company also produces cobalt, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, ruthenium, selenium, tellurium and other products.
The production units of Norilsk Nickel Group are located at the Norilsk Industrial District, on the Kola Peninsula and Zabaykalsky Krai in Russia as well as in Finland.
MMC Norilsk Nickel shares are listed on the Moscow and on the Saint-Petersburg Stock Exchanges, ADRs are accepted for trading on the Saint-Petersburg Stock Exchange.
Norilsk Nickel fully supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The company considers social responsibility and commitment to the principles of sustainable development as one of the pillars of operational efficiency and business development. Nornickel seeks to continuously improve its activities in the areas of environmental protection, human rights, health and safety, environmental impact assessment, and biodiversity preservation. The company spent RUB 221.5 billion on SDG-linked projects in 2021.
Vladimir Malakhov, Rough&Polished
