The warming taking place in the Arctic affects Norilsk Nickel's production processes, but so far it is minimal, said Stanislav Seleznev, Vice President of Nornickel for Ecology and Industrial Safety.
"So far, the warming [in the Arctic] has had a minimal effect. But everyone is talking about this warming, and in the Arctic, according to scientists, it is going faster. We keep a very close eye on all trends, scientific research, and statistics. We are studying both the pros and cons," TASS quotes Seleznev as saying.
According to him, the positive effects of warming include easier living and working conditions in the Far North, longer navigation times, and less use of expensive icebreakers.
"No one can tell us with exact certainty how many meters and in how many years the permafrost soils will melt. There are only expert assessments, but they are different. No one says the exact figures, but we understand that this may become a problem for the stability of many of our buildings and structures," Seleznev said.
He also noted the potential risks for the energy and gas transportation infrastructure.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
