Engagement with indigenous peoples

GRI 203‑1, 411‑1 / SASB EM‑MM‑210a.3, EM‑MM‑210b.1 / MED‑40 / TNFD Gc GRI 14.9.3

Nornickel acknowledges and respects both the collective and individual rights of the indigenous peoples as enshrined in Russian and international law For the full list of regulations, please see the Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Small‑Numbered Peoples.. The Company honours the history, traditions, and cultures of the Nenets, Enets, Dolgans, Nganasans, Evenks, and Sámi, respecting their distinctiveness, heritage, and the natural environment on which they depend. As part of its investment and operational activities, Nornickel engages in consultations and builds trusting, productive relationships with indigenous small‑numbered peoples (“indigenous peoples” or “indigenous minorities”).

In 2024, Nornickel’s Board of Directors approved the updated Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Small‑Numbered Peoples, which outlines the Company’s principles and commitments to respecting the rights and taking into account the interests of indigenous peoples. Independent experts, family (tribal) communities, and associations of indigenous minorities participated in updating the document, enabling the comprehensive alignment with international standards, the Company’s experience in implementing support projects and programmes for indigenous minorities, and the specific needs and suggestions of the indigenous peoples of Taimyr and the Murmansk Region.

In 2024, the Company approved the Regulations on Implementing the Principles of Preventing, Reducing, and Mitigating Impacts on the Indigenous Small‑Numbered Peoples of the North, which set out mandatory procedures for preventing and mitigating any potential negative impacts on the indigenous small‑numbered peoples of the North at all stages of its operations. The document provides for consultations with representatives of the indigenous small‑numbered peoples of the North, the use of the FPIC process, and the implementation of remediation plans in accordance with the ICMM and IRMA international standards and UN recommendations.

The adoption of this new policy and regulations that outline measures for preventing, reducing, and mitigating potential impacts on indigenous peoples is just the first step; the Company is also expected to take further action and establish employee conduct guidelines and a grievance mechanism. Most importantly, Nornickel and its partners must now ensure these documents are put into practice.

Antonina Gorbunova, member of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Free, prior, and informed consent process

Where Nornickel’s activities may have a significant impact on the rights of indigenous minorities, the Company proceeds only upon obtaining free, prior, and informed consent. The consent must be secured through good faith negotiations between the Company and the indigenous peoples, and must be based on an equitable agreement.

Activities of the Indigenous Communities Coordination Council

To foster systemic dialogue with the indigenous peoples of the Taimyrsky Dolgano‑Nenetsky Municipal District and improve their quality of life, Nornickel established the Indigenous Communities Coordination Council. The Coordination Council supervises Nornickel’s Programme for Promoting Social and Economic Development of the Taimyrsky Dolgano‑Nenetsky Municipal District in 2020–2024.

In addition to the activities under the five‑year programme to support the indigenous small‑numbered peoples of the North, tribal communities were also able to complete a number of important initiatives supported by the Company’s charitable programmes: the launch of a pantotherapy centre, a souvenir pavilion, and joinery workshops; development of offline translation apps supporting indigenous languages; acquisition of fishing quotas and leases for commercial fishing grounds; repairof glacier storages at fishing points; and provision of vital assistance to settlement residents in need.

Nornickel’s strength in engaging with indigenous peoples is underpinned by ongoing dialogue with indigenous communities and families as well as regular discussions of emerging issues – all of which foster mutual understanding and support inclusive engagement.

Agreement with FAEA of Russia

In 2024, Nornickel and the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FAEA) signed an agreement to continue supporting indigenous minorities. This agreement supplements the document signed in 2023. This step reflects the evolving international and corporate standards on indigenous rights and corporate social responsibility, alongside growing public attention to the topic.

The agreement provides funding for a range of educational, cultural, and scientific projects, benefitting not only indigenous communities in the Company’s regions of operation but also broader indigenous communities across Russia.