Herbert Smith Freehills international downstream team has advised a long standing client Norilsk Nickel on their most critical upgrade project to improve the environmental impact of their core plants

Norilsk Nickel is Russia’s leading metals and mining company and the world’s largest high-grade nickel and palladium producer with a market cap of USD 43.5 billion.

The project involves advice on all the engineering and procurement aspects of Norilsk Nickel's major upgrade project in Russia involving five major upgrades to their existing production units. We have advised Norilsk Nickel on putting together Front End Engineering Design (FEED) Contracts with four different contractors and have drafted bespoke Engineering and Procurement (EP) Contracts for a number of these packages. We have also participated in the negotiations with the bidders for four of the packages.

The team led by Hong Kong partner Danila Logofet included Australian partner Daniel Zador and Perth-based senior associate Yannis Vrodos and associate Sean Frewin, Melbourne associate David Douglas, and Moscow associate Yulia Sobko. Previously, the project was also supported by Claire Wilmann in London and of counsel Oxana Koerner and associate Yulia Turkina in Moscow.

Danila Logofet commented: "Following a major shift in its approach to ESG issues Norilsk Nickel has embarked on a long awaited overhaul project which will take its core production facilities to the new level of environmentally friendly performance. This is just the beginning and we are looking forward to supporting our clients on their journey towards sustainability."

Daniel Zador commented: "This is a perfect example of smooth collaboration between Herbert Smith Freehills’ Australian and European teams. We are proud to provide first-class support on global projects."