Last week the chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation signed the decree on platinum group metals export quotas allocation for 2003. Platinum mining companies: "Koryakgeoldobycha" (Kamchatka), mining team "Amur" (Khabarovsk krai), OJSC "Kolsk MMC" will obtain the platinum export quota. The Central Bank of Russia will get the quota as well.

MMC "Norilsk Nickel" has got 10-years quotas for palladium export since 1999 and 5-years quotas for platinum export since January 2002. Besides, 5 Russian banks will attain the export quotas for 2003, while in 2002 this number being 6. The export duty for platinum and palladium in bullions at the present moment amounts to 6,5%. "Almazyuvelirexport" Company is the only trade representative of Russia authorized to operate with platinum group metals in outer market. This company will not get the quotas for 2003 and it is going to work according to commission contracts.