PRIME-TASS publishes that in the nearest future MMC Norilsk Nickel doesn’t intend to increase nickel and palladium production. This information was provided by Anton Berlin, the head of the company’s market analysis and development department, in the interview to Dow Jones.

Current prices of palladium are quite law and it may be possible to substitute platinum for palladium, especially in car catalysts production.

In 2004 MMC Norilsk Nickel plan to sell the total volume of palladium produced. Moreover, according to Mr Berlin, the company doesn’t intend to increase palladium reserves this year.