OJSC Polyus Gold, Russia’s leading gold producer, announced today that it was honored as the best Russian metallurgical company with “Company of the Year” National Award established by RBC (RosBusinessConsulting) news agency.

OJSC Polyus Gold wins “Company of the Year” National Award in respect of the progress made by the Company in 2006: listing of OJSC Polyus Gold shares at domestic exchanges, RTS and MICEX, its vast exploration and production development programme. By the end of 2006 the Company’s market cap has reached US$9 billion; also in the year of 2006 Polyus Gold more than doubled its gold reserves due to the geological exploration and the acquisition of the new properties.

Commenting on the achievements, OJSC CEO Evgueni Ivanov said: “For more than 20 years we’ve been leading Russian top gold producers, building largest mills and making new geological discoveries. All the progress made by Polyus Gold resulted from outstanding efforts of thousands of our employees. “Company of the Year” National Award is the best evidence of their great job done in 2006”.

“Company of the Year” National Award was established in 1999. The Award’s Advisory Board consists of the prominent Russian politicians, economists, businessmen, investment analysts and media reporters. The Award is supported by the Russian Ministry of Trade and Economical Development as well as by the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.