In 2017, the Company continued to enhance its corporate governance framework following the standards set out in the Corporate Governance Code, which was endorsed by the Bank of Russia. Special focus was given to planning and implementing sustainable development and corporate social responsibility initiatives, greater efficiency of the Board of Directors and its committees, strengthening of the internal audit function, enhanced transparency and disclosure levels.

Throughout 2017, the Audit and Sustainable Development Committee reviewed reports on key strategic and operational risks and also the current status of the Company’s risk management framework. As part of its assessment of internal controls, the committee engaged in regular analysis of reports prepared by the Internal Control Department. Health, safety, and environment remained a priority for us. On a quarterly basis, the Audit and Sustainable Development Committee reviewed reports on the Company’s progress in pursuing its health and safety strategy, along with environmental projects and initiatives.

Environmental matters (primarily the Sulphur Project aiming to cut sulphur dioxide emissions in Polar Division) were at the centre of attention for the Board’s Strategy Committee. The committee was heavily involved in developing recommendations for directors when drafting the Company’s updated strategy (showcased at the Strategy Day in November 2017) and a number of functional strategies (on project management, construction, repairs, long-term production planning, exploration and prospecting, sales, marketing and IT). Another focus area were the matters directly linked to our operations. Those included progress of major investment projects, production reconfiguration, Technology Breakthrough initiative, and programme on efficiency improvement and cost reduction.

In 2017, the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee prioritised matters related to long-term projects under the programme to enhance corporate governance. The committee reviewed progress of initiatives that are part of the Human Capital Development Programme, along with the Company’s mid-term Charity Policy. On top of that, the Board of Directors approved a number of by-laws covering corporate and social matters, including Human Rights Policy, Freedom of Association Policy, Equal Opportunities Programme, Working Conditions Policy, Local Community Relations Policy, Environmental Policy, Quality Policy, and Renewable Energy Sources Policy. Also, as a way to strengthen corporate efforts aimed at fighting corruption and ensuring compliance with antitrust regulations, in 2017, the Board of Directors approved the Anti-Corruption Policy and Antitrust Compliance Policy.

In its relations with shareholders and investors, we seek to ensure compliance with applicable laws and principles of openness and transparency. With a view to improving its transparency and enhancing information security and confidentiality, the Company approved the amended version of the Information Policy Regulations of PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel. The new Regulations expand the Company’s disclosure commitments and provide further guidance on the mandatory disclosure required by regulators.

We will remain committed to continuous improvement of our corporate governance practices in 2018. The Board of Directors and its committees and the management are well aware of the areas where we can excel further, and recognise the importance of these efforts.

Andrey Bougrov

Senior Vice-President, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, MMC Norilsk Nickel