Nornickel sulfur programme enters final stage

Nornickel's flagship environmental project, the Sulfur Programme, has reached the finish line. Nadezhda Smelter has begun comprehensive testing of its third sulfuric acid production line and fourth neutralization line. As a result, the entire sulfur dioxide capture system is now fully operational.An NMP employee opens the gas supply valve for the third sulfur dioxide capture line

With all lines running, Nornickel is closing in on reaching design capacity and fulfilling its commitments under the Clean Air federal project.

As one of Russian industry's largest environmental initiatives, the metallurgical gas capture project at Nadezhda reduces sulfur dioxide emissions in the Norilsk Industrial District. Total investment in the Sulfur Programme stands at 300 billion rubles. The project will cut the smelter's sulfur dioxide emissions by 90% from the 2020 baseline.

"We have reached another major milestone in the Sulfur Programme, ensuring the stable operation of the entire complex. The new lines will help us meet our targets and improve overall system reliability," said Vitaly Muravyov, General Director of NN-Development.

The technological chain at Nadezhda works as follows: gas from flash

furnaces flows through flues to three sulfuric acid production lines. It undergoes wet cleaning and cooling before entering contact units, where sulfur dioxide converts into sulfur trioxide and then into sulfuric acid. Finally, neutralization lines complete the cycle by processing the acid into gypsum.

Since the start of 2026, the facilities have captured 160,000 tonnes of sulfur dioxide. The peak load is expected in the second half of the year when the plant aims to reach maximum capacity and meet its annual targets.

While construction is nearly complete, the Sulfur Programme continues to evolve. An upcoming technical upgrade phase will improve specific operational parameters and enhance equipment reliability.