The long-running issue of the declassification of Russian platinum group metals (pgm) data has affected a major audit being conducted by Norilsk Nickel.

One of the world's top platinum producers, the company cannot let contractors who will audit their pgm stocks begin their work, since material in their records which is necessary for a full audit has not yet been declassified.

Deputy general director, Denis Morosov, told Interfax: "We have an option as regards the contractors. And we are waiting for the declassification work [to be] completed."

He explained as soon as Russian authorities completely authorise data that is seen as state secrets, the company will "begin work immediately".

No date has been suggested yet as to when the data will be declassified, however an order was signed a month ago by Russian President Vladimir Putin to declassify data on stock volume at the company.

The Russian government first pledged to declassify information on production and sale of pgm in August 2004 and hoped the process would be complete by October last year.

It is hoped by declassifying such information the Russian market will become more appealing to foreign investment and remove some of the layers of secrecy that have surrounded the sector for many years.