Norilsk Nickel has announced that it does not expect to see any changes in the sales of its platinum following the export delay caused by the Russian government.

It had been suggested that Norilsk's platinum sales would be hit during 2007 because of delays in the processing of its export quota application.

However the company has now stated that any delay will not have a detrimental impact on the sales of its platinum group metals (pgms).

Spokesman Viktor Borodin told Reuters: "We are aware of the situation around issuing quotas. We hope this problem will be resolved shortly. Norilsk Nickel will fulfill its obligations to clients."

He also confirmed that Norilsk has applied for the extension to its five-year quota, which runs out on December 31st this year, but he added that the Russian government has still not approved it as yet.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd