The competition commission made its selection ofthe best annual reports inthe following categories: Most Informative, Classic Presentation, Presentation ofAccounts onthe Internet and Design and Graphics.

Akey component ofthe project isa vertical shaft, descending over 2kms, which will provide exhaust ventilation and hoisting capacity for manpower, equipment, materials and rock atthe Skalisty mine.

MMC Norilsk Nickel and the Russian Academy ofSciences have signed anagreement todevelop ajoint research programme aimed atthe creation and industrial exploitation ofmarket viable technologies and materials utilising palladium inboth hi-tech and science-intensive production.

The swap will last from December 1, 2004till May 31, 2005.