Norilsk Nickel to Supply Metal to Moscow Mint to Make Indian Rupees

Within the first 6 months of the year 2002, the Norilsk Nickel metallurgical company will supply 7,000 tonnes of nickel and copper to Moscow Mint for the minting of Indian rupees. According to Norilsk Nickel's press service, the metals will come from its subsidiary, the Kola Mining Company. In 1999, Moscow Mint came up winner in the tender for the minting of 5-rupee coins for India. This is the first time ever foreign money will be minted here. The coins will be made of a special alloy, 75% copper and 25% nickel.