Russia's MMC Norilsk Nickel announced its nickel production reached 67,818 tons in the first three months this year, down by 5.2% compared to the same period of last year.

The main reason is due to lower output at Kola MMC, Tati Nickel and the mothballing of Lake Johnston operations in Australia.

The company’s nickel output was 71,571 tons in the first quarter of last year.

Meanwhile, the company’s copper production totaled 90,400 tons, down by 0.7% compared to the same time of last year.