OREANDA-NEWS. NLMK Group (LSE: NLMK), the largest steel producer in Russia and one of the most efficient steel companies in the world, is pleased to announce the appointment of Galina Khristoforova as Director for the Environment.

Prior to joining NLMK, Galina Khristoforova was in charge of environmental safety at leading Russian and international companies.

The new role of Director for the Environment was introduced at NLMK Group in order to improve the environmental component of the unified global system of occupational health, safety and the environment.

Viktor Togobetsky, NLMK Group Vice President for Occupational Health and Safety and the Environment, said:

“NLMK Group’s environmental policy is based on the principle of ensuring efficient production while minimizing the environmental footprint. The new director will be charged with further improving the environmental management system at NLMK Group’s Russian and international assets through efficient management of environmental risks and implementing advanced environmental technologies.”

NLMK Group has achieved unprecedented results in improving the environmental characteristics of its operations and reducing its environmental footprint. Since 2007, NLMK Group has invested approximately $1 billion in environmental projects and initiatives. During this period, production has increased by 76%, while emissions have been reduced by 46%. Discharge into water is down to less than 2% of earlier levels thanks to, among other factors, a closed-loop water cycle at Novolipetsk, NLMK’s main production site in Lipetsk.

In May 2014, NLMK Group announced the launch of the third stage of its environmental programme, covering the period up to 2020 (Environmental Programme 2020). This programme is part of the Group’s development strategy and investment programme. It is aimed at further minimizing NLMK’s environmental footprint and achieving the best possible environmental standards in global steel production.