Russia's top nickel producer Norilsk Nickel is exploring the possibility of setting up two joint ventures in China, Chief Executive Officer Vladimir Strzhalkovsky said on March 3.

He said the company will study the proposal, which was made by China nonferrous metals association, after it receives further details from the association.

With metal prices falling, Norilsk expects its revenue to fall by half this year compared with 2008. The company, however, expects to increase its market share in the Chinese market.

(China Daily March 4, 2009)