In 2024, Acron Group allocated RUB 435 million to environmental initiatives, 2.5 times more than in the previous year.
The Group’s ecological efforts include protecting the air and water, and reducing production waste.
In 2024, the Group’s facilities in Novgorod region (Acron) and Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh) focused primarily on ensuring the stable and efficient operation of production lines and gas cleaning units, as well as complying with all applicable environmental regulations.
Novgorod-based Acron introduced technical improvements to its NPK and AN units, as well as to its wastewater biological treatment plants. Dorogobuzh carried out extensive maintenance works at its mineral fertiliser and AN units. In 2024, the Group’s companies obtained comprehensive environmental permits, proving that their operations comply with environmental requirements.
NWPC implemented dust control measures at the tailings dam beaches and installed and commissioned an aspiration unit in the crushing area of the Oleniy Ruchey mine. VPC closely monitored the Talitsky mine facilities with a negative environmental impact, as well as its entire licence area. The Group allocated RUB 131 million to reducing pollutant emissions, which was a 2.5-fold increase on its 2023 spending.
Acron and Dorogobuzh also implemented water protection measures including activities to ensure accident-free operation of biological treatment plants and hydraulic facilities. They also monitored the quality of water bodies and carried out industrial environmental quality control of wastewater and treated wastewater.
As part of their efforts to restore and conserve biodiversity, the Group’s companies participated in environmental campaigns. In Novgorod region, Acron released 2,600 underyearling pike-perch into Lake Ilmen. Meanwhile, 123,000 underyearling sterlet and 2,000 underyearling pike were released into the Kama Reservoir in Perm Krai. In Murmansk region, the Group employees joined the national Save the Forest campaign, planting 10,000 pine seedlings. In Perm Krai, VPC planted 30,000 spruce seedlings. The Group allocated RUB 88 million to reducing pollutant discharges to water bodies, up 62% year-on-year 2023.
Every year, the Group implements waste management initiatives to reduce waste generation, introduce waste-reduction technologies, minimise non-recyclable waste and ensure that such waste is safely landfilled in accordance with applicable laws. Investment in these activities totalled RUB 213 million. The Group’s air emissions and water discharges remained below the permitted limits.