Researchers compared the 300 most affluent business people and upper-level managers in the largest companies in Russia, both state-owned and private. The ranking was compiled based on the number of mentions in Russia’s main media outlets between January 1 and December 31, 2016; additionally, researchers analyzed print material from 100 leading foreign newspapers and magazines.  Both Forbes and the readers selected Vladimir Potanin as an Entrepreneur with a track record of achievement in large-scale projects that benefit society.

Norilsk Nickel received first prize in the Global Ecology category for its «Integrated Project to Close the Nickel Plant in Norilsk». The competition was established by the v. I. Vernadsky Nongovernmental Ecological Foundation.

Norilsk Nickel has won first place in terms of charity work among the Russian and foreign companies - participants of the project «Leaders in Corporate Philanthropy» set up by the Donors Forum. The company showed an absolute record - 7 billion rubles in 2015. This is a 2.5 fold increase in spending compared to 2014.

This major UN initiative in the area of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development unites entities committed to responsible business and good industry practice worldwide.