MMC Norilsk Nickel was ready to sign an agreement to start construction of a copper smelter in China before the May holidays in China in 2025, but its partner rejected the deal after a change of leadership, sources told Bloomberg. The company is currently negotiating with another potential Chinese partner. If Norilsk Nickel cannot agree on the Chinese project, it can apply to the government for permission to extend work at the old Norilsk enterprise.