[Ferro-Alloys.com] The ERAMET group issues a firm denial of reports carried in various articles of this morning's press that it was halting its nickel production in New Caledonia. It is currently considering a project which will be submitted to the staff representative bodies at the appropriate time: a changeover is contemplated from production of nickel matte in New Caledonia to production of additional ferronickel alloy. Nickel matte is a semi-finished product intended for processing at Sandouville on the French mainland, and is accounting for a very small share of Société Le Nickel (SLN)'s production. The project could involve sourcing the matte processed at the Sandouville plant, hitherto supplied by SLN, from another matte producer. The operation as a whole, if it is finally decided, could significantly bolster SLN's financial equilibrium. ERAMET nickel production in 2015 should reach a level close to past years.

ABOUT ERAMET

ERAMET is a leading global producer of: alloying metals, particularly manganese and nickel, used to improve the properties of steel, high-performance special steels and alloys used in industries such as aerospace, power generation and tooling. ERAMET is also developing activities with high growth potential, such as mineral sands (titanium dioxide and zircon), lithium and recycling. The Group employs approximately 14,000 people in 20 countries. ERAMET is part of Euronext Paris Compartment A.

• [Editor:Juan]