The Russian deputy finance minister, Alexei Ulyukayev, has suggested that the Russian metal giant Norilsk Nickel is likely to benefit from an amendment to laws governing state secrets when it is approved later this year.

In an interview with the Prime-Tass news agency, Mr Ulyukayev said that the new law allowing Russian platinum producers to disclose full company output figures would boost their attractiveness to investors.

He stated that the disclosure 'may prove beneficial for the companies involved in this business, as it will help them to attract more investments, provide better access to financial resources and create conditions for IPOs and bond offerings'.

'If information about company reserves becomes known on the market, it will cause the capitalisation of that company to increase,' Mr Ulyukayev added.

Capitalisation figures are currently assessed using the amount of platinum sold and not the actual production figure.

Norilsk Nickel accounts for 99 per cent of Russia's platinum production, and therefore stands to gain immensely from the amendment, which needs to be ratified by the Russian President following its successful passage through the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament.

Mr Ulyukayev explained that as soon as the decree is passed, the information regarding output will be released immediately.