NICKEL prices fell sharply yesterday as metal stockpiled at a Siberian

mine in the Arctic Circle during the winter started to pour into the

world market.

On the London Metal Exchange prices touched a three-month low of $5760

a tonne, down $110 from Tuesday.

Nickel, whose main use is in stainless steel, has lost 16% of its

value since the end of May but is still well above the lows reached late

last year.

Traders said yesterday's drop, in a market already worried by the

increased shipments from Russia, was sparked by news that stocks had

risen in LME-registered warehouses. -- Reuter