The history of development of Norilsk industrial complex is described. In 1922 it has been established that copper-nickel mineralization of norilsk ores contains also platinum metals. Geologo-prospecting works passed hyperslow rates. In June of 1935 there was a decision of Sovnarkom about building of Norilsk industrial complex. A. P. Zavenyagin has been appointed by chief in 1938. His activities have radically changed the future of yet not born industrial complex, and with it and cities. The melting shop of Small metal plant has been started in operation in March of 1939. The first industrial nickel has been received at this factory in 1942.