Recognising the rapid changes taking place in the eco-system within which it operates and its own development in the field, ALROSA’s Supervisory Board approved a “new edition” of its policy on sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

“(The) Previous edition of the Policy has been in force since 2014,” ALROSA explained announcing the move. “The company has improved its practices in this area since then, including those in terms of membership in number of international industry organisations – Diamond Producers Association (DPA), World Diamond Council (WDC) and Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Moreover, in 2017, ALROSA successfully underwent a comprehensive audit on compliance with RJC’s standards, covering social responsibility, environmental protection, and best ethical principles of business, including fight against corruption, respect for human rights, ensuring decent working conditions.”

The Company pointed out that the new edition of the policy focuses on the fact that the company operates in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, best international practices and industry trends; and confirms its adherence to the principles of business activities with respect to UN human rights principles and the System of Warranties (SoW) as spelt out by the World Diamond Council (WDC).

Further, ALROSA has enhanced the list of the company's corporate social responsibility obligations to its employees. Moreover, the Company has clarified its obligations to state authorities, business partners, and the larger community of the industry within which it operates. The company has also updated the list of principles with regard to environmental responsibility, in accordance with the best international standards. New additions to the document are: the principle of providing proper information and disclosure about rough and polished diamonds; and a statement on the products’ origin.

“With the update of the Policy, the company once again confirms its commitment to high standards of responsible business and continues to be one of the leaders in the field of social and environmental responsibility,” the Company said. “ALROSA demonstrates to consumers that modern diamond mining is a transparent, responsible business, consistent with the best international practices.”

ALROSA emphasised that it also pays great attention to corporate social responsibility. “In 2017, ALROSA implemented more than 500 social and charitable initiatives,” the Company stated. “The company finances regional development programs, social infrastructure, charitable and sponsorship projects, corporate social programs for employees and their families, and renders targeted aid to residents of the main regions of its presence.”

In 2017, ALROSA’s social investments exceeded RUB 10 billion, and the costs of environmental activities amounted to RUB 4.4 billion.

Further, ALROSA noted that it is included in the FTSE4Good international rating, which is “an indicator of compliance with internationally recognised standards of corporate social responsibility”. The company also has a BB rating in the MSCI ESG rating system that assesses environment, social responsibility and corporate governance. The Company has been placed amongst the top 10 in an environmental responsibility rating of Russian mining companies, developed on the initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) of Russia and the UNDP / GEF project of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia.