ALROSA has become a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).    The    certification has been give to the mining company for “its Code of Practices through meeting the highest ethical, human rights, social and environmental standards as established by the RJC”, ALROSA announced yesterday.

The RJC,  an international not-for-profit standards-setting and certification organisation was established to instil  a responsible worldwide supply chain that promotes trust in the global fine jewellery and watch industry.

“RJC certification provides companies engaged in the diamond, gold and platinum group metals supply chain with the means to demonstrate their commitment to ethical behaviour and responsible business practices,” ALROSA elaborated.  

The Company said that its certification was granted after several months of a comprehensive audit conducted by “a large independent audit company”, covering a range of aspects like social responsibility, environmental protection, and best ethical principles of business, including fight against corruption, respect for human rights, and ensuring decent working conditions.

The auditors   also visited several  ALROSA  facilities, including its main production sites like  Mirny, Aikhal and Udachny Mining and Processing Divisions; and the Company’s subsidiaries  ALROSA-Nyurba, Almazy Anabara and Severalmaz; and its  diamond sorting centres in Mirny and Arkhangelsk.

ALROSA has been bestowed  the  RJC certification for three years, the maximum   period granted by the RJC.

Andrew Bone, RJC Executive Director said: “RJC warmly congratulates ALROSA on achieving Certification against 2013 Code of Practices (COP). The provisions under the 2013 COP address important issues for our members and their supply chain. We are delighted to see major diamond business influencers supporting our course for a sustainable and transparent supply chain and responsible sourcing.”

Sergey Ivanov, ALROSA President commented: “Once again ALROSA proved its compliance with the high standards of responsible business conduct. We are proud that our work has been highly appreciated by independent experts and in accordance with the highest industry standard, and we will continue to make efforts to be one of the leaders in social and environmental responsibility, upholding the trust in the whole of the diamond supply chain. Receiving an RJC Certificate is a positive signal not only for ALROSA, but for the industry as a whole, as it once again proves to consumers that modern diamond mining is a transparent and responsible business that sets best world practices in our great industry and goes well beyond the basic requirements of industry self-regulation”.

ALROSA has been a member of RJC since September 2016 and was elected to the Board of directors of the organisation in May 2017.

The RJC is a Full Member of the ISEAL Alliance – the global association for sustainability standards.