1.1 Introductory Scope
This Policy provides framework for support of worldwide efforts and active cooperation with stakeholders to ensure that precious metals come from legitimate, ethical sources, and that they have not been associated with crime, armed conflict or human rights abuse. It is our firm conviction and our unalterable policy to refuse any business proposal which might be connected with any illegitimate activity.
Our supply chain due diligence and congruent commitment, policies and practices, are consistent with Annex II of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict- Affected and High-Risk Areas and the LBMA Responsible Guidance.
We employ this policy by having implemented a program of strict due diligence procedures, with our commitment to conduct our activities & business:
1.2 Organisation and Responsibilities
BR METALS PTE LTD internal management system will collect and maintain documentation regarding the sources of Mined or Recycled Precious Metals and Scrap, or any other feedstock within the scope of the LBMA Responsible Guidance (“the Guidance”), in order to mitigate the risks that we do not finance conflict, have not participated in abuse of human rights or money laundering, nor financed terrorism at any point in the supply chain. The general outline of a best practice for such a structure is as follows:
2.1 Introductory Scope
BR METALS PTE LTD implemented this policy through an effective and comprehensive management system based on strong local and international KYC due diligence practices in order to identify our upstream & downstream partners, & if necessary, even our partners’ partner. In that regard, we are strongly committed:
2.1.1 Commitment #1
Not to tolerate nor profit from, contribute to, assist or facilitate the commission of:
2.1.2 Commitment #2
Not to engage with, and to immediately discontinue engagement with, customers or suppliers where we identify a reasonable risk that they are committing, or are sourcing from or linked to, any party committing abuses described above, or any other illegal party.
2.1.3 Commitment #3
Not to tolerate direct or indirect support to non-state armed groups, including, but not limited to, producing precious metals from, making payments to or otherwise providing assistance or equipment for, non-state armed groups and/or their affiliates who illegally:
2.1.4 Commitment #4
Not to engage with, and immediately to discontinue engagement with, any business opportunity or business partner where we identify a reasonable risk that they are sourcing from, or linked to, any party providing direct or indirect support to non-state armed groups as described above.
2.1.5 Commitment #5
Not to tolerate direct or indirect support to public or private security forces who illegally:
routes, or at points where they are traded, or from intermediaries.
2.1.6 Commitment #6
To support efforts to engage with public or private security forces in accordance with the Voluntary Principles on Security & Human Rights, recognising that the role of such security forces at the mine sites and/or surrounding areas and/or along transportation routes should be solely to maintain the rule of law.
2.1.7 Commitment #7
To support efforts to engage with local authorities, international organisations and civil society organisations to avoid the exposure of vulnerable groups, in particular, artisanal miners where minerals in the supply chain are extracted through artisanal or small-scale mining, to adverse impacts associated with the presence of security forces, public of private, on mine sites.
2.1.8 Commitment #8
To adopt a risk management plan with upstream suppliers and other stakeholders to prevent or mitigate the risk of direct or indirect support to non-state armed groups, public or private security forces which illegally control mine or refining sites, traders, other intermediaries, transport routes through the supply chains or illegally tax or extort money or minerals through the supply chain as noted by the UN Office of the High Commission on Human Rights.
2.1.9 Commitment #9
To suspend, or discontinue, engagement with upstream suppliers that support public, or private, security forces for illegal activities, if the attempts at mitigation fail within six months from the adoption of the mitigation measures.
2.1.10 Commitment #10
Not to offer, promise, give or demand bribes or kickbacks in any form to/from individuals, including government officials, customers, contractors & suppliers or any other organisation.
2.1.11 Commitment #11
Not to misrepresent taxes, fees & royalties paid to governments for the purposes of extraction, refining, trade, handling, transport and export of Precious Metals and Scrap. Likewise, we will not conceal the origin of precious metals.
2.1.12 Commitment #12
To support efforts, and contribute to the avoidance & disclosure of money-laundering and financing of terrorism, tax evasion or tax fraud resulting from, or connected to, the supply and distribution chain of Precious Metals and Scrap.
2.1.13 Commitment #13
To cooperate fully and transparently with government authorities and provide full access to records and information as appropriate.
2.1.14 Commitment #14
Strengthen company engagement with Precious Metals and Scrap- supplying counterparts and, where possible, assist Precious Metals and Scrap- supplying counterparts in building due diligence capacities.
2.2 Supply Chain Traceability System
BR METALS PTE LTD has established a supply chain traceability system that collects and maintains supply chain information for each lot refined, including assigning a unique reference number to each input and output in a manner that tampering or removal will be evident. Such information should include:
2.3 Ongoing Monitoring of Transactions
BR METALS PTE LTD will conduct appropriate scrutiny and monitoring of transactions undertaken through the course of the relationship so as to ensure that the transactions are consistent with the knowledge of the supply chain and risk profile. Monitoring of transactions is undertaken by applying a risk-based approach.
In this context, BR METALS PTE LTD will receive and document the following information for each lot received:
Estimated weights and assay results (from counterpart);
Shipping/transportation documents (waybill/airway bill, pro-forma invoice, if applicable); or Export and import form for high-risk transaction, if applicable.
For Recycled Precious Metals:
Estimated weight (from counterpart); Shipping/transportation documents (waybill/airway bill, pro-forma invoice, if applicable);
Export and import form for high-risk transaction (if applicable);
BR METALS PTE LTD will verify that the documents and materials are consistent with each other and with its knowledge of the supply chain based on the due diligence performed;
BR METALS PTE LTD will verify that the shipment received is in conformance with the shipping/transportation documents.;
The background of transactions which are not consistent or are in any way suspicious should be examined and the findings established in writing and reported to Compliance Officer/Senior Management.
The Precious Metals and Scrap must be physically segregated and secured until the inconsistencies are resolved. These findings will be reported to the appropriate authorities as applicable.
2.4 Maintaining Records
BR METALS PTE LTD maintains adequate records of the supply chain documentation, these records are maintained for at least five years following the end of the fiscal year. (Jan-Dec)
Records kept:
2.5 Training
We perform annual and ad hoc training with relevant employees and partners, encouraging them to raise any suspicious relation &/or transaction to direct line management and/or the compliance/Senior Management.
We require our employees, agents, consultants, & business partners to comply with our policy, & will – wherever possible – enforce it with appropriate measures, up to & including termination of, employment or contracts.
Relevant employees will undertake annual Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing on-line training, passing of this training is recorded on the employees training file along with additional knowledge of and understanding of ad-hoc and red flag training, including reading and acknowledging to act within the LBMA Global Precious Metals Code.
All training is undertaken by new relevant employees during their induction and probationary process and new personal training file opened.
2.6 Due Diligence for the Supply Chain
2.6.1 Relevant Actors
BR METALS PTE LTD obtain identification & Due Diligence information on all actors in the supply chain, including, but not limited to:
2.6.2 Identification of the Relevant Actors
The identification of the above should comprise of the following measures (on a risk-based approach):
2.7 Due Diligence for Types of Suppliers
Metal sourced from suppliers varies in volume, form & risk. Based on these factors, suitable models for Due Diligence have been designed. The categorised supplier types that BR METALS PTE LTD deal with are as follows:
2.8 Site Visits
In the interest of effective customer profiling, ensuring adherence to BR METALS PTE LTD Policies & Procedures, routine site visits will be conducted, In line with Annex II of the OECD’s Responsible Supply Chains Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict- Affected and High-Risk Areas and the Guidance, we conduct two types of site visits, each with unique questionnaires – where materials are either Mined or Recycled.
All new customers will incur such a site visit dependent on the outcome of the Supply Chain Risk Rating, either occurring Yearly (High Risk), Tri-Yearly (Medium Risk) or every 5 years (Low Risk).
All completed Site Visit Reports are signed & filed within the appropriate account’s file for future on-going monitoring reference.
2.8.1 Recycled Visits
The Site Visit Report for those supplying Recycled material covers several topics, based on the
LBMA’s Site Visit Report for recycled material template. Said report includes in-depth questioning of the following topics:
2.8.2 Strengthen Company Engagement with Precious Metals and Scrap-supplying Counterparts
BR METALS PTE LTD will attempt to build long-term relationships based on trust and mutual recognition with their suppliers.
We will encourage Precious Metals and Scrap-supplying counterparts to commit to, and acknowledge in writing their compliance with, a supply chain policy consistent with Annex II of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance Model Policy for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas for all interactions with BR METALS PTE LTD.
Where appropriate, BR METALS PTE LTD will define a process to promote responsible sourcing practices throughout the supply chain and assist Precious Metals and Scrap supplying counterparts or prospects in improving their responsible supply chain practices. For example, BR METALS PTE LTD can communicate their expectation and provide guidance or share practices during on-site visits to help counterparts improve their practices.
BR METALS PTE LTD should support the implementation of relevant initiatives such as the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI).
2.9 Supply Chain Risk Rating
2.9.1 Identifying Risks in the Precious Metals and Scrap Supply Chain
BR METALS PTE LTD identifies in accordance with Annex II of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and the Guidance, the following risks associated with the supply chain from the point of origin to the Refinery regarding:
2.9.2 Supply Chain Due Diligence
In order to map the supply chain and assess the risks effectively, BR METALS PTE LTD performs supply chain due diligence following a risk-based approach before entering into business relationship with any Precious Metals and Scrap- supplying counterpart and ongoing monitoring.
As a minimum supply chain due diligence measures will comprise the following:
government lists for wanted money launderers, known fraudsters or terrorists;
information on the purpose and intended nature of the business relationship;
BR METALS PTE LTD applies each (but not limited to) of the supply chain due diligence measures described above but determines the extent of such measures on a risk-sensitivity basis depending on the type of company, business relationship, transaction type, location of the company or transit zone.
For higher-risk categories, an enhanced due diligence is be performed and the following additional steps (but not limited to) are required:
2.9.3 High Risk Supply Chains
BR METALS PTE LTD determines criteria to define high-risk supply chains.
The following minimum criteria shall be considered high-risk and trigger enhanced due diligence:
active in a higher-risk business activity such as arms, gaming and casino industry, antiques and art, sects and their leaders.
(These criteria are considered utilising the LBMA Supply Chain Score sheet & BR METALS PTE LTD Supply Chain Risk rating)
2.9.4 BR METALS PTE LTD Supply Chain Risk Rating
This requires completion when effectively assessing the risks involved in regards to new and ongoing monitoring of existing suppliers. When completing the Rating Matrix, information collected during the Account Opening Stage, along with any changes upon re-assessments done on a risk-based approach basis, will be assessed against the factors laid out below:
Each factor on the matrix possesses multiple choices, with a specific overall score awarded at the end. Dependent on the final score, taking an average of all other scores, the Supplier Relationship will either be deemed Low Risk, Medium Risk or High Risk. Planned Visitations occur on either a 5-Yearly (Low Risk), 3-Yearly (Medium) or Yearly (High Risk) basis.
2.9.4.1 Length of Relationship
When evaluating risk, new Suppliers invariably pose the highest risk due to lack of trading knowledge with BR METALS PTE LTD. Maintaining an extended relationship allows for more effective profiling & understanding of the Supplier, mitigating the risk based on evidenced & observed activity.
2.9.4.2 Settlement Method
When evaluating risk, cash payments brings with its considerable inherent risk due to money laundering potential from possibly untraceable & unexplained wealth. As a result, the expected form of payment would be that of Bank Transfer, providing lower risk.
BR METALS PTE LTD accept no cash payments only via official banking channels.
2.9.4.3 Supplier Relationship
When evaluating risk, dealing with a supplier through an intermediary poses the highest risk. This is due to the indirect line of contact with location being sourced from. An aggregator or Trader possesses lesser, but noticeable risk, due to again not dealing directly with the suppliers itself, though in most cases through a local overseer, normally, incorporating multiple recycling sites. Consequently, direct relationships allow the least risk to be exposed.
2.9.4.4 Amount Supplied (per annum)
When evaluating risk, the highest stems from those providing larger volume into the supply chain, providing more potential for corruption & enabling of illicit activities. The less volume being processed, naturally reduces such risk.
2.9.4.5 Heidelberg Conflict Barometer Score
When evaluating risk, locations of suppliers residing within specific countries are taken into account with the Heidelberg Conflict Barometer. Those experiencing Limited to outright War pose the highest risk, whereas those experiencing violent crises are of considerable risk, but those experiencing non-violent crisis’ &/or disputes are considered the least in terms of risk evaluation.
Source: https://hiik.de/conflict-barometer/current-version/?lang=en
2.9.4.6 Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index Rating
When evaluating risk, locations of suppliers residing within specific countries are taken into account with the Corruption Perception Index. The upper tier of governmental corruption (70 – 100), considered the least corrupt from Transparency International’s report, are deemed low risk. Those with a score residing within the medium tier (30 – 70) are noted for their moderate levels of corruption, whereas those with a low score (0 – 30) are considered as a high risk.
Source: https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2017
2.9.4.7 Dodd-Frank Listed Countries
When evaluating risk, locations of suppliers residing within specific countries are taken into account with the Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1502, consisting of the DRC & neighbouring countries. Those within said collection are deemed the highest risk based on the aforementioned Act.
The basis for risk within said countries is due to concerns of fueling some of the world’s most brutal conflicts & the weakening of already fragile states.
Source: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ203/pdf/PLAW-111publ201.pdf
2.9.4.8 LBMA Supply Chain Assessment Score
When evaluating risk, the completed LBMA Supply Chain Assessment form values the Supplier accordingly, with either the high-risk criteria being met, or not. This evaluation verifies where metal originates from, transits through or if involved parties include PEPs, high risk businesses or money laundering & corruption.
If high risk criteria are met on the LBMA supply chain assessment this will automatically report a high-risk score on the rating matrix and enhanced due diligence will be implemented.
2.9.4.9 Sanctions
When evaluating risk, locations of suppliers residing within specified countries are taken into account with the sanctions applied from, but not limited to, OFAC/US, OFSI/UK, the EU & the UN. Those with considerable sanctions in force are deemed that of high risk, with those possessing a moderate amount of sanctions receiving an appropriate score. Those with little to no sanctions incur low risk.
2.9.4.10 On-Site Visit When evaluating risk, completed visitations to the Supplier denote low risk, whereas those unvisited non-high risk pose moderate risk those noted as high risk procure highest ranking (LBMA Supply chain assessment score sheet). Once completed, a much more in-depth & personally verifiable structure of the supplier is able to be documented & assessed.
2.9.4.11 Money Laundering (M/L) and Terrorist Financing (T/F) risk.
When evaluating M/L & T/F risk, locations of suppliers residing within specific countries are taken into account. Those within the UK/EU/EEA are deemed low risk, with members of FATF & those in compliance with FATF-Style Regional Bodies deemed moderate risk. Those outside of the previously outlined acquire the highest risk due to lacking M/L &T/F regulatory regimes being adhered to.
Source: http://www.fatf-gafi.org/about/membersandobservers/
2.9.4.12 Responsible Social & Environmental Guidance
When evaluating risk, how the operation of mineral extraction, refining and suppliers is conducted varies. Although LBMA’s Responsible Guidance is due to cover such topics in the near future, the lowest risk comes from those countries formally aligned with the International Cyanide Management Code, Minamata Convention on Mercury or those utilising Placer Mining (Concentration Methods). Those using mercury or not displaying effective systems to mitigate environmental damage, especially locations within cold climates or near main water sources, are deemed that of high risk.
2.9.4.13 Transporatation Risk
When evaluation transporatation risk the following criteria is to obtain transparency of the transportation of material,location of the origin of the material to be supplied, the transportation routes used, if material is weighed on arrival at BR METALS PTE LTD or off site weigh bridge (additional risk analysis completed on extarnal weigh bridge/s) , supplies outside UK are flown or driven via Channel Tunnel or Ferried, cross check of pre determined weight of material leaving source and wieght on arrival at BR METALS PTE LTDor Weighbridge.
In adition BR METALS PTE LTD shall undertake analysis on all suppliers, Risks in the supply chain of Minerals from Conflict Affected or High Risk areas in line with Annex II of the OECD’s Responsible Supply Chains Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict- Affected and High-Risk Areas.
https://www.oecd.org/corporate/mne/GuidanceEdition2.pdf
If high risk criteria are met on the Transportation Due Diligence assessment this will automatically report a high-risk score on the rating matrix and enhanced due diligence will be implemented.
3.1 Introductory Scope
This Policy provides framework for receiving, investigating & responding to grievances, promoting mutual confidence & trust with all relevant parties. Its application relates to collective & individual grievances/complaints. Those raised are inclusive of both external & internal allegations. All evidenced grievances/complaints shall be investigated.
3.2 Incident Report Guidance
Any whistleblower wishing to raise a complaint/grievance must adhere to the following reporting guidance that provides information on how to report an incident to facilitate its resolution.
3.3 Definition of Malpractice
This Policy encourages the reporting of any abuses, risks and/or behaviour that does not comply with the authorities, or Company Regulations, including but not limited to, the following:
Corruption/Bribery;
Fraud;
Property Damage/Theft;
Employee Misconduct;
Health & Safety Violations;
Inadequate Working Conditions;
Inadequate Security (People, Metal, Property). Environmental Impacts;
Child Labour;
Human Rights Violations
3.4 On Anonymity
The whistleblower does not need to be named if anonymity is necessary for privacy/protection. However, information & evidence needs to reach a satisfactory level to substantiate any claim.
3.5 On Evidence
Information provided must include, whenever possible/applicable:
Insufficient information may hinder any prevalent investigations, providing as much information as possible is strongly advised.
3.6 Stakeholder Intelligence
Information as to those informed about the grievance/complaint, other than BR METALS PTE LTD, needs to be relayed. Stating whom was informed, with contact details (e-mail address, phone number, postal address, etc.) & all correspondence had with them. These may include those from the below list:
Local/Provincial/National Authority Non-Governmental Organisations Lawyers
Members of Parliament
Media
Other (Please specify)
3.7 NGO Reports
When informing BR METALS PTE LTD of incidents pertaining to the Supply Chain in which we are associated with, include clear research methodology highlighting your educational & professional experiences, precise locations as to where the research was conducted & include those of which who were interviewed. Also ensure accurate referencing to all sources with correct & accurate dates. Sources need to avoid being concentrated, as to avoid weakly supported reports. Should confidentiality of sources be of concern, an appropriate system to mask, but still link them, should be adopted. Victim viewpoints should be included wherever possible, ensuring protection of all vulnerable interviewees in the process. Lastly, it’s vital that information generating a link to the actors within the supply chain need to be established to aid in such reports, specifying where the incident took place, or who the trader/exporters were, or if any actors were members of a cooperative (with specifics to which one), & so forth.
3.8 Internal Reporting
Internal grievances/complaints are to be reported to their relevant manager. Should the individual(s) not find it possible/appropriate, grievances/complaints can be filed through the formal whistleblowing process denoted within Section 3.9.
3.9 Formal Reporting
Any whistleblower may make written or electronic disclosures via the following means:
BR METALS PTE LTD
Data Protection Officer
8 Penjuru Place #01-36, 2.8 Penjuru Tech Hub
Singapore 608780
3.10 Assimilation Management
The Compliance Department is responsible for processing all incoming communications & of keeping Senior Management informed about newly identified risks &/or concerns.
Dependent on the complaint, appropriate Senior Management/departments will be assigned to determine appropriate action for its resolution & for the engagement process with the interested parties.
Assignments will be made according to the type of complaints as follows:
3.11 Report Process
Once a complaint/grievance has been filed, the following steps shall be taken in respective order:
3.11.1 Step 1: First Contact
Within two weeks, an initial acknowledgement of receipt & an explanation to the proceeding actions will be provided to the relevant parties, also including timeframes within which the relevant parties can expect the complaint/grievance to be reviewed,
3.11.2 Step 2: Analysis
Within the indicated timeframe, an assessment will be made whilst taking into consideration the relevancy to this policy, the type of complaint/grievance, & whether the evidence provided establishes a foundation or not. Consequently, BR METALS PTE LTD will notify the relevant party as to the timeframe governing its resolution.
3.11.3 Step 3: Resolution
Within an acceptable period of time, any updates pertaining to the timeframe governing its resolution, or closures/resolution of the complaint/grievance, will be provided to all relevant parties.
3.11.4 Data Collection
BR METALS PTE LTD will ensure that all communication is recorded appropriately & tracked through to its closure/resolution. This information will include the:
3.12 Definition
Whistleblower: Any employee, customer, contractor &/or third-party that raises a complaint/grievance related to the company or its contractor’s activities &/or impacts;
Affected Persons: Any individual or group of individuals affected by malpractice;
Relevant Parties: Affected persons &/or whistleblowers;
Complaints: Negative feedback raised in regards to the company &/or the activities & impacts of its contractors;
Grievances: Formal concerns/allegations brought forward as a result of malpractice, resulting in corrective action &/or a response;
Grievances & Whistleblowing Mechanisms: Processes to support implementation of this policy.
The objective of this section is to evaluate and respond to identified risks in order to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts to the supply chain.
Where appropriate, BR METALS PTE LTD will seek to enhance supplier engagement and our own systems of information collection and transparency.
1. Report Findings to Designated Senior Management
Where appropriate, information gathered and actual and potential risks identified in the supply chain risk assessment will be communicated to Senior Management.
2. Devise a Strategy for Risk Management of an Identified Risk by either (i) Mitigation of the Risk while Continuing Trade, (ii) Mitigation of the Risk while Suspending Trade or (iii) Disengagement from the Risk
If the result of the Precious Metals and Scrap supply chain due diligence concludes that there is money laundering, terrorist financing, serious human rights abuse, direct or indirect support to illegitimate non-state armed group, or fraudulent misrepresentation of the origin of minerals or if the possibility of the same is deemed too high, BR METALS PTE LTD will stop immediately to recycle Precious Metals from this provenance/supplier and report it to the appropriate authorities if applicable.
However, in case of indirect support to non-state armed group carried out by extortion of good faith miners, refiners or other supply chain actors, BR METALS PTE LTD may continue to recycle Precious Metals coming from this source provided that it adopts an improvement strategy.
If the result of the Precious Metals and Scrap supply chain due diligence concludes that it is possible that there is money laundering, terrorist financing, serious human rights abuse, direct or indirect support to illegitimate non-state armed group or fraudulent misrepresentation of the origin of minerals, BR METALS PTE LTD should suspend refining Precious Metals and Scrap from this provenance/supplier until it can obtain additional information/data confirming or refuting the preliminary assessment.
Where the result of the due diligence is not fully satisfactory or when the result of the due diligence concludes that there is direct or indirect support to illegitimate public or private security forces, bribery, non- fraudulent misrepresentation of the origin of minerals or non-compliance of taxes fees and royalties due to government, but the assessed company in the supply chain is using reasonable and good faith effort, BR METALS PTE LTD may continue to Precious Metals and Scrap coming from this source provided that it adopts an improvement strategy, devised with input and engagement from the supplier, which clearly defines performance objectives within a reasonable timeframe.
3. Where a Management Strategy of Risk Mitigation is Undertaken, it will Include Measurable Steps to be Taken and Achieved, Monitoring of Performance, Periodic Reassessment of Risk and Regular Reporting to Designated Senior Management.
The principles of risk mitigation that underpin this section focus on good faith efforts to make meaningful improvements on the supply chain where BR METALS PTE LTD does not terminate their relationship with suppliers.
The improvement strategy described in section 2 above shall state clear performance objectives, including qualitative and/or quantitative indicators in order to measure improvement. Significant and measurable improvement towards eliminating the risk within six months from the adoption of the risk management plan must be identified. Additional measures will then be defined in a revised improvement strategy, based on the progress achieved within the first six months. If no such measurable improvement can be demonstrated within the six-month period, BR METALS PTE LTD shall suspend the relationship until the supplier has responded to the improvement plan.
Risk mitigation plans and their effectiveness are subject to on-going monitoring with regular reports made to senior management. BR METALS PTE LTD shall consider suspending or discontinuing engagement with a supplier after failed attempts at mitigation within six months from the adoption of the risk management plan.
Where appropriate, BR METALS PTE LTD will consult and or monitor progress with stakeholders on the risk mitigation plan and make use of leverage over the actors across the supply chains who could contribute to risk mitigation.
Where appropriate BR METALS PTE LTD will cooperate and/or consult relevant stakeholders (such as local or central authorities, upstream companies, international or civil society organisations and affected third parties). BR METALS PTE LTD may also benefit from the creation or support of community-based monitoring networks to facilitate monitoring of risk mitigation measures.
On the deadline, an assessment will be performed in order to determine if the measures have been properly undertaken. Senior Management shall be informed of the results and make a decision as to whether to continue dealing, disengage or suspend the supply chain in question. The decision-making process will be documented.
3.13 Compliance Officer
The Compliance Officer is responsible for all matters regarding the Precious Metals and Scrap supply chain. In particular, they review the supply chain due diligence, assesses if the due diligence is adequate and request additional documentation or information if necessary. They ensure that appropriate measures are executed in case of high-risk supply chains or transactions. They are also responsible for the training of the employees with respect to the responsible supply chain, to prepare and update the Precious Metals and Scrap supply chain policy, and to give proper information to the Senior Management in order for them to perform their duties.
3.14 Audit Report
BR METALS PTE LTD will publicly report on their Precious Metals and Scrap supply chain due diligence policies and practices, with appropriate regard for security, proprietary information and the legal rights of the other supply chain actors.
3.15 Audit Corrective Action Plan
Auditors may make recommendations to BR METALS PTE LTD to improve their Precious Metals and Scrap supply chain practice.
BR METALS PTE LTD will submit a Corrective Action Plan if there is a Medium / High-Risk / Zero Tolerance non-compliance and/or if BR METALS PTE LTD fails to satisfy one or more of the requirements as set out in Steps 1 to 5 of the Guidance.
BR METALS PTE LTD’s Corrective Action Plan will include (for each Medium / High-Risk / Zero Tolerance non- compliance identified):
3.16 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
3.16.1 Introductory Scope
This Policy provides framework for support of worldwide efforts and active cooperation with suppliers andstakeholders to ensure that precious metals are sourced ethically through our responsible sourcing policy which is also aligned with BR METALS PTE LTD’s environmental, social and governance policy.
Our supply chain due diligence & congruent commitment, policies & practices, are consistent with the 5-step framework of OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict- Affected and High-Risk Areas and the 3-step framework ESG requirements of the LBMA Responsible sourcing performance programme as follows:
Step 1: BR METALS PTE LTD’s responsible supply chain due diligence includes a policy that extends to ESG requirements. Under this step BR METALS PTE LTD strengthen ESG engagement with Precious Metals and Scrap suppliers and where possible, assist Precious Metals and Scrap supply counterparties build due diligence capacities, to include but not limited to use of mercury in Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), with the expectation that BR METALS PTE LTD assist in establishing processes to eliminate its use.
Step 2: BR METALS PTE LTD assesses the risk in the supply chain, this includes assessing the environmental policies and practices of the suppliers both in relation to ASM and large-scale mining (LSM).
Step 3: Once BR METALS PTE LTD have assessed the risks, BR METALS PTE LTD shall implement its management strategy to respond to identified ESG risks and shall provide evidence of the sustainability policy and its effect on any associated initiatives thought the supply chain.
3.16.2 Environment and Social Standards
Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts (BR METALS PTE LTD Environmental, social and governance policy)
BR METALS PTE LTD sets out the responsibilities for assessing, managing and monitoring environmental & social risks and impacts associated with each stage of supply, in order to achieve environmental and social outcomes consistent with its Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs).
Labour and Working Conditions (BR METALS PTE LTD Human rights policy)
BR METALS PTE LTD recognises the importance of employment creation and income generation in the pursuit of poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth. Suppliers can promote sound worker-management relationships and enhance the development benefits of a project by treating workers in the project fairly and providing safe and healthy working conditions.
Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management
BR METALS PTE LTD recognises that economic activity and urbanisation often generate pollution to air, water, and land, and consume finite resources that may threaten people, ecosystem services and the environment at the local, regional, and global levels. This ESS sets out the requirements to address resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management throughout the project life-cycle, through request of environmental policies and/or environmental certification from suppliers within its supply chain.
(BR METALS PTE LTD Environmental certification)
Community Health and Safety
BR METALS PTE LTD addresses the health, safety, and security risks and impacts on project-affected communities and the corresponding responsibility of suppliers to avoid or minimise such risks and impacts, with particular attention to people who, because of their particular circumstances, may be vulnerable.
Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement
Involuntary resettlement should be avoided. Where involuntary resettlement is unavoidable, it will be minimised and appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on displaced persons (and on host communities receiving displaced persons) will be carefully planned and implemented.
(BR METALS PTE LTD compliance and ethics policy)
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
BR METALS PTE LTD recognises that protecting and conserving biodiversity and sustainably managing living natural resources are fundamental to sustainable development and it recognises the importance of maintaining core ecological functions of habitats, including forests, and the biodiversity they support. ESS also addresses sustainable management of primary production and harvesting of living natural resources, and recognises the need to consider the livelihood of project-affected parties, including Indigenous Peoples, whose access to, or use of, biodiversity or living natural resources may be affected by a project.
Cultural Heritage
BR METALS PTE LTD recognises that cultural heritage provides continuity in tangible and intangible forms between the past, present and future. ESS sets out measures designed to protect cultural heritage throughout the project life-cycle.
Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure
BR METALS PTE LTD recognises the importance of open and transparent engagement between the supplier and stakeholders as an essential element of good international practice. Effective stakeholder engagement can improve the environmental and social sustainability of projects, enhance project acceptance, and make a significant contribution to successful project design and implementation.
