Diamond mining giant Alrosa is the latest company to become a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).
More than 800 companies representing various sectors of the diamond industry have received RJC certification, including De Beers, Dominion Diamond Corp., Rio Tinto, and Lucara Diamond.
“Consumers around the world are giving great importance to the origin of diamonds in jewellery,” said Alrosa VP, Andrey Polyakov.
“We believe it is important to demonstrate to the consumer that diamond mining is a socially responsible business that creates jobs, supports local communities, and cares about the environment. Alrosa has always adhered to high standards of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and is ready to prove it in the audit process.”
RJC members undergo an independent audit, covering not only standard finance and legal-compliance issues, but also ethical business aspects, such as anti-corruption measures, human rights, decent labour conditions, social responsibility programs, and protection of the environment.
“We are pleased to welcome Alrosa to the RJC and delighted to see the enthusiasm of the company to demonstrate its business transparency and its compliance with international best practices,” said RJC executive director, Andrew Bone.
“RJC membership, and the resulting certification of Alrosa against the RJC code of practices, is further recognition of the diamond industry’s efforts to adhere to the highest standards of responsible business.”
According to a press release, Alrosa shareholders approved RJC Membership at the company’s recent annual general meeting (AGM). In accordance with the procedure, Alrosa will undergo an independent audit of its business operation to obtain RJC certification within two years.
