Responsible Jewellery Council certifies Alrosa’s mining and business practices

The Udachny diamond mine in Udachny, Sakha Republic, Russia, November 18, 2013. Photo by Alrosa.

The Responsible Jewellery Council announced that, following a comprehensive audit of its operations and business practices, Russian diamond producer Alrosa (MCX:ALRS) has been certified as one of its members.

The RJC visited Alrosa’s main production sites Mirny, Aikhal and Udachny, as well as the company’s subsidiaries Alrosa-Nyurba, Almazy Anabara and Severalmaz, diamond sorting centers in Mirny and Arkhangelsk. The visits were part of a months-long sustainability audit that looked into the world’s top diamond producer’s social responsibility, environmental protection, and ethical principles of business, including fight against corruption, respect for human rights, and ensuring decent working conditions.

Once the RJC was certain that the miner’s practices were in compliance with the organization’s 2013 Code of Practices, it issued the certification.

“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,” said Andrew Bone, the Council’s Executive Director, in a press release.

The RJC is an international not-for-profit standards-setting and certification organization that, according to its website, was established to instill a responsible worldwide supply chain that promotes trust in the global fine jewelry and watch industry.

The goal of the RJC certification, the site explains, is to provide companies engaged in the diamond, gold, and platinum group metals supply chain with the means to demonstrate their commitment to ethical behavior and responsible business practices.