Human Rights
One of Nordgold’s core values is an unwavering respect for human rights
We do not tolerate any violations of human rights, including discrimination, physical or psychological harassment, assault, or any form of child, forced, or compulsory labour.
Nordgold’s Human Rights Policy sets the standards of behaviour and human rights commitments for our people, as well as the contractors and suppliers we work with. The Policy ensures respect for human rights and promote productive, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with communities in the regions where Nordgold operates.
Nordgold complies with the laws of the countries where we operate and adheres to the principles of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Global Impact and the International Labour Organization.
Any suspected violation of human rights can be reported in confidence to Nordgold’s dedicated hotline, which is available to all employees, suppliers, contractors, business partners, and community members.
We continuously communicate with employees and have grievances protocols that are tailored to local customs and cultural sensitivities.
We support employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, with 96% of the Group’s employees covered by collective or sectoral level agreements.
Trainings
Nordgold provides trainings designed for different categories of employees and conducts human rights reviews and impact assessments to determine how the Group can continue to make improvements.Nordgold security personnel, including contractors, are regularly trained on Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR).
Online human rights training obligatory for security personnel, community relations employees in West Africa, head office senior management, and mine managers.
Zero-tolerance to modern slavery
Nordgold has a zero-tolerance policy (see 5th Year Anti-Slavery Statement) towards any form of modern slavery, and shares growing concerns expressed by society and regulators regarding human rights violations of this type in mining companies´ supply chains.
We are committed to acting ethically and transparently in all our business dealings, alongside implementing effective systems and controls to comprehensively safeguard against any form of modern slavery taking place within the business. Nordgold performs rigorous checks before and while working with suppliers and contractors. All of our suppliers must also undergo human rights impact assessments during their evaluations.
Ethical business conduct
Compliance with ethical rules and norms is priority for all employees, and a prerequisite for long-term and productive working relationships with stakeholders. We strictly adhere to the principles of honesty and openness, and carefully monitor the fulfilment of all our obligations to stakeholders.
Nordgold has adopted the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, and Suppliers Code of Conduct, and these reflect the values, principles, standards, and norms embraced by the Group.
The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been designed to endorse and promote Nordgold’s commitment to honest and ethical conduct and encourage compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations, to safeguard Nordgold’s legitimate business interests and to discourage wrongdoing. It also regulates various issues, including conflicts of interest, a non-discriminatory environment, and ensuring a safe workplace and fair dealing.
Nordgold maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards all types of corruption and fraud, including bribery and the abuse of power. We work to combat corruption and stringently comply with all legal requirements in the field of anti-corruption; for example, the UK Bribery Act, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and legislation aimed at combating corruption and bribery in the countries where we operate. We have built an effective anti-bribery and anticorruption management system. Responsibility for overseeing the system is assigned to the Audit Committee under the Board of Directors.
Nordgold’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy establishes general anti-corruption principles and requirements and regulates related employees’ activities. Nordgold has developed a mandatory online anti-corruption policy training course for all employees.
Nordgold’s partners are notified about the policy as well as the standards in place for combating corruption.
Nordgold identifies, analyses, and assesses corruption related risks, and all mines of the Group exposed to these risks undergo mandatory risk assessments. The Group scrutinises the history of counterparties before commencing any engagement, and in contracts a special ABC clause is inserted.