2011
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
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We have mechanisms in place to listen to and address
concerns from anyone who feels they have experienced
an infringement upon their human rights as a result of our
activities. The Ambatovy Grievance Management System
is available to any person, whether a community member,
employee, supplier or other stakeholder. Employees also
have several internal channels to ensure their concerns are
presented to management. We are committed to investigating
and taking necessary action in response to any violations of
human rights. Ultimately, we aim to prevent such violations
before they take place by informing our employees and key
stakeholders of our expectations of respect and integrity.
Human Rights Performance Goals
Respect human rights as well as cultures, customs and
values in dealings with employees and others who are
affected by our activities (ICMM principle 3).
Ensure suppliers are aware of and in compliance with the
ethical standards required by Ambatovy.
Increase awareness among our employees and local
communities of child sexual exploitation and our Zero
Tolerance Policy on this issue.
Respect the human rights of our employees through sound
policies on collective bargaining and non-discrimination,
practised through open communication.
Promote the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human
Rights.
2011 Results
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Respecting human rights is undertaken through a number
of channels in our business by our employees. We have
made important operational decisions in order to respect
the traditional beliefs and culture of communities around
our sites. For example, it was discovered that a cellular
tower at the mine site was on a sacred hill. As a result, we
removed the tower and facilitated a traditional ceremony to
bless the site.
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This year we held a conference to inform potential suppliers
on our requirements for goods and services, which includes
the Supplier Code of Conduct.
We also implemented the Ambatovy audit system to verify
that national suppliers were compliant with local labour
laws. Specific information on our performance can be found
in the Market Presence section.
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Ambatovy continued its rigorous Zero Tolerance campaign,
educating both local communities and its own employees.
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Progress was made on the collective bargaining agreement
in 2011. While we were not able to finalize all aspects, we
were able to complete and sign seven of the fifteen sections.
Specific information on our collective bargaining process can
be found in the Labour-Management Relations section.
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Ambatovy provided training to its own security personnel
on human rights related to security practices and we
support efforts to align nation-wide security to the Voluntary
Principles.
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Major challenges encountered
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Challenges en route to resolution
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Good progress made toward goal
Human Rights Performance
Our core values provide the basis of our approach respecting
human rights in the workplace. Our commitment to working
with integrity, transparency, respect and the highest ethical
standards provide the framework to ensure that Ambatovy
is an organization that respects human rights. We hold all
employees, regardless of their position, responsible for
respecting both fellow employees and the communities
around our operations.
We also expect that the companies with which we work will
maintain the same level of ethical behaviour. Our suppliers and
contractors are required to sign a Supplier Code of Conduct
and fulfill certain labour rights requirements if they wish to do
business with us. Our Supply Chain Department is responsible
for informing these companies and acquiring their signature.
Management Approach to Human Rights
