The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Employee Human Rights Policy
Human Rights and Security Policy
Community Policy
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
De Beers supports:
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights
at Work
The Kimberley Process
Diamond Development Initiative
World Bank Operational Directive on Involuntary
Resettlement
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Principles and the DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles
The BPPs and associated Assurance Programme were implemented across the
De Beers Family of Companies (FoC) in 2005. They extend to Sightholders and
contractors and promote legislative compliance across the value chain.
Implementation of the BPPs is third party audited by SGS. The Principles replace
the BPPs for the FoC in 2006/2007 and extend the depth/breadth of our
commitment to sustainability. They cover economic, ethics, employee, community
and environment issues identified by stakeholders as key areas of risk and
responsibility. The Principles were developed over 18 months through
engagement with 300 individuals 60 different stakeholder organisations. Further
information …
The Kimberley Process
De Beers continued to demonstrate its support for the multi-stakeholder
Kimberley Process (KP) to prevent conflict diamonds and plays an active role in
its review. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme now ensures that 99.8%
of world diamond flows are certified within this process. All De Beers diamonds
are KP compliant. Further information …
The Diamond Development Initiative
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
HR1, HR2, HR3, HR8, HR9, HR10, SO1, LA6, LA7,
LA8, LA9, LA10, MM7, MM8, MM11
Established in 2005 to ‘[address the] the political, social and economic challenges
facing the artisanal diamond mining sector in order to optimise the beneficial
development impact of artisanal diamond mining to miners and their communities
within the countries in which the diamonds are mined.’ The Initiative was
conceived by De Beers, Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada. A pilot
project was launched in Tanzania in 2006 to develop a ‘community diamond’
partnership that alleviates poverty and protects human rights amongst artisanal
diamond mining communities.’ Further information …
Health and safety – commitment to protecting workers lives
The FoC is currently implementing OHSAS 18001 across all its operations. Since
2005 more than nine of our 12 major certifiable operations have obtained the
OHSAS 18001 certification. All De Beers operations will be certified by the end of
2007. Further information …
Social investment, poverty alleviation and HIV/AIDS in the
community
In 2005 The De Beers Fund donated more than US$3.9million to poverty
alleviation, skills development and HIV/AIDS projects around our South African
operations. The FoC together donated approximately US$13.5 million to social
investment projects – accounting for more than 1% of our annual profit for the
same year. Debswana extended its HIV/AIDS programme to include employees,
life partners and the children of employees. Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 2: Businesses should make sure their own corporations are not complicit in human rights abuses
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Employee Human Rights Policy
Security Services and Human Rights Policy
Community Policy
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
De Beers supports:
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights
at Work
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
HR1, HR2, HR3, HR8, HR9, HR10, SO1, MM7, MM8,
MM11
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Human rights
Section 2.6 of the BPPs focuses on ‘Human Rights’. At the time of the first BPP
audit in 2005/6 an improvement opportunity was identified with respect to the
development of policies and procedures on human rights. Note: No
transgressions within the Group's activities of the principles embodied within the
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights were identified. This also covers
Kimberley Process compliance. Further information …
The Principles and associated policies make numerous commitments to support
human rights both within our own operations and in the communities that are our
neighbours:
Employee Human Rights Policy – In 2006 De Beers developed a human rights
policy to ensure the Family of Companies demonstrates its commitment to
internationally acceptable human rights standards in its employment practices at
all of its operations across the globe. This policy applies to employees at
throughout De Beers owned and managed operations. Further information …
Community Policy – The De Beers Community Policy was developed and
implemented in 2005. It obligates De Beers to respect the fundamental rights of
all peoples as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The policy
also requires De Beers to respect governance and a community's rights to free
and informed consultation prior to any significant operations that have substantial
impact on their interests. Further information …
Security Services and Human Rights Policy – De Beers currently reviews
performance and risk in this area through the BPP process. De Beers has
recently extended its commitment through the development of a separate policy
on security services and human rights; and is currently in the process of
implementing guidance and training materials for all operations. De Beers is also
appraising the US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
Further information …
Ethical procurement
The BPPs require the family of companies to demonstrate “best endeavours” with
respect to the ethical procurement of goods and services. We addressed this
requirement in 2006 by contacting all suppliers and advising them of the ethical
requirements that form part of our supplier selection process. All suppliers were
provided with a copy of the BPPs as a means of raising awareness and providing
support. Our message is that we will only procure third party goods and services
from ethical, honest, environmentally aware and sustainable partners. This
message is conveyed through a series of open days when we talk to suppliers
about issues such as the BPPs, HIV/AIDS, BEE and the environment. In 2007, we
aim to extend this commitment through the addition of specific requirements for
key and high risk suppliers. This will be coupled with an update to our terms and
conditions of contract to include additional clauses on bribery and corruption,
integrity, the declaration of gifts or non-acceptance of gifts, conflict of interest etc.
Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to
collective bargaining
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Freedom of association and collective bargaining
Employee Human Rights Policy
De Beers supports:
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Section 2.1 of the BPPs focuses on ‘Employment’ and specifically addresses the
issues of freedom of association and collective bargaining. At the time of the first
BPP audit in 2005/6 an improvement opportunity was identified with respect to the
development of policies and procedures on freedom of association and collective
bargaining. De Beers has since developed an Employee Human Rights Policy (as
above). Further information …
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights
at Work
Union membership at DBCM
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
ILO Convention No 87 on Freedom of Association and
Protection of the Right to Organise (1948)
ILO Convention No 98 on the Right to Organise and
Collective Bargaining Convention (1949)
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
HR5, LA3, LA4,LA5
All employees are free to join trade unions. 75% of semi-skilled employees are
members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). NUM is the largest union
representing mineworkers in South Africa. In 1985 DBCM entered into a
recognition agreement with the NUM, acknowledging NUM as the sole bargaining
agent with regard to collective bargaining on employment related issues including
wages and other conditions of employment for employees. Further information …
Consultation during organisational change
The time-delimited nature of mining means dismissal due to organisational
change may occur as a result of (a) restructuring or downscaling due to reduced
feasibility of the deposit or (b) closure of the business or mine. In such
circumstances De Beers consults extensively with employees or employee
representatives before embarking on any retrenchments. The purpose of
consultation is to engage in a ‘meaningful joint consensus-seeking process’. De
Beers also seeks to build the skills of employees and communities throughout the
mining process – thus creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods post
mining. Further information …
De Beers recently established an Integrated Stakeholder Engagement (ISE) Peer
Group to enable a consistent and integrated approach to stakeholder engagement
across the Family of Companies. The Peer Group will build on our already
comprehensive stakeholder engagement tools by developing and communicating
an integrated stakeholder engagement framework to different functions and
operations across the family of companies.
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 4: Businesses should uphold the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Forced and compulsory labour
Employee Human Rights Policy
Section 2.5 of the BPPs focuses on ‘Forced Labour’. At the time of the first BPP
audit in 2005/6 an improvement opportunity was identified with respect to the
development of policies and procedures on forced and compulsory labour. Note:
No incidents of forced or compulsory labour were recorded in 2005. Further
information …
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
De Beers supports:
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights
at Work
ILO Convention No 29 on Forced Labour (1930)
ILO Convention No 105 on the Abolition of Forced
Labour (1957)
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
HR7
This is also addressed in the Principles of the De Beers Family of Companies
Employee Human Rights Policy
De Beers has since developed a human rights policy for the Family of Companies
that acknowledges ‘employees will not be subjected to forced labour’. The policy
also acknowledges overtime to be voluntary to the national permitted level and
that employees have the right to freedom of movement. Further information …
Remuneration
All employees earned greater than the stipulated minimum wage in the countries
in which they worked. Wage settlement in South African operations is consistently
3% over inflation. Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 5: Businesses should uphold the effective abolition of child labour
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Child labour
Employee Human Rights Policy
Section 2.4 of the BPPs focuses on ‘Child Labour’. At the time of the first BPP
audit in 2005/6 an improvement opportunity was identified with respect to the
development of policies and procedures on child labour. These commitments are
monitored and audited by third party assessors. Note: No incidents of child labour
were recorded. Further information …
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
De Beers supports:
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights
at Work
ILO Convention No 138 on Minimum Age (1973)
ILO Convention No 182 on the Worst Forms of Child
Labour (1999)
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
HR6
This is also addressed in the Principles of the De Beers Family of Companies
Employee Human Rights Policy
De Beers has since developed a human rights policy for the Family of Companies
that explicitly prohibits child labour any child under the age of 16 from being
employed. The policy are requires that ‘No persons under the age of 18 will be
employed in roles that may be hazardous to their health, wellbeing or safety’.
Further information …
Child focused social investment projects
Through the De Beers Fund a number of projects have specifically supported the
protection of children’s rights to education and childhood. Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 6: Businesses should uphold the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Non-discrimination
Employee Human Rights Policy
Section 2.3 of the BPPs focuses on ‘Non-Discrimination and Disciplinary
Procedures’. At the time of the first BPP audit in 2005/6 an improvement
opportunity was identified with respect to the development of policies and
procedures on non-discrimination. Further information …
HIV/AIDS Policy
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
De Beers supports:
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights
at Work
ILO Convention No 100 on Equal Remuneration
(1951)
ILO Convention No 111 on Discrimination
(Employment and Occupation) (1950)
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
HR4, LA14, LA15
Employee Human Rights Policy
The human rights policy developed in 2006 requires there to ‘be no unfair
discrimination in employment on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political
opinion, gender orientation, national extraction or social origin’. It also guarantees
employees equal pay for work of equal value and requires the implementation of
procedures to (a) guide recruitment processes to ensure adherence to this policy
(b) allow employees to report any cases of unfair discrimination without fear of
redress and (c) ensure that service providers and diamond clients adhere to
similar non-discrimination practices. Further information …
Reducing stigma associated with HIV/AIDS
De Beers does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination against employees or
job applicants on any grounds, including HIV status. It will endeavour to protect all
HIV positive employees from stigmatisation and discrimination and will seek to
create a working environment conducive to the protection of HIV and AIDS
positive employees. Co-employees are expected to continue working
relationships with employees living with HIV and AIDS. A number of training and
awareness raising programmes are in place to help achieve this aim. De Beers
also is a member of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, and as such
promotes greater awareness about HIV/AIDS and working towards reducing the
stigma associated with the disease. Further information …
Black economic empowerment
De Beers has worked actively to encourage and foster black economic
empowerment even before propagation of the Mining Charter in 2002. Continued
transformation of the South African economy to one that empowers historically
disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) received significant attention at corporate
and operational level during 2005/6. De Beers has set internal targets covering all
elements of the charter and scorecard: ownership, management, employment
equity, skills development, procurement and corporate social investment. Our aim
for 2009 is to increase procurement from fully transformed BEE companies to
40% of our total procurement spend. This goes significantly beyond the Mining
Charter target of 30% for 2009. Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Risk assessments
Environment Policy
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
Current and emerging environmental risks are identified on a quarterly basis.
These traditionally include water and energy use, biodiversity management and
landscape restoration. Risks may differ for each operation depending on national
legislation and stakeholder concerns. Mitigation measures are in place at all
operations. The identification of risks is informed by our Principles and
Environmental Policy. Further information …
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
Environmental strategy
For all new projects, assessments are done to inform what risks are associated
with each project and ensure alternatives are investigated and residual impacts
can be mitigated. Further information …
ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems
Environmental Peer Group
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
1.2, 4.11
Environmental Peer Group
An environmental leadership team – the Environmental Peer Group – has been
established, comprising members from across the Family of Companies and
individuals with specific interests. The group sets the policy and strategic direction
for the Family of Companies, assesses performance against our Environment
Policy and develops guidelines and establishes initiatives to address key risks
and ensure knowledge-sharing, communication and reporting. Further information
…
Environmental strategy
Identification of risks from across the Family of Companies and benchmarking of
our environmental performance informed the development of our new
environmental strategy and identification of strategic initiatives relating to (a)
energy and climate change (b) water (c) biodiversity (d) lifecycle and closure
planning (e) materials and waste and (f) social interfaces (see Exploration
ECOHS Guidelines below). Three process initiatives were identified to drive
enhanced performance in these areas (a) integration within business functions (b)
performance reporting systems and (c) communications. Further information …
Identification of targets
Environment targets have been set for various aspects of environmental
management and performance against these targets is reported in the Report to
Stakeholders.
Exploration ECOHS Guidelines
One of our strategic initiatives is to establish guidelines to (a) raise awareness of
environmental, social, health and safety issues that arise during the exploration
process (b) provide practical guidance on how to manage these issues (d) to
provide clear expectations and ensure consistency in performance across
Exploration. 2005-2006 saw the completion of background review and pilot
project. Final guidelines will be published in 2007. Further information …
Exploration social and environmental baseline scans
Social and environmental baseline scans are now being conducted at the start of
the advanced exploration project phase to highlight potential social and
environmental risks that should be considered upfront in planning and
prospecting. An additional study was undertaken to identify the IUCN protection
status of land surrounding our exploration activities; and will be used to ensure we
account for this during the exploration process to minimise or avoid impacts in
such areas. Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 8: Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Environmental Management Systems
Environment Policy
Water Peer Group
92% of De Beers mining operations are certified to the ISO14001 standard i.e. all
of our mines except Williamson which expects to attain certification in 2007.
Exploration operations in the following countries have certification: India, Canada,
Brazil, South Africa as do our projects in Canada. Two new entities received
certification in 2005: DTC and Australia Exploration although the latter was
discontinued in 2006 because the facility is no longer owned. Further information
…
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
Section 3 of the BPPs focuses on ‘Environmental Responsibilities’.
Environmental strategy
Overview of environmental performance
Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit
Biodiversity – A strategic initiative is underway having as its primary focus the
development of effective guidelines, standards and best practice for the
integration of biodiversity aspects into existing environmental management
systems on operations across the De Beers family of Companies. A Peer Group
has been established to ensure the effective management of biodiversity aspects
including the identification of biodiversity risks and opportunities and the
development of toolkits for the implementation of biodiversity action plans.
ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems
Environmental Peer Group
Energy and Climate Peer Group
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
3.10, 4.14, EN1, EN2, EN3, EN4, EN5, EN6, EN9,
EN10, EN11, EN12, EN13, EN14, EN15, EN16,
EN17, EN18, EN19, EN20, EN21, EN22, EN23,
EN24, EN25, EN26, EN27, EN28, EN29, EN30,MM3,
MM5, MM6
De Beers also conducted a review of current mining license areas and their
proximity to UNEP-WCMC IUCN categorised protected areas. The results of this
review are being studied and recommendations formulated accordingly. De Beers
does in this regard take note of the undertaking given by ICMM that its members
will not operate in existing World Heritage Sites and that they will respect legally
designated protected areas.
De Beers is actively involved in a number of biodiversity and conservation
partnerships, including with South African National Parks, Peace Parks
Foundation and Birdlife South Africa. De Beers maintains close contact with the
South African offices of Conservation International on matters of mutual interest
as they exist in areas in which it operates. Further information …
Energy – a draft energy and climate policy was developed in 2005. De Beers is
also developing an energy strategy that will chart our future actions with respect
to sustained energy access and emissions reductions. Pilot projects have been
undertaken at a number of operations to enhance energy efficiency. De Beers is
also appraising the use of alternative fuels and carbon offset as future emissions
reduction options. Work will be facilitated through the energy and climate change
peer group. Further information …
Water – Technical water management peer groups exist within DBCM and
Debswana. Within DBCM, a water management framework is being developed
and includes elements on conservation and demand management, best practice
guidelines, performance management, communication and awareness. Further
information …
Stakeholder engagement processes
Stakeholder engagement on environmental issues is undertaken at all De Beers
operations as part of the ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems. In
2005 De Beers Marine completed an extensive exercise with key stakeholders
including the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ministry of Environment
and Tourism, Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Namibian Rock Lobster
Association. Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 9: Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Web-based performance reporting system
Environment Policy
In 2005, De Beers initiated a project to develop an electronic Environmental
Performance Reporting Application. The web-based application will enhance data
capture, analysis, decision making and reporting of performance across the FoC.
Further information …
ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems
Environmental Peer Group
Energy and Climate Peer Group
Annual Environment Conference
Water Peer Group
The 2nd Annual De Beers Environment Conference was held in August 2005 for
environmental practitioners from across the FoC to (a) share experiences and
best practices (b) encourage inter-disciplinary interaction and (c) stimulate
improved environmental performance. Our 3rd conference took place in early
September 2006 and addressed the theme of "Green is a Business Colour" in
order to show the environment as a core part of our business. More than 90
environmental personnel were in attendance. Further information …
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
Environmental strategy
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
EN7, EN8, MM6
Present and review scientific research
De Beers continues to attend and sponsor scientific research:
DBMN’s Environmental Section attended the 12th Southern African Marine
Science Symposium in South Africa during the first week in July. DBMN also
hosted a Scientific Workshop in Windhoek in September 2005 on the impact of
dredging.
De Beers also supports natural sciences research with universities including the
University of Cape Town, University of Namibia and Oxford University. Further
information …
Technology to address hazardous substances
A number of initiatives are currently ongoing within Exploration to replace
hazardous substances used in the sample treatment process with safer
alternatives:

Replacement of bromoform with LST in heavy mineral separation. This was
implemented in our Australia laboratories, is in place in Canada and
currently being implemented in South Africa.

Eucalyptus oil replaced trichloroethylene to clean slides during grain
mounting.

Hazardous chemical substances been significantly reduced in the Centre for
Micro-diamond Recovery (CMR) treatment process.
Further information …
Eco-design criteria
The design for a new Centre for Micro-diamond Recovery incorporates ecodesign criteria and eco-technologies to enhance resource use efficiencies and
reduce pollution.
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40
The De Beers family of companies continues to support and publicly endorse the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
02/07
Principle 10: Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery
Policies, Systems and Commitments
Progress outlined in the Report to Stakeholders 2005/6
Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles
Our Principles include a number of statements relating to anti-corruption, antimoney laundering and other financial offences. In addition …
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Anti-Corruption Policy
Anti-Money Laundering Policy
Political Donations Policy
DTC Diamond Best Practice Principles (BPPs)
De Beers supports:
Partnering Against Corruption Initiative of the World
Economic Forum
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
Relevant GRI G3 indicators
SO2, SO3, SO4, SO5, SO6
Anti-corruption
De Beers signed up to the Partnering Against Corruption Initiative of the World
Economic Forum and implemented an anti-corruption policy. A commitment to
anti-corruption is also identified in the Principles. De Beers is currently developing
scenario-based guidance materials on how to implement the Principles and our
draft policy. Further information …
Anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing
De Beers implemented a new anti-money laundering policy in 2006.
Implementation of this policy will be monitored by internal audit with an annual
report provided to the Audit Committee for review alongside other Principles
subject to such monitoring. Further information …
Taxes to government and economic contributions
In 2005, the family of companies paid a total of US$1.7 billion in taxes and
royalties to governments. This included US$254 million in payroll taxes. Almost
92% of the total payment was made in Africa, reflecting the location and
productive contribution of our operating companies. Further information …
De Beers does not make political donations to individuals but may provide
legitimate support for the democratic process in emerging democracies in Africa,
guided by policy criteria that allow exceptional donations to eligible registered
political parties that further democracy and require the disclosure of such
payments. Further information …
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) aims to ensure that the
revenues from extractive industries contribute to sustainable development and
poverty reduction. De Beers publicly endorsed the EITI at the WSSD in 2002.
Further information …
Whistle-blowing
Our ethics hotline is a confidential voice message system run by the security
department and has been communicated to all employees and contractors.
Provision of this service will be outsourced in 2007 to allow for enhanced levels of
confidentiality and independence. The outsource partner will report back through
the audit committee.
The ethics hotline allows our employees, customer, suppliers, contractors and
business partners to confidentially raise concerns regarding conduct contrary to
our company values. We commit to investigating all reports to the ethics hotline.
Further information …
Case studies
Case studies on our economic, ethics, employee, community and environmental
performance
Note: Online version will include hyperlinks
Page 5 of 9
Reference: DeBeers_UNGC_COP_V40