At Sterlite, we consider Vendors and Suppliers as business partners who play a crucial role in our journey of Sustainability. We believe that our growth depends on the strength of relationships built with business partners. Therefore, we make regular investments in forging long-term associations with our vendors. These partnerships are based on transparency, communication, trust and safety towards building sustainable growth.
Transparent Procurement Policy We have a standard procurement policy which is fair and we give preference to vendors and suppliers who conform to our requirements and parameters as set within the group’s HSE & HR policies.
Most of the supplies needed to operate the mines and smelters are secured through expression of interest (‘EOI’), a transparent procurement process giving ample opportunity to new participants and ensure that we are not materially dependent on any single vendor leading to increased risks.
Contractor Health and Safety We have no higher priority than the safety of our employees as well as contractors. To ensure the same we have safety experts carry out internal and external audits at all locations to suggest how technology, processes and behavioural safety can all be achieved amongst employees and contract labour on our sites.
Code of Conduct Our Code of Conduct also commits us to operating in compliance with all laws and regulations including the protection of all employees’ rights. Indeed, we practise zero tolerance of any violation of labour and human rights, and are in the process of developing a training programme on the subject. We are also currently introducing our Code of Conduct to suppliers on a phased basis. Our contract terms and conditions insist on compliance with respect to payment of minimum wages, the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, the Workmen’s Compensation Act and other relevant acts in India.
We strictly prohibit the use of child labour among our operations or those of our contractors. There were no instances of child labour during the year that came to the Group’s attention. We check the identification papers of our contractor employees which give their date of birth.
