ISSUE 46 | VOL 17 | 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Vedanta NewsdeskCOMMITMENT TO SAFETY COVID UPDATES VEDANTA & THE WORLD

VEDANTA IN NEWS

VEDANTA & THE WORLD

Metals and mining magnate Anil Agarwal on Friday announced teaming up with London-based firm Centricus to create a USD 10-billion fund that will invest in stake sale of public sector undertakings. Agarwal, who is the executive chairman of Vedanta Resources said in a tweet, “Teamed up with London-based firm Centricus to create a USD 10-billion fund that will invest in stake sale of public sector companies. We are excited with the Union Budget’s strong focus on disinvestment and would like to participate in the exercise.” (Financial Express)

BHP has pulled ahead of Royal Dutch Shell to become the UK’s biggest company by market value, underscoring the contrasting fortunes of the mining and oil industries during the pandemic. The miner’s stock price has surged 120 per cent from its March lows, driven by booming Chinese demand for the company’s most important commodity, iron ore. Its shares are up 25 per cent from a year ago and BHP’s market capitalization now stands at £120bn, according to data from Refinitiv. (Financial Times)

Royal Dutch Shell said its oil production and total carbon emissions related to its business had peaked as it outlined more ambitious climate targets in a bid to become a net-zero company by 2050. Oil output will fall by up to 2 per cent a year, with petrol and diesel production set to be 55 per cent lower by 2030, the energy major said in a strategy update published on Thursday. (Financial Times)

Saudi Aramco is preparing a financing package of up to $10 billion that it could offer to buyers of its pipeline business unit, three sources said, as the oil giant seeks to extract value from its assets in an era of lower oil prices. Aramco is in talks with banks to provide “staple financing”, which is a financing package provided by the seller that buyers can use to back their purchase. International investors including BlackRock, KKR and Brookfield Asset Management, which could invest in the pipeline business, are also in talks with lenders on possible financing, said the sources, speaking anonymously because the talks are private. (Bloomberg)

Australia faces a growing fuel security problem following ExxonMobil’s decision to close an oil refinery in Melbourne, which leaves the country reliant on just two domestic fuel plants, experts have warned. Exxon said the Altona refinery was no longer “economically viable”. The US oil major’s decision came four months after BP announced it would shut its Kwinana facility in Western Australia. (Financial Times)

Russia’s biggest gold producer will power its two biggest mines using hydropower, in a major step towards efforts by private businesses to reduce emissions across the country’s vast industrial sector. Polyus said on Thursday it had signed an agreement with hydropower producer RusHydro to supply its Olimpiada and Blagodatnoye mines, which are at present powered by coal-fuelled plants. It said the move would mean 90 per cent of its gold production would be powered by renewable energy and would reduce its company-wide greenhouse gas emissions by a third. (Financial Times)

As a key input for engineering and construction, it is the world’s most commonly used metal, providing the foundations of the modern industrial economy. But just as the oil and coal sectors have faced intense pressure in recent years, steel’s role in the climate crisis is now under much closer scrutiny. From the American rustbelt to China’s manufacturing heartlands, the dominant way of smelting iron pumps into the atmosphere huge quantities of carbon dioxide, the main contributor to man-made global warming. (Financial Times)

UNITED AGAINST COVID-19

Meals for All’ Program More than 11.46 lakh meals distributed to daily wage earners across the country in phase 1 and 2. More than 49,626 dry ration packets to the local communities. More than 12.70 lakh feedings to stray animals in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Pune.

Preventive Healthcare Distributed more than 4.54 lakh masks across communities. Provided more than 26,000 surgical masks and more than 75,000 surgical gloves to district hospitals across the country. Vedanta has joined hands with the Ministry of Textiles to import 23 machines for indigenously personal protective equipment (PPEs). Also, Vedanta distributed more than 1,03,777 units of soaps and sanitizers across communities.

Employee Safety & Welfare Vedanta, in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals, has established a 24x7 general helpline for the employees to ensure timely healthcare advice during the pandemic. The services are open for all employees and their families. To avail the free-of-cost healthcare support facility, call 18605003475.

VEDANTA’S CALL OF DUTY

Reward and Recognition program

Deworming campaign

Basant Panchami

NAND GHAR

Nand Ghar rewarding the AWWs for their seamless delivery and support: To acknowledge the tireless efforts and the contributions of the AWWs for the delivery of services like health, education, nutrition and Poshan Vatika development, a reward and recognition program was held at Sirhira 1 Nand Ghar in Sewapuri Block (Country's First Model Block), Varanasi, UP. 30 AWWs were rewarded for their contribution. The program was graced by Mrs. Sushma Singh, CDPO Sewapuri, Mrs. Mina Tiwari, District president, Mahila Morcha as the Chief Guest, Mrs. Seema Ojha, Vice President, Mahila Morcha and the supervisors from ICDS. Nand Ghar continues to be a movement for change, prosperity, and community service.

Nand Ghar mobilizing Deworming Campaign for Children in Odisha: To ensure a healthier environment and a better life for children Nand Ghar has initiated a deworming campaign in Odisha to ensure that all Nand Ghar children are fed the deworming tablets . Deworming is believed to improve the child’s health by allowing them to absorb the necessary nutrients that the body requires, therefore helping the child in combating malnutrition also in gaining healthy weight. Nand Ghar's partnership with the government system has enabled a better reach of such services to all the beneficiaries.

Basant Panchami celebrations across Nand Ghar: Basant Panchami was celebrated across the Nand Ghars wherein the community members were engaged in performing symbolic rituals at the centres and welcomed the new season with hope and positivity. The day is also significant for Vidhya Arambha or the ritual of introducing young children to the world of books and learning, marking it to be pertinent for Nand Ghar and its children.

BU UPDATES

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

ALUMINIUM BUSINESS (SECTOR)

JHARSUGUDA

Vedanta Jharsuguda’s HSE team organized Road safety signage Campaign: As a part of the ongoing 32nd road safety month celebration, Jharsuguda’s HSE team organized a safety signage campaign around plant and township. More than 50 employees of the partner companies participated in the campaign amplifying the awareness on Road Safety.

Vedanta Jharsuguda supported District Health Administration in Filariasis Elimination Awareness campaign: Recently, Vedanta Jharsuguda extended its support to the District Health Administration (DHA) in Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Awareness campaign at Jharsuguda. Team CSR conducted a Rath Yatra for Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Awareness from 9th - 13th February 2021 covering 80 villages of the district which was flagged off by Dr. Lal Mohan Routray, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), in the presence of other government officials. Also, information materials were distributed, and visual aids were put up at prominent locations across the district for greater awareness and information retention among the community. DHA’s Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme was also implemented at township to ensure the administration of drugs to employees and families.

BALCO

BALCO organized Nukkad Natak as a part of ongoing 32nd Road Safety awareness campaign: Nukkad Natak on Road safety was organised by BALCO Traffic wing. The play featured vehicle reversal hazards and safe practices, importance of fastening seat belt, risks of parking vehicle on road etc. The program culminated with road safety quiz and felicitation of winners.

TSPL

Safety Stand down Internal Communication on Road Safety Awareness: As a part of road safety campaign-safety stand down was conducted at TSPL. Leaders emphasized the Importance of road safety, Do’s, and Don’ts of road safety. Ready reckoner on safe driving tips in vernacular and english was distributed to all employees at shop floor.

LANJIGARH

Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh conducts various activities to celebrate Road Safety Month: Multiple competitions and awareness sessions were organized during the entire Road Safety Month by Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh. The activities included Fastest Fingers First, Kaun Banega Road Safety Champion, Spot Quiz, Poster-making Competition, Ideathon and Slogan-writing Competition. A skit on Road Safety will be conducted soon, marking this Road Safety Month, a successful awareness campaign.

National De-worming Day observed by the Nand Ghar Team of Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh: 10th February 2021 was observed as the National De-worming Day wherein the Nand Ghar Team played an important role while de-worming kids in 50 approximately Nand Ghars across Kalahandi and Rayagada. The team also made the beneficiaries aware about the benefits of de-worming as well as provided distribution and channeling support to the FLWs.

HINDUSTAN ZINC LIMITED

CSC’s Gandhigiri for Road Safety initiative: Chanderiya Smelting Complex’s team held a unique initiative under the Road Safety Month. The team spread awareness on road safety by stopping and distributing chocolates to on-going vehicles, reminding them about the importance of wearing helmet and fastening seat-belt while travelling.

Zinc Football’s exposure visit to Goa: The Zinc Football team members were on an exposure visit to Goa, where they faced Sesa Goa Academy and FC Goa Academy in two friendly games. In two thrilling encounters, the ZFA boys won one, and lost one. “Such exposure trips are essential and add great value to the mentality of the boys”, tweeted Mr Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc.

Vedanta Jharsuguda records triple win at Annual Greentech Awards, 2020: Vedanta Jharsuguda bagged three prestigious awards at Annual Greentech awards ceremony:

Annual Greentech Safety Award 2020 for ‘Industry Sector Safety Excellence’ category

20 Annual Greentech Sustainability Award 2020 for ‘Good Health and Well Being’ and

Greentech Corona Warrior Award 2020 for ‘Corona Protection Initiatives’ category

The triple win stands testimony to Team HSE’s best practices and standards in-line with our Honourable Chairman’s vision to build a responsible and sustainable business that is strongly founded in Zero Harm.

BALCO wins the prestigious ‘Golden Peacock Award for Sustainability 2020’ : Golden Peacock Awards is instituted by the Institute of Directors (IOD). The award was received by Mr. Abhijit Pati, CEO & Director, BALCO in a virtual ceremony held on 10th February 2021. This award bears the testimony of BALCO’s continuous endeavour towards the concept of sustainable manufacturing by focusing on economic, environmental, and social aspects of metal manufacturing activities. BALCO’s sustainability strategy is focused on evolving production processes to become more efficient with increased use of green and clean technologies.

Hindustan Zinc scores ‘A-‘ in CDP's Supplier Engagement Rating - After making it to the coveted CDP ‘A List’ for efforts to tackle climate change, Hindustan Zinc has also been rated ‘A-‘ in Supplier Engagement Rating. The Supplier Engagement Ratings provides a rating for how effectively companies are engaging their suppliers on climate change. The SER assesses performance on governance, targets, scope 3 emissions, and value chain engagement in the CDP climate change questionnaire.

VGCB Bags Greentech Safety And Environment Awards; Vizag General Cargo Berth (VGCB) has been awarded for outstanding achievement under the category of Safety excellence and Pollution control measures in port sector at the 19th Greentech Award Summit 2020, held at Mahabalipuram on 11th and 12th February 2021. The award is a testimony of the outstanding initiatives and best practices adopted at VGCB. This award will act as a motivator for the team to continue to innovate and achieve great heights.

Winners of Greentech HR Excellence Awards 2020: Vedanta Sesa Goa has been declared the Winner in the Greentech HR Excellence Awards 2020 in two categories namely “Outstanding achievements in Employee Engagement” and in “Technology Excellence” on 11th of February 2021 in Chennai. The Award is a testimony of our thrust for excellence in our People practices and reinforcing Vedanta’s firm belief in Human capital being the most important asset that drives Business results. The award is also a reflection of our EVP of Freedom to Learn and grow, Freedom to Innovate & maximize potential, Freedom to have enriched quality of life and Freedom to be rewarded and recognized.

Vedanta Jharsuguda HSE team organized Road Safety Signage Campaign

Vedanta Jharsuguda hosted Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO, Aluminium & Power & MD, Commercial and Mr. Rahul

Sharma, Dy. CEO, Aluminium Business

Nukkad Natak on Road Safety awareness at BALCO

Safety Stand down at TSPL

Vedanta Lanjigarh conducts various activities to celebrate Road Safety Month

National De-worming Day observed at Nand Ghar, Lanjigarh

CSC Road Safety Initiative

ZFA team's Sesa Football Academy Exposure tour

Vedanta Jharsuguda records triple win at Annual Greentech Awards, 2020

BALCO wins Golden Peacock award

VGCB Bags Greentech Safety And Environment Awards

Winners of Greentech HR Excellence Awards 2020

BALCO wins Golden Peacock award

Vedanta Jharsuguda supported District Health Administration in Filariasis Elimination Awareness

campaign

COVID UPDATES

NEWS ON INDIAN PEERS

At least 18-19 coronavirus vaccine candidates are in the pipeline and will be available for use in India in coming few months, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday. While India is currently vaccinating healthcare workers and frontline workers against covid-19, the union health minister said that the government will be in a situation to administer vaccines to those above 50 years of age in March in the next phase of country’s nationwide covid-19 vaccination drive that kicked off on January 16.

As cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) witnessed a fresh surge in Mumbai and Maharashtra, city mayor Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday urged people to take precautions and warned there would have to be another lockdown. Whether another lockdown would be implemented or not, Pednekar said, is in people’s hands.

As an endorsement of the Group’s strong commitment to Environment, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) practices, Vedanta Limited has been included in The Sustainability Yearbook 2021 by S&P Global. Vedanta has been featured under two categories, “SAM Industry Movers” and “Sustainability Yearbook Member”. Vedanta’s subsidiary Hindustan Zinc has also found a place in this year’s edition.

The Sustainability Yearbook By S&P Global is one of the world's most comprehensive publications that provides in-depth analysis on corporate responsibility. The Sustainability Yearbook considered over 7000 companies from 61 different industries this year, and Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc were ranked among 630 sustainability leaders who were selected after a rigorous process of assessments and ratings based on S&P Global ESG Scores.

ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, has named Aditya Mittal as its new chief executive officer and resumed payment of dividends as the company turned profitable on the back of surging demand for steel and increase in prices. The company had halted dividend pay-outs amid a demand slowdown last year. In a planned transition, Aditya Mittal, currently the president and chief executive officer of ArcelorMittal Europe, will become the CEO of the company and Lakshmi N Mittal, who founded the company in1976, will become the executive chairman. (Economic Times)

The JSW Group will be investing around Rs 700 crore to enter the ecommerce business by scaling up its JSW One initiative as a tech-based solutions platform for its customers, an industry source in the know said. As an ecommerce player, the JSW Group which is into businesses such as paints, steel and cement will service the needs of both business customers and consumers. “Though the penetration of ecommerce in the home building segment is still in its nascent stage, it shows high growth potential. The JSW Group intends to play a significant role in this segment,” the source said on Wednesday. (Economic Times)

Hindalco Industries on Wednesday reported a 76.74% growth in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 1,877 crore during the quarter ending December 31, 2020, compared with the same quarter of the previous financial year, mainly driven by strong performance by Novelis and the India aluminium business. (Financial Express)

Taking a leaf out of Reliance Industries Ltd.'s playbook, state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation is forming a new subsidiary for gas business that could be used to bid and buy gas from the firm's own fields. The board of ONGC at its meeting on Feb. 13 approved creation of a new wholly owned subsidiary company for gas and liquefied natural gas business value chain subject to necessary approvals. (BloombergQuint)

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) on Wednesday said it would buy out Oman Oil Company’s stake in the Bina refinery project for Rs 2,400 crore. BPCL holds 63.68 per cent stake in Bharat Oman Refineries (BORL), which built and operates the 7.8-million- tonne oil refinery at Bina in Madhya Pradesh. (Business Standard)

Coal India’s (CIL’s) net profit declined 21.4 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3,084.10 crore in the third quarter ended December. For the nine months of the current financial year, CIL’s net profit fell 32.3 per cent to Rs 8,113 crore. The national coal miner reported 2 per cent increase in revenue at Rs 23,686 crore in the third quarter against Rs 23,190.5 crore during the same period a year ago (Business Standard)

Vedanta is committed to health, safety, and the environment as an integral part of the business. The health and safety of the employees is paramount across all operations with the overarching goal that each and every employee returns home safely at the end of the day. Vedanta is guided by the philosophy of 'Zero Harm, Zero Waste, Zero Discharge’. The company strives to achieve Zero Harm to employees and this extends to the communities as well who live around the plants.

INDIA’S FIRST UNDERGROUND FIRST AID & AMBULANCE CENTREIn line with Vedanta Group’s firm commitment to safety, Hindustan Zinc’s Rampura Agucha Mine has developed the country’s first-ever underground First Aid & Ambulance centre. The underground first aid station and ambulance centre are equipped with fresh airbase dedicated for the underground mine, where a rescue team along with a medical practitioner are stationed under the charge of a qualified Medical Professional & Rescue Head.

This one-of-its-kind below-the-ground rescue and aid system in the country will be functional 24 hours at the underground station along with its dedicated rescue and paramedical team. The underground mine station will have a dedicated emergency vehicle equipped with AED, ECG and Reviving Apparatus. There will be an Air-Conditioned facility armed with portable Oxygen Cylinders & Saline bottles, BP Monitoring Instrument, Dehydration measuring instrument & Pulse oximeter which can be used in case of any emergency.

THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS Dedicated rescue and paramedical staff deployed 24 hours at the underground centre. Dedicated emergency vehicle (Underground capable ambulance) equipped with AED, ECG and Reviving Apparatus. Resting facility for any person feeling sick in underground at the ambulance & first aid station which is equipped with Air Conditioner, Oxygen Cylinders (Portable) & Saline bottles. BP Monitoring Instrument, Dehydration measuring instrument & Pulse oximeter are available.

THE PURPOSE To enhance the response time by the Rescue Team to attend to any emergency at the underground mine. To bring a sense of security among the employees working in underground mine. To develop the underground First Aid & Rescue Training centre. Every emergency or medical case will be monitored resulting in better analysis about the type of medical cases with respect to the location.

DEMONSTRATING GREATER COMMITMENT TOWARDS SAFETY & RESCUE Development as an underground training centre for Safety Standards & First Aid knowledge enhancement. Underground rescue station where all the emergency equipment will be kept.

HZL GOES ONE STEP DEEPERAccording to Mine Rule 1955, Chapter VI (Rule 43) every mine has to maintain a first aid room equipped with all first aid materials & emergency vehicle but at the surface. Also, as per Mine Rescue Rule 1985 (Rule 27), in case of any emergency there has to be a rescue team with a paramedical staff at the Fresh Air Base established for Rescue Team for dealing with an emergency.

HZL already has a first aid station at the surface level which is compliant with this rule. But the company has now taken a step forward by deploying an underground First Aid & Ambulance centre as well. This underground centre and ambulance will expedite response time of the Rescue Team to attend to any emergency with a quick turnaround time.

NAVIN AGARWAL

SUNIL DUGGAL

ARUN MISRA

There is no compromise when it comes to safety of our employees. Innovative solutions can go a long way in adopting safe practices. An incredible feat achieved by Hindustan Zinc.

- Navin Agarwal, Vice Chairman, Vedanta

“It’s a matter of great pride that Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc have been included in The Sustainability Yearbook 2021. At the Vedanta Group, all our actions are guided by the philosophy of “Zero Harm, Zero Waste, Zero Discharge”. We are committed to doing business in the most sustainable way and it is wonderful that our efforts are being recognised globally.”

- Sunil Duggal, Group CEO & Chief Safety Officer, Vedanta

“We congratulate Vedanta Ltd and Hindustan Zinc for achieving a place in The Sustainability Yearbook 2021, which showcases the best performing companies among industry peers and in terms of financially material ESG metrics. With over 7,000 companies assessed, an inclusion in the yearbook is a true statement of corporate sustainability excellence.”

- Manjit Jus, Global Head of ESG Research, S&P Global

“We believe that a sustainability driven approach is integral to be a responsible organisation. This recognition reflects our culture, both in our thinking as well as working, where each one of us relentlessly strives for innovation in our operations to drive business efficiency while adopting sustainable solutions for a greener future.”

- Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc.

DOING BUSINESS IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY

TRUE TESTAMENT OF CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY & EXCELLENCE

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

“Developing disruptive and innovative solutions are the hallmark of Team Vedanta. The team at Hindustan Zinc is leading the charge in safety with India's first underground 24-hour ambulance & safety service at our Rampura Agucha mine,180m below the earth. A testament to our commitment to go the last mile to ensure the safety of our employees.”

- Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta

VEDANTA RECOGNISED THE SUSTAINABILITY YEARBOOK

PM SALUTES WEALTH CREATORS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made a strong pitch for a bigger role for the private sector in the economy, saying that slandering private enterprise was tantamount to distrusting the potential of youth and suspecting their intent. “Wealth creators are also important for the country, only then wealth can be distributed. How can wealth reach the poor, how can jobs be created,” the PM asked. (Times of India)

INSTITUTE A SELF-CERTIFICATION REGIME

Collaborative efforts of private sector, MSMEs, start-ups is crucial to drive economic growth. Government should institute self-certification for approvals and clearances boosting production by 50 per cent on existing units without compromising any rules. It is assuring to see Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s confidence in private sector and together we will build an #AatmanirbharBharat and achieve our goal of a USD #5TrillionEconomy.

-Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta

ANIL AGARWAL

Sustainability Yearbook 2021 - HZL member

Vedanta-Featured---2021-Sustainability- Yearbook (002)

RAM UG Mine First Aid Station

SAFETY FIRST