Code of Business Ethics and Code of Conduct for Suppliers 

GoldenAge believes that outstanding business performance must be supported by the highest standards of corporate behaviour towards our employees, customers and other stakeholders. This document sets out the basic principles of what Suppliers to GoldenAge can expect from GoldenAge and also sets out the requirements which must be met by Suppliers, contractors and their subcontractors when dealing or having business relationships with GoldenAge. Our management team will lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to this Code of Conduct at all times. 

GoldenAge complies with the standards of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). 

GoldenAge is committed to aligning its practices with the RJC Code of Practice. These addresses human rights, labour rights, environmental impacts, product disclosure and many more topics in the precious metal and jewellery supply chain. GoldenAge is also committed to responsible sourcing and supply chain due diligence. 

GoldenAge endeavours to work together with the co-operation of our Suppliers, material vendors, and anyone else who may provide a product or service to GoldenAge, based on mutual trust and respect. 

 GoldenAge is committed to: 

• being a reliable business partner 
  
• treating Suppliers fairly and with consistency 
  
• selecting Suppliers based on their own merits including their products, services and business practices. Competitive bidding processes and evaluations based on defined objective criteria drives the decision-making process. 
  
• respecting clear and mutually agreed commercial terms and conditions 
  
• taking a clear stand on working conditions 
  
• respecting different cultures 
  
• non-discrimination 
  
• respecting human rights, in line with the GoldenAge Human Rights Policy, and treating the workforce fairly and according to applicable laws and principles as set out in section 2 of this Code of Conduct 
  
• its responsibility towards the environment 
  
• monitoring and enforcement of compliance by Suppliers with this Code of Conduct through audits conducted by itself or by an independent third-party organisation on behalf of GoldenAge. Results of such audits shall be provided to the Supplier. 
  

Where any violations of the law or basic international principles related to labour standards, environmental protection or ethical business practices and this Code of Conduct arise, GoldenAge will take steps to terminate the applicable business relationship.  

Expectations from Suppliers 

The minimum standards expected of our Suppliers is set out in this Code of Conduct. GoldenAge expects its Supplies to adhere to the relevant rules, laws and regulations which apply to their respective businesses and endeavour to exceed both international best practices and best practices in the previous metals industry. GoldenAge Suppliers are required to adhere to the following and take full responsibility for the Supplier’s deliveries and those of its sub-contractors:  

The Supplier is committed to: 

• complying fully with: 
  
• all national laws and regulations which apply in the country in which the Supplier is headquartered and any production sites (including any of those of its own sub-contractors/suppliers or partners); 
  
• all national and international laws which restrict and/or prohibit hazardous substances in countries where Supplier is based; and 
  
• any GoldenAge policies or regulations which apply and to which the Supplier has agreed to or which are communicated to and agreed upon between GoldenAge and the Supplier at any time. 
  

Countering bribery and corruption 

• GoldenAge will not tolerate bribery, facilitation payments or money laundering and will abstain from any business related to terrorist or armed activity. No form of corruption or bribery, or other illegal practices will be tolerated in the implementation of a business relationship. 
  
• Respecting fundamental human rights and treating the work force fairly and with respect based on the following principles: 
  

Human rights are respected 

Fundamental human rights are respected in pursuing business activities and relationships.  

No forced labour 

There will be no forced labour, including bonded or involuntary prison labour. There will be no payments or benefits withheld or identity documents retained or other personal effects of value. Work will be by way of a recognised employment relationship established in accordance with national law and shall be voluntary. All employment contracts will be in written form, understandable and legally binding and a copy provided to all workers.  

No child labour 

No children younger than 15 years or below the legal national minimum age (if above 15) shall be employed or made to work. In some countries the legal national minimum age may be 14 years particularly where ILO developing country exceptions apply. Young employees or children between the applicable minimum age and 18 years shall not be employed at night, or in conditions which may compromise their health and safety or moral integrity or which may harm their physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.    

No discrimination or harassment 

Ensuring that the workplace is free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation, vilification, or other objectionable conduct of any kind. All employees, customers, clients, or other persons at the workplace will be based solely on merit and genuine occupational requirements. Discrimination, harassment, victimisation, vilification, or other objectionable conduct based on the following attributes will not be tolerated:  

• sex 
• marital status 
• pregnancy or potential pregnancy 
• parental status including family responsibilities 
• race, ethics, background, nationality, and social origin 
• religion 
• political belief or activity 
• trade union activity/inactivity 
• lawful sexual activity including sexuality or sexual preference 
• sexual orientation 
• irrelevant criminal record 
• disability or impairment 
• age 
• relationship with or relation to, a person with any of the above attributes. 

Humane treatment 
Ensuring there is no harsh or inhumane treatment of any other forms of intimidation of workers.  

Working hours are not extensive 
Respective national laws govern the maximum applicable allowable working hours in a week. Any overtime worked is to be voluntary and compensated for and not demanded on a regular basis.  

Fair compensation 
All employees are to be paid regularly and in a timely manner with the wage based on the higher of either the applicable legal minimum wage plus associated statutory benefits, or the applicable industry standards. All payments must be document accordingly.  

Collective bargaining and freedom of association 
All employees may engage in collective bargaining and be able to associate freely. Where these freedoms are prohibited by law, GoldenAge will support similar means for independent and free association and bargaining.  

Health and safety 
GoldenAge and any supply chain organisations must provide a safe and healthy working environment and conditions for all employees including, but not limited to protection against accidents, toxic substances and fire and otherwise in accordance with any applicable laws or relevant industry or building standards and regulations.  

Grievance process 
The workplace must be free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation, vilification and objectional conduct, and all employees must be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect. All complaints must be treated in a sensitive, fair, timely and confidential manner. Any employee making a complaint it to be guaranteed protection from any victimisation or reprisals. 

 Environmental impacts 

Suppliers are to continuously aim to improve energy efficiency across its worksites and minimise waste and emissions to air, land and water to the best of its ability and treat all chemicals and any hazardous waste in an environmentally safe manner. Any toxic substances which may be harmful to the environment must be disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing the use of and handling of such substances. Where possible, products are to be recycled and reused.  

• Ensure that the Supplier’s employees, agents and sub-contractors abide by this Code of Conduct. 
  
• The Supplier will permit any duly authorised representative of GoldenAge to make unannounced visits, inspections and conduct an audit of the sites of the production facilities or other sites at which people work directly, or indirectly for the Supplier, during normal business hours. 
  
• GoldenAge expects Suppliers to have high ethical standards in their business practices and encourages Suppliers to continually improve their workplace conditions and reach and maintain the standards established by this Code of Conduct. Where a Supplier breaches this Code of Conduct GoldenAge will have the option of continuing the business relationship. This may occur in situations where the Supplier has proven a willingness to remedy the breach with an agreed course of action in a timely manner moving forward. In any event, GoldenAge reserves the right to terminate a relationship with a Supplier immediately in the event of a serious violation of this Code of Conduct. 
  
• Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing 
  

GoldenAge is committed to prevent the use of our operations for money laundering or any activity, which facilitates money laundering, or the funding of terrorist or criminal activities. Accordingly, GoldenAge complies with all the applicable laws and regulations designed to combat money laundering activity and terrorist financing connected to the government in the regions in which GoldenAge operates and all international laws that may apply.  

The fundamental principles set out in this Code of Conduct will not be compromised by GoldenAge however cultural and national differences and any other relevant factors will receive due consideration where required.  

Endorsed by the Board of Directors .  

01 March 2022 

The fundamental principles set out in this Code of Conduct will not be compromised by GoldenAge, however, cultural and national differences and any other relevant factors will receive due consideration where required.  

Endorsed by the Board of Directors 

01 March 2022