Code of Conduct
Blackstone Resources and its Board of Directors are dedicated to the fair and ethical treatment of its employees, consultants and the communities that surround them. For more information on our policies, please see the codes and ethic documentation listed below.
Introduction
This is the Corporate Code of Conduct (“Code”) for Blackstone Resources AG (“Blackstone”). It is designed to maintain confidence in the integrity of Blackstone and the responsibilities and accountability of individuals for reporting and investigating reports of unethical practices.
This Code expresses certain basic principles that Blackstone, its employees and external consultants should follow in all dealings related to Blackstone. They should be loyal to Blackstone, should show the highest business integrity in their dealings with others, including preserving the confidentiality of other peoples information and should conduct Blackstone’s business in accordance with law and principles of good business practice.
The Code reflects Blackstone’s recognition that Blackstone’s reputation is an essential element of Blackstone’s success. Each employee and consultant employed by Blackstone must act in a way that preserves and enhances Blackstone’s reputation.
Employees will often encounter issues in their work for Blackstone requiring judgment based on the principles expressed in this Code. While it is impossible to discuss every conceivable situation that might arise, Blackstone believes that the examples contained in this Code illustrate rules that should usually be followed to ensure that the actions of employees and consultants are not and will not be challenged for being unethical. The material in this Code is meant to be illustrative only and is not intended to limit the principles themselves.
Although Blackstone expects all employees to be familiar with the principles stated in this Code, Blackstone does not expect each employee and consultant to be fully versed in the law affecting his or her responsibilities. Whenever questions of any nature whatsoever arise in relation to the Code, each employee should seek guidance from general counsel or management who will in turn obtain advice on the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations from Blackstone’s solicitors.
The Code sets out the standards that Blackstone will adhere to whilst conducting its business and includes:
- the approval of the Code by the Board and senior management;
- the commitment to shareholders;
- compliance with relevant laws;
- environment protection;
- occupational health & safety;
- equal employment;
- confidentiality;
- conflicts of interest; and
- general conduct.
All employees are responsible for Blackstone achieving the highest levels of business conduct. Blackstone’s employees are accountable for acting in line with the policies and standards outlined in the Code.
Environment
All Blackstone’s business activities will be carried out so as to protect the health and safety of employees, contractors, customers and the community while paying proper regards to the protection of the environment.
Blackstone will use its best endeavours to conduct its operations in a manner that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. Blackstone will always conduct its business with the protection of the environment as a primary goal.
The objectives of Blackstone in protecting the environment are to:
- meet or exceed all legal and regulatory requirements for environmental management and protection and where these are lacking or insufficient to protect the environment, apply best practice standards which will ensure that the environment is protected;
- maintain an awareness within Blackstone of the responsibility of Blackstone and its employees or contractors to ensure protection of the environment;
- regularly review Blackstone’s operations to identify and assess the environmental impact associated with those operations; and
- implement and maintain management systems, programs and procedures to ensure the environment is protected including the control of discharges and other waste emissions that may harm the environment.
All aspects of environmental performance must be reported through senior management to the Board.
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
Blackstone is committed to the health and safety of all employees. Blackstone will work to eliminate hazardous practices and behavior, which could cause accidents, injuries or illness to employees, contractors, visitors and the general public. Blackstone strives to have injury-free workplaces.
The primary goal is to assist in providing a safe and healthy work environment for Blackstone’s employees, contractors and visitors. The objectives of Blackstone in ensuring health and safety are to:
- comply with all relevant statutory obligations;
- provide adequate resources to establish and maintain safe systems of work;
- maintain health and safety competency and integrate health and safety requirements in all aspects of business;
- ensure all incidents are reported and thoroughly investigated with a view to preventing a similar injury occurring;
- continuously improve performance through innovative technology, education and good management practices;
- provide health and safety training for employees;
- employ only those contractors who aspire to the same health and safety standards as Blackstone; and
- promote a positive health and safety culture that is based on the principle that all incidents can be prevented.
All managers, supervisors and contractors are accountable for health and safety performance in their areas. All employees are required to follow rules for safe and healthy operations, report hazards to their supervisors and must always report any injuries that occur to either themselves or others.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a key characteristic of an efficient and successful business. Employees are required to protect proprietary, commercial and other information that is confidential to Blackstone. These obligations of confidentiality continue after an individual's employment has ceased with Blackstone.
Information that is not generally available concerning the activities, results, strategies or plans of Blackstone must be used for authorized purposes only. This includes not giving confidential information to other business units in Blackstone or using the information provided for a different purpose without first obtaining permission. Confidential information should be handled and communicated with care, and must not be disclosed outside Blackstone without proper authority.
Any contracts that are entered into by Blackstone with customers, consultants and contractors should contain appropriate confidentiality clauses that ensure the protection of Blackstone’s confidential information.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that arrangements are in place for protecting sensitive and confidential information.
Review
The company secretary (with assistance from Blackstone’s solicitors where required) will conduct an annual review of the Code to ensure that the Code continues to reflect the letter and spirit of all applicable laws and regulations and Blackstone’s commitment to its staff and the community.
Directors and employees of Blackstone are encouraged to report any difficulties or challenges encountered by them in complying with the Code (including any inconsistencies between the Code and the business initiatives of Blackstone) to Blackstone. This will assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Code and will highlight any areas of the Code that may require amendment or additional guidance.