INTRODUCTION
At METALAB S.A.C, we are committed to providing services with the highest quality standards, fostering and demanding ethical behavior in all areas and in every one of our activities. This document has been developed to promote and raise awareness within our team about our principles, commitments, and culture of respect towards those with whom we interact in various ways and interests.
We firmly believe in the importance of working with integrity and refuse to compromise on ethics in our processes and relationships. In this regard, this Code is directed to all of our employees, without distinction based on their roles or functions, thus confirming and promoting a conduct and behavior grounded in our core values and principles.
This Code of Ethics outlines our perspective and what we expect from each position in their activity and interactions with the organization’s different stakeholders.
MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT
At Grupo Aurica, we believe that a significant part of our success and continuity is due to the deeply ingrained culture of values shared among the founders, executives, and employees of our business group. This culture represents a collective spirit that not only governs and directs our policies and procedures but also, and most importantly, guides our daily actions.
"This Code of Ethics and Conduct serves as the foundation of our business conduct, developed within the framework of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It reflects our commitment to respect, equality, honesty, integrity, and our unwavering belief in the fundamental rights of individuals, aiming to contribute to the development of a more prosperous, equitable, and just society."
1. SCOPE
The Code of Ethics is directed to all employees of METALAB S.A.C. without distinction, as well as to contractors who are part of our processes.
It is important to emphasize that this Code of Ethics and Conduct, the Internal Work Regulations (RIT), and all policies and directives implemented within our management system are mandatory, as applicable to each of our stakeholders.
2. OBJECTIVE
• To establish guidelines and directives that ensure the proper conduct of all METALAB S.A.C. team members at all levels in the performance of their activities.
• To strengthen our principles focused on respecting human rights, the environment, and society.
• To promote a culture of ethical conduct and commitment to organizational values, as well as compliance with the organization’s policies.
• To provide clear information that allows all employees to understand the codes, regulations, and organizational policies, and to raise awareness of these and act in compliance with the guidelines, with the ability to report any act that violates the established ethics.
3. MISSION, VISION, CULTURAL PRINCIPLES:
MISSION
To provide transparent, safe, and efficient services that strengthen trusting relationships with our clients, creating opportunities for growth while driving the economic development of the country.
VISION
To be a national and regional leader in the commercialization of precious metals, recognized for excellence in service quality, integrity, and ethical operations, creating value for our clients, suppliers, and employees.
CULTURAL PRINCIPLES:
• Excellence: We continuously strive to exceed the highest quality standards, seeking perfection in every task and project, which are undertaken responsibly.
•Passion for Business: We carry out our activities and responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication, identifying with and committing to the organization’s image and success.
•Team Spirit: We are capable of working as a team, combining energy and focusing our efforts toward a common goal.
•Results-Oriented: We take on responsibilities and challenges with the aim of completing them efficiently and delivering concrete results within the agreed timeframe.
•Every Client is Unique: We tailor our services to meet each client’s needs to the extent possible and appropriate, offering personalized attention that creates a positive and impactful experience.
•Respect: We treat everyone with dignity and consideration, promoting an inclusive and harmonious environment that fosters a healthy and productive workplace.
•Integrity: Honesty and transparency are the foundation of all relationships and activities within the organization, always maintaining ethical conduct.
4. ETHICS WITH OUR STAKEHOLDERS
4.1 WITH OUR EMPLOYEES
• Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination: We promote equal employment opportunities for those applying to METALAB S.A.C and support the professional development of our employees, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other personal characteristic, based on merit and ability.
• Safe Work Environment: The physical and mental well-being of our employees, as well as the safe execution of operations, is of utmost importance to the organization. We strictly adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Internal Regulations on Occupational Safety and Health.
• Workplaces Free from Harassment and Violence: We are committed to offering harmonious workplaces free from any form of violence, aggression, intimidation, or similar behaviors that could undermine employee tranquility. We promote interpersonal relationships based on respect.
• Rejection of Forced, Child Labor, and Discrimination: We reject any practice considered as forced, child labor, or discriminatory, adhering to legal regulations and establishing internal procedures and policies that respect human and children's rights, as well as individual well-being and the freedom to work.
• Respect for Employee Rights: We comply with our obligations towards our employees and respect the rights accorded to them under agreed terms.
• Protection of Personal Data: We responsibly manage the information provided by our employees and respect the right to privacy and dignity. The processing of data will be limited to its intended purpose and respective databases.
• Conflicts of Personal Interest: We recognize personal interests as those that benefit an employee or their family members in a professional or financial manner. Therefore, we do not allow personal interests to take precedence over the company’s established norms, directives, policies, decisions, or procedures.
• Gifts, Favors, and Courtesies: We neither accept nor offer gifts, favors, or similar items that, due to their value, may influence a work decision or create conflicts of interest.
• Rejection of Corruption, Bribery, and Fraud: We reject all corrupt or dishonest acts, as well as those related to money laundering or the financing of terrorism, and we operate transparently in all our activities.
• Proper Use of Company Resources: Company assets such as laptops, mobile devices, ID cards, email accounts, telephone extensions, vehicles, and other similar resources, including facilities, should be used exclusively for work-related activities. Proper use and timely return of these assets are essential to maintaining the company’s integrity and operational efficiency.
4.2 WITH OUR CLIENTS AND SUPPLIERS
• We treat all our clients and suppliers with respect and professionalism, regardless of their size, location, or influence.
• We respect the confidentiality of information shared by our clients and suppliers and protect sensitive information, ensuring it is not used improperly or without authorization.
• We require our suppliers to comply with all local and international laws and regulations in their operations and develop business relationships based on respect and trust.
• We are committed to acting with integrity in our contractual negotiations and negotiate fairly, avoiding any form of corruption, bribery, or anti-competitive practices.
• We foster client loyalty through our commitment to delivering high-quality services, fulfilling commercial agreements, and providing truthful and transparent information.
• We establish procedures that enable the impartial selection of suppliers, maintaining objectivity in our commercial decisions.
• We provide timely and fair solutions, promoting open dialogue with respect, seeking mutual benefit.
4.3 WITH SOCIETY
• We respect and promote human rights in all our operations, ensuring that our practices do not contribute to the exploitation or abuse of individuals.
• We strive to create employment opportunities and foster professional development for members of society.
• We ensure that our practices are responsible and ethical, avoiding harm to the environment.
• We conduct our activities in compliance with the legal framework, without violating human rights.
5. COMMITMENTS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
At METALAB S.A.C., we are deeply committed to the sustainable development of all our operations. We recognize our responsibility and the importance of acting ethically and consciously.
• Environmental Protection: We commit to minimizing the environmental impact of our activities through the implementation of responsible and sustainable practices. This includes the efficient use of natural resources, reducing emissions and waste, and promoting and training on environmental care.
• Social Responsibility: We strive to contribute positively to social and economic development. This is reflected in our hiring policies, the development and growth of our employees, and respect for human rights.
• Responsible Supply Chain: We assess our suppliers based on their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We are committed to constant innovation in our operations, seeking new ways to make our practices more sustainable and efficient.
6. COMMITMENTS TO HUMAN RIGHTS
It is fundamental for us that, in every execution or development of activities at METALAB S.A.C., human rights are protected.
• Respect for human rights is non-negotiable: We reaffirm our commitment to respecting the human rights of all individuals who, directly or indirectly, are connected to our organization as employees, suppliers, clients, and the community at large.
• Prohibition of Child and Forced Labor: We strongly reject child labor and forced labor at any stage of our operations. We ensure compliance with all labor rights of our employees and treat them with dignity.
• Non-Discrimination and Inclusion: We promote equal opportunities and employment promotion, as well as non-discrimination in our labor practices. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other factors.
7. COMPLIANCE, REPORTING, AND SANCTIONS
This Code of Ethics establishes the general principles of how employees should conduct themselves in their activities at METALAB S.A.C. While not all situations that an employee may encounter are explicitly described, it serves as a guide to understanding what is expected of each individual. By having this information, we become regulatory agents; therefore, any irregular acts or suspicions of non-compliance with the Code of Ethics must be reported promptly to Human Resources or General Management. All reports must be made in good faith and with due loyalty to the company.
METALAB S.A.C. commits to maintaining the confidentiality and anonymity of communications or reports, ensuring that no retaliation will result.
Sanctions for employees will be determined based on the disciplinary measures outlined in the Internal Work Regulations, depending on the severity of the case.
METALAB S.A.C. has established the following Management Policy on BASC Control and Security, based on the BASC International Standard and Norm.
METALAB S.A.C., a company dedicated to the export of gold and silver bars, devotes all its efforts and is committed to ensuring the security and protection of its supply chain by implementing procedures and control measures to prevent illicit activities such as smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption, and terrorism, among others. In this regard, this policy outlines METALAB S.A.C.'s commitments related to the proper performance of the BASC Control and Security Management System and the corresponding continuous improvement:
a) To establish security guidelines, procedures, and standards to protect and secure gold and silver export operations.
b) To develop controls to mitigate risks and maintain process integrity, ensuring the prevention of crimes such as corruption, bribery, money laundering, terrorism financing, drug trafficking, and smuggling, among others.
c) To comply with all national and international security and control regulations related to international trade.
d) To continuously improve the processes and performance of the BASC Control and Security Management System by incorporating new practices adapted to changing environments.
e) To promote the secure use of information technology in processes related to the supply chain.
f) To foster a security culture among employees and to train and raise awareness among all stakeholders regarding supply chain security, potential risks, and established control measures.
This BASC Control and Security Management Policy is periodically reviewed to ensure continuous improvement and is communicated to all employees, partners, and stakeholders. It is available through our website.
