PAMP Signs Up to PPA Initiative in Support of the Responsible Trading of Ores Mined in Africa's Great Lakes Region

AsiaNet 54764

CASTEL SAN PIETRO, Switzerland, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

    Ticino-based PAMP SA, a leading global refiner of gold and other precious

metals and part of MKS Group, has signed up to the Public-Private Alliance for

Responsible Minerals Trade [http://www.resolv.org/site-ppa ] (PPA) alongside

Apple, Panasonic, Boeing and other mainstays in the high-tech arena.

    - Indication: The media release can be downloaded free of charge under:

http://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100053608/?langid=2 -

    Launched in November 2011, PPA runs pilot programmes that implement

monitoring systems ensuring full traceability along the entire value chain -

comprising the extraction, processing and marketing of ores mined in Africa's

Great Lakes Region, with a focus on precious metals.

    The initiative aims to provide a fair-trade guarantee to the industry and

the general public alike according to which no materials have been sourced from

conflict areas or from operations where workers have been exploited. In

particular, programmes will support the enactment of a responsible supply chain

for small-scale operators in Africa's Great Lakes Region, thus playing a part

in the drive for stability in the area.

    PAMP, Apple, Panasonic, Boeing and seven other companies recently joined

the PPA, to which currently belong 45 companies and global organisations active

in the utilisation of metals. Members include Microsoft, Ford, Hewlett-Packard,

Sony and Toshiba together with government agencies and representatives from

civil society. For details, please visit http://www.resolv.org/site-ppa

    PAMP and MKS Group are delighted to be joining this alliance, which

embodies the values that they themselves are seeking to safeguard, and will

place their experience in ethical business practices at its disposal. For a

long time, MKS has been instrumental in moves to strengthen international

regulations governing the responsible trading of precious metals. The Group

also stands out as a pioneer in fair trade, through which it supports

small-scale gold operations and artisanal mines.

    PAMP is active within several government and civil bodies such as the

Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group for OECD Due Diligence Guidance, the London

Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the Swiss Better Gold Association.

    PAMP is furthermore a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council

[http://www.responsiblejewellery.com/#_blank ] (RJC), members of which have to

comply with stringent ethical, social and environmental standards. PAMP is also

one of the first refiners to have passed the LBMA's Responsible Gold audit.

    About PAMP SA

    PAMP is the global reference in bullion and refined precious metals, and a

leading industry brand across key global marketplaces. PAMP has operated a

precious metals refinery in Switzerland since 1977. Its Ticino facility has

sophisticated installations for the production of bars, ingots, precious coins

and other products certified as meeting the most exacting purity standards.

    PAMP is one of three Approved Good Delivery Referees in the service of the

London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the London Platinum and Palladium

Market (LPPM). PAMP's products are recognised as "good delivery" by the Swiss

National Bank, the LBMA, the New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX), the Tokyo

Commodity Exchange (TOCOM), the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), and the Dubai

Gold and the Commodity Exchange (DGCEX). The company is a certified member of

the Responsible Jewellery Council [http://www.responsiblejewellery.com/#_blank

] (RJC), members of which have to comply with stringent ethical, social and

environmental standards.

    PAMP SA is a member of the MKS group of companies. With business spanning

the five continents, MKS Group has been trading precious metals on behalf of

institutional investors for over 50 years.

    Media contacts :

    B4 communication

    Claude Baumann

    +41-76-421-56-56

    contact@b4com.com

    PAMP SA

    Olivier Demierre

    Tel. +41-91-695-04-50

    Fax. +41-91-695-04-51

    SOURCE: MKS Group / PAMP