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This demonstrates your commitment to responsible sourcing and ethical business practices.

Canada, March 13, 2024 - Asahi Refining Canada, a leader in precious metals refining and manufacturing, proudly announces the certification of Asahi Refining Canada in adherence to the Code of Practice (COP) and Chain of Custody (COC) programs of the Responsible Jewelery Council (RJC), underlining its dedication to ethical and responsible business practices. The RJC is widely regarded as the leading standard for responsible sourcing initiatives governing the watch and jewelery industry. These certifications, which conform to both the OECD 'Due Diligence Guidance' and the OECD Guiding Principles The United Nations on Business and Human Rights, serves as a global framework and ensures that members meet the highest standards of ethical, social and environmental responsibility. "We are delighted to achieve certification from the 'Responsible Jewelery Council' for COP standards. and COC, a testament to our unwavering commitment to ethical practices," said Simon Houghton-Dodd, Senior Compliance Manager at Asahi Refining. "This recognition reaffirms our dedication to conducting business responsibly and sustainably, aligning ourselves with global standards that promote positive change." Asahi Refining continues to be at the forefront of promoting transparency and accountability in the precious metals and looks forward to continuing its efforts to contribute to a sustainable and ethical future for the industry.About The Code of Practice The 2019 Code of Practice is not just a set of guidelines, but a commitment to operate in a way that upholds the principles of sustainability and human rights. By adopting this code, Asahi Refining is actively contributing to the United Nations 2030 agenda and supporting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. RJC COP certification is a comprehensive process that assesses a company's commitment to responsible sourcing, business conduct ethics and environmental sustainability. The company's adoption of the standard reinforces its promise to customers, stakeholders and the broader community that its products are sourced and produced in an ethical and socially responsible manner.About chain of custody COC certification goes a step beyond the COP standard and is considered voluntary among RJC members. To achieve compliance with the COC standard, which focuses strictly on sourcing and the supply chain, members must be able to demonstrate their ability to trace the origin of raw materials from start to finish. Adherence to the voluntary COC is further evidence of Asahi Refining's commitment to transparency at all levels.About Asahi Refining Asahi Refining, a wholly owned subsidiary of ARE Holdings Inc, is a leading precious metals refiner, marketer and manufacturer of bullion products. The company maintains refineries in the US and Canada such as 'London Good Delivery' and serves a global customer base in the mining, recycling, banking and bullion trading sectors. More information: www.asahirefining .com.About the Responsible Jewelery Council The Responsible Jewelery Council (RJC) is the leading standards organization for the global jewelery and watch industry. It has more than 1,600 member companies in 71 countries, covering the entire jewelry supply chain, from mine to retail. RJC members are committed to the RJC Code of Practice, an international standard on responsible business practices for diamonds, colored gemstones, silver, gold and platinum group metals, and are independently audited. The RJC complies the ISEAL Code. Our system has been independently assessed against the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice, a globally recognized framework for effective and credible sustainability systems. More information at isealalliance.org. It is also a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) since 2009. More information: www.asahirefining.com. Issuer: Asahi Refining Canada

Contact Contact name: Asahi Refining Contact description: Communication Department Contact phone: (801) 972-6466