ISSUE 53 | VOL 13 | 30 APRIL 2021

Vedanta NewsdeskVEDANTA SATHI NAND GHAR BU UPDATES

BU UPDATE

The Tata Group is importing 24 cryogenic containers through special chartered flights to meet the current oxygen crisis caused by Covid 19 across the country. The move is to help supply liquid oxygen to medical centres across the country, officials said. (Economic Times)

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd has tweaked manufacturing at its Jamnagar oil refineries to produce over 700 tonnes a day of medical-grade oxygen which is being supplied free of cost to states badly affected by COVID-19, sources said. (Mint)

Indian steel major Tata Steel has filed a commercial court claim in the UK against British Indian steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta led GFG Alliance, which owns Liberty Steel, over alleged missed payments from an acquisition dating back to 2017. (Mint)

Moving towards the completion of its Oman unit divestment, Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Steel & Power (JSPL) arm Jindal Steel & Power (Mauritius) Limited has sold its balance stake to Vulcan Steel in the second and final tranche. (Business Standard)

ONGC cut capital expenditure by 12.2 per cent in financial year 2020-21 to Rs 26,441 crore, from Rs 30,115 crore in FY20, as major projects faced delays due to Covid-related restrictions. (Indian Express)

Chevron and Toyota announced Wednesday a first step towards a strategic alliance to commercialize hydrogen, which is seen as an environmentally friendly transportation fuel option. (AFP)

Exxon Mobil Corp. has proposed a giant, $100 billion hub to capture carbon dioxide emissions along the U.S. Gulf Coast in Texas but warned that government funding would be required to pay for and develop it. (Bloomberg)

Saudi Aramco is expected to refinance a $10 billion debt facility raised in 2015, two sources said, in what would be the oil giant's third major foray into the loan market this year. Aramco, the world's largest oil company, raised the revolving credit facility in 2015 with a wide group of international and local banks. (Reuters)

Royal Dutch Shell has said that the majority of its oil and gas reserves will be produced by 2050, playing down the risk of stranded assets as it prepares to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades. (Reuters)

Glencore shareholders should reject a proposed pay package for incoming CEO Gary Nagle at the mining and trading firm’s annual general meeting (AGM) this month, proxy advisers Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) have recommended. (Reuters)

Diversified miner Anglo American said that it has signed a deal to provide 100% renewable energy for its Quellaveco copper mine in Peru, as it aims to power all of its Latin American operations through renewables. The company, which has already secured commitments to be 100% renewable powered in Brazil and Chile, said the agreement has been signed with Engie Energía Perú. (Reuters)

Nand Ghar front-lining awareness for COVID-19

With the raging pandemic all-around, Nand Ghar is creating a space for communities to be aware and prepared to ensure their safety. Nand Ghar teams are mobilizing sanitization drives, distribution of IEC/BCC materials, awareness sessions, and activities around COVID prevention, etc. to support the beneficiaries and community members in taking all precautions and being safe.

National Fire Service Week Awareness at Nand Ghar

National Fire Service Week Awareness was conducted at Basantpada Nand Ghar in Lanjigarh, Odisha which was organized by the Safety and CSR Department, training 25 beneficiaries. One of the most important aspects of health, safety, and responsibilities as a member of society is preparing for the event of a fire. Ensuring the safety of those within a premise and the nearby surroundings.

Nand Ghar for the holistic health of its communities Nand Ghar is resilient towards making its beneficiaries aware of the pandemic and disseminate knowledge, encouraging health and hygiene-oriented behavior. The beneficiaries are sensitized about taking precautions, pay close attention to their diets and supplements along with a healthy lifestyle. The Nand Ghar team is also undertaking home visits and surveys to encourage the eligible community members to get vaccinated.

ALUMINIUM & POWER

JHARSUGUDA

Vedanta Jharsuguda records triple win at National Best Employer Brand 2020 Awards

Vedanta Jharsuguda bagged three awards in the category of Excellence in Talent Management, Excellence in Training, and Excellence in HR through Technology, in the National Best Employer Brand 2020 conducted by World HRD Congress in association with Time Ascend. The awards bear the testimony of Vedanta’s belief that the key to retention and performance of the workforce lies in the effective development and engagement of its employees.

Vedanta Jharsuguda wrapped the 50th National Safety week through a virtual ceremony

Vedanta Jharsuguda conducted a virtual ceremony to wrap up the 50th National Safety Month in the presence of Mr. Swaroop Jena, Deputy Director of Factories & Boilers, Odisha and Mr. Manoj Mishra, Assistant Director of Factories and Boilers, Odisha. During

the ceremony, the company also promoted behaviour-based safety at the workplace by felicitating its employees and business partners for ensuring safety in its operations.

LANJIGARH

Vedanta Lanjigarh celebrated World Art Day

On this World Art Day, Vedanta Lanjigarh celebrated the uniqueness of Dhokra art and the artisans who skilfully produce it in and around Lanjigarh. The CSR team of Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh inaugurated the second phase of product development training for Dhokra art, recognizing the artisans who have been performing well in the field. An exhibition was also organized exhibiting the tribal art paintings.

BALCO

BALCO ramps up safety measures ensuring health of its employees & community members

BALCO has been continuously engaging and ensuring the safety of the people through its prevention measures to fight against COVID-19. BALCO is taking extensive steps to ensure that the community, associate partners, employees, other stakeholders and all their families have adapted the new normal methods and are equipped to respond to COVID-19. A Covid care centre with 100 beds has been established along with a mobile ventilator & medical staff, is operational with a supply of oxygen to 50 beds. Rapid antigen testing is being conducted for all truck drivers & symptomatic employees. Vaccination drive of all the employees and family members over 45 years of age is being commenced at BALCO hospital.

TSPL

COVID-19 Immunization drive in TSPL

TSPL organized COVID-19 immunization drive in partnership with the Government of Punjab. The vaccination drive was organised for TSPL employees along with their family members, business partners and sub business partners. Over 300 individuals have been vaccinated to date.

TSPL Awarded ‘Efficient Management of Fly Ash > 500 MW’ by Mission Energy Foundation

TSPL has been awarded ‘Efficient Management of Fly Ash > 500 MW’ by the Mission Energy Foundation. TSPL has been recognized for its ash utilization initiatives in FY’21. The company is rigorously working on scientific methods for ash Utilisation. TSPL is the first private thermal plant in

Punjab to have commenced supply of conditioned Fly Ash /Pond ash through rail mode to cement companies. TSPL has initiated usage of thermal fly ash in clay bricks manufacturing process by mixing it up to 23% by volume.

HINDUSTAN ZINC

Hindustan Zinc receives grant of 2 US Patents

In a constant pursuit of innovating for a sustainable future, Hindustan Zinc has achieved a big milestone, being granted US patents for two of their sustainability technologies. The two patents – US10844551B2 for manufacturing Paver Blocks from process waste; and US10919924B2 for the method of production of Potassium Antimony Tartrate (PAT) by utilizing Antimony bearing residues – were developed in-house by HZL’s state-of-the-art research and development centre – ZnTech (formerly known as Central Research and Development Laboratory).

Hindustan Zinc provides Vaccine Van to Udaipur

HZL has been at the forefront of ensuring health, be it of its employees or local communities. It has been persistent in its efforts to battle COVID 19 through preventive as well as relief activities in Rajasthan. The company took its efforts a step further in the preventive direction by providing an

insulated vaccine van to the Udaipur District Medical Health office. This will make it easier to transport vaccine from Jaipur to Udaipur and make the distribution process more convenient and efficient.

ZSD inaugurates Water ATM and RO hub plant

To make villages near Debari water sufficient, HZL’s Zinc Smelter Debari installed a RO hub plant at Ordi and a Water ATM at Dabok. The water ATM has a storage capacity of 3000 litres of drinking water which can be availed by the local families.

HZL inaugurates Mobile Health Van at Doswada

Ensuring health and wellbeing of our communities, HZL inaugurated its first Mobile Health Van near our Doswada operations. The MHV will be operational near Tapi and Songad villages where the communities can avail health check-up and benefits without any cost.

CAIRN

Townhall with Mr Prachur Sah – Envision 2022

Mr Prachur Sah (Dy. CEO, Cairn Oil and Gas) along with the other ManCo members had an interactive virtual townhall with over 700 Cairn employees on April 22, 2021 interacting, reflecting, and discussing progress towards delivering growth towards 2022 and beyond. During the session, Mr Prachur Sah also discussed about the current wave of pandemic and the steps being taken as well as the precautionary measures to be taken to stay safe from COVID-19. Later in the session, Cairn ManCo also answered the employees’ questions ranging from COVID-19 safety measures to technological development in the oil and gas sector.

UPDATE ON INDIAN COMPANIES

UPDATE ON INTERNATIONAL PEERS

NAND GHAR

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of industrial growth in India and plays a critical part in employment generation, contribution to GDP, as well as overall social development.

In line with the commitment to support MSMEs, Vedanta has rolled out its flagship programme – ‘Vedanta Saathi’ – which aims to foster the growth of the MSME ecosystem.

Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari launched the programme in the presence of Vedanta Resources Limited Executive Chairman Anil Agarwal.

With a significant MSME customer and supplier base, Vedanta has over the years been supporting MSMEs through its expansive value-chain, supply-chain and social-developmental programmes. Vedanta’s mission is to build a strong India and make sure that micro and small enterprises are not left behind.

GAMECHANGER FOR MSMEs

VEDANTA SATHI, A FORCE MULTIPLIER

LEVERAGING VEDANTA’S CHANNEL FUNDING PROGRAM

ACCELERATING THE MSME GROWTH STORY

NITIN GADKARIUNION MINISTER OF MSME AND ROAD

TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

SUNIL DUGGALGROUP CEO, VEDANTA

AJAY KAPURCEO – ALUMINIUM & POWER BUSINESS &

MD – COMMERCIAL, VEDANTA

ANIL AGARWALCHAIRMAN, VEDANTA

MR. VISHAL KOTHARIMD – Kothari Metsol

“The pandemic has triggered a significant restructuring in the global supply chain, with countries and industries looking to diversify their sources of supply and services. This offers our MSMEs a huge opportunity to tap into the new markets that are opening up and get integrated into these global supply chains. The Government of India has already taken significant steps to help revive the MSME sector. Now, we must ensure that digital transformation takes place that enables them to capitalise on this current opportunity. In parallel, there needs to be a greater focus on capability building for MSMEs. This includes helping them with right inputs on design, manufacturing, maintaining product quality and scaling their business. Endeavours by private companies, like Vedanta’s Saathi programme, which is aligned to these very objectives, can prove to be a gamechanger for our MSMEs.”

MSMEs play a very important part in our economy and one-third of India’s manufacturing output comes from them. MSMEs are a very critical employment generating engine and we are looking to partner with them so that we could augment their strengths.

We want to extend our reach from 1,500 MSMEs to over 10,000 in line with our Chairman’s vision. India should become a global manufacturing hub and with the Vedanta Saathi programme and the reach through industrial clusters and through the basic materials that we supply, it will be a force multiplier. We want to be a strong partner to the MSME industry where thousands of jobs can be created.

“In India, MSMEs and start-ups contribute only around 7% of the GDP, as against the global average of 40%. There are immense opportunities for our MSME sector to scale up their businesses with access to new-age technologies, opportunities to upskill, and quality raw materials. This will boost opportunities for rojgar, benefitting our talented youth and alleviating poverty. Vedanta is glad to partner with our MSMEs to accelerate this growth journey. Currently, more than 150 of the company’s MSME customers have availed channel financing to access a credit limit of ~INR 1000 Cr by leading banks and NBFCs. Vedanta is committed to grow this limit by 5x for MSME customers, adding more banks and NBFCs to its fold. Besides helping MSMEs, this will also provide an attractive and low risk opportunity to banks and lending partners to strengthen their base with one of the strongest customer networks in India.

“We have over two decades of wonderful relationship with Vedanta – a partnership that has enabled us to grow multi-fold, in a short span of time. Today, we are the largest manufacturer and exporter of zinc wires from India, with global footprint in 30+ countries. We have benefited immensely from Vedanta’s channel funding program. It was quickly disbursed and collateral free. All MSMEs should consider availing the same to fast-track the growth of their business.”

The Vedanta Saathi programme has been tailored to support MSME players with the following key offerings:

• Channel financing at attractive rates and fast disbursement, in partnership with a host of leading banks, NBFCs and FinTech firms.

• E-commerce solutions for an agile, easy and transparent way of buying from Vedanta’s entire bouquet of high-quality value-added products, with doorstep delivery through micro-logistics partners.

• Avenues for technical upskilling with access to the company’s wide community of research institutes, industry associations, in house and external global experts.

• Opportunities for MSMEs to set up downstream/ancillary manufacturing units near Vedanta’s plants, with benefits like just-in-time delivery of raw material (hot metal supplies), low working capital and capex involvement.

• Single window for MSMEs to interact with Vedanta’s Quality, Product Application, Engineering, and Innovation teams through a dedicated web portal.

MSMEs are the growth engines of the economy, contributing about 30% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). In terms of exports, they are an integral part of the supply chain and contribute about 40% of the overall exports. MSMEs play an important role in job creation, as they employ about 120 million people across the country.

While they play a critical role in social and economic development, access to timely and adequate finance is often a critical barrier to growth of MSMEs. The micro and small businesses have been particularly vulnerable in the since last year as many of them are not able to invest in manufacturing, purchase raw materials on time, access new technologies or acquire new skills due to lack of funds. Vedanta is committed to make a difference the fortunes of the MSME sector.

MSMEs are the growth engines of the economy, contributing about 30% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). In terms of exports, they are an integral part of the supply chain and contribute about 40% of the overall exports. MSMEs play an important role in job creation, as they employ about 120 million people across the country.

While they play a critical role in social and economic development, access to timely and adequate finance is often a critical barrier to growth of MSMEs. The micro and small businesses have been particularly vulnerable in the since last year as many of them are not able to invest in manufacturing, purchase raw materials on time, access new technologies or acquire new skills due to lack of funds. Vedanta is committed to make a difference the fortunes of the MSME sector.

Contributing towards the vision of making India a global manufacturing hub, Vedanta is looking to enable MSMEs to set up their ancillaries and downstream manufacturing facilities near its plants. Besides immensely benefiting MSMEs in terms of just-in-time access to raw materials, low working capital and capex involvement, and proximity to Vedanta’s Quality teams and expert network, it will also aid in significant employment generation locally and bring about a positive transformation in the quality of life of local communities.

Vedanta is creating e-commerce platforms to facilitate small and micro customers. Group company Hindustan Zinc has already rolled out EVOLVE – a digital marketplace of choice which provides customers with a three-click buying experience for zinc, lead, silver and acid.

After the success with EVOLVE, Vedanta is now set to roll out e-commerce platforms for its entire range of value-added products. Apart from the price parity for small buyers, a digital marketplace will offer them a hassle-free buying experience including transparency and promotes ease of doing business. The upcoming e-commerce offerings shall offer significant advantages like transparent pricing and live pricing options, direct buy access to a diverse product portfolio with no bar on quantity, as well as easy delivery tracking and micro-logistics.

At Vedanta, we are pooling in all our resources to supplement government efforts in tackling the national emergence arising out of second wave of the Covid pandemic. Group companies Hindustan Zinc (HZL) and ESL have taken the initiative to augment oxygen supplies to Covid-19 patients as part of Vedanta Cares. Sterlite Copper, which has one of the largest oxygen facilities in the country at Tuticorin, has reached out to the Tamil Nadu government and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan with its offer to help, seeking approval to operate its 1,000 tonnes per day oxygen plant to meet the acute demand. The Supreme Court has allowed Sterlite Copper to produce oxygen at the Tuticorin plant.

HZL has supplied 1,500 litres of industrial oxygen to the Udaipur health administration. The company transported a 1000 litre liquid oxygen tanker from its industrial oxygen plant at Rajpura Dariba Complex, which has dedicated 100% of its monthly production of oxygen to hospitals. HZL is supplying industrial oxygen, which will undergo a clinical procedure to be used for medical treatment.

ESL, the Vedanta group’s steel maker, has registered its plant near Bokaro for Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO). ESL has committed to supply up to 10 MT of oxygen daily, based on the steel ministry's requirement.

Vedanta has always put its people first. The company is ensuring that necessary medical help is rendered to the employees and their family members across our operations. The second wave of Covid-19 has been severe and the company is taking all necessary steps to safeguard the well-being of our people.

Vedanta has facilitated vaccinations to over 5,000 employees so far, and the company is organising vaccination camps to inoculate our employees, their families and business partners. The company is in talks with manufacturers to buy vaccines in bulk for all our employees.

Our hospitals at our business locations, including the Balco Medical Centre at Naya Raipur, are working round-the-clock. The company is working closely with the local administration to provide medical and testing facilities to local communities.

At the 170-bed cancer hospital Balco Medical Centre (BMC), 69 beds have been dedicated for COVID patients. BMC is the only COVID hospital in Naya Raipur with liquid medical oxygen (LMO) tanks. BMC is providing tele-consultation services and

undertaking the entire gamut of COVID prevention, treatment and clinical research, apart from supporting COVID vaccination, RTPCR testing, Antibody testing, and Convalescent plasma therapy for COVID patients.

The Balco Hospital at Korba has conducted more than 10,000 Covid tests, while more than 3500 residents have received the vaccination at the hospital. In addition to the hospital in Balco Township, the company has tied up with four private hospitals in Korba and Raipur to cater to the medical requirements of the employees.

Vedanta is also supporting a 110-bed district Covid Hospital at Jharsuguda in Odisha, including 10 beds in the ICU unit. In addition to a dedicated ambulance for the district Covid hospital, Jharsuguda and supply of 2000 N95 masks to district front line health workers, Vedanta is also providing high power generators to the Covid hospital at Jharsuguda to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Currently there is a dedicated 138-bed Covid care centre at Vedanta Limited, Jharsuguda which is supported by two dedicated ambulances.

Vedanta Lanjigarh has tied up with three units of Visakhapatnam-Apollo Hospital and two units of Care Hospital. Another collaboration with Bhubaneswar-Apollo Hospital is currently under process.

Vedanta has also set up a 24/7 dedicated helpline from Apollo to provide medical assistance to all its employees and their families.

Meanwhile, Vedanta Zinc International has tied up with hospitals in Springbok, Upington or Cape Town for Covid support. In terms of potential oxygen supply, it has Defibrillators and oxygen available on site at the Mine Medical Centre to stabilize patients in terms of initial support in case they need to be transported to a more advanced medical facility.

Vedanta is engaged in the production of essential commodities including oil and gas, zinc-lead-silver, copper, iron ore, steel and aluminium metals which are critical for the economy. We are part of the continuous process industry and our businesses are following all safety measures and Covid protocols to make sure that we continue to cater to the needs of the Nation without any disruption.

With a sharp surge in Covid-19 cases, the government has opened up the vaccination programme for everyone above 18 years of age from May 1.

The registration for the vaccination against Covid-19 for all those between the age group of 18 and 45 years will begin on CoWIN platform and Aarogya Setu app from April 28. There will be no walk-in registrations for this age group of people.

CANCEL YOUR APPOINTMENT IF YOU HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

If you have COVID-19, or the symptoms, on the day of your vaccination appointment, do not go to the appointment. This is because you could spread the virus to others at the vaccination centre.

At the Vaccination Centre:

Keep your mask on during your appointment and turn your face away from the face of the vaccinator — to help keep you both safe.

Tell your vaccinator, if you have any health issues or are taking any medications, including any pain killers.

After being vaccinated, stay in the observation area for around 30 minutes. This is to monitor your body’s reaction to the vaccine and make sure you do not experience any severe side effects.

Before you leave your first vaccination appointment, make sure you know the date of your second vaccine.

After Vaccination:

Some side effects are normal and expected. Side effects are a sign that your body is building immune protection. Common side effects observed with COVID-19 vaccines include: • Some pain, swelling and redness on the arm where you received the vaccine • Chills or mild fever • Tiredness• Headaches• Joint pain or muscle ache

These side effects typically go away within a few days.

Use a mask that covers your nose and mouth - and fits tightly and comfortably.

Carry your Aadhar Card

Carry your hand sanitizer.

Do not go for the vaccination on an empty

stomach.

Keep the notification you received about your appointment handy.

Wear loose or short sleeves that can be rolled up easily, so that health workers have easy access to your arm.

At Vedanta we have been at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19. Now that the country is facing an acute shortage of medical oxygen, our businesses are doing all that is possible to ramp up supplies. HZL and ESL have already taken steps to supply oxygen to hospitals, while the Supreme Court has given its approval to Sterlite Copper to produce oxygen at the Tuticorin plant. We are working with local administration to provide medical facilities. Our hospitals are managing Covid patients, and our medical team is organising vaccination for our employees and local communities.

“I am deeply concerned and anguished to see the impact of the second wave of Covid-19 and loss of precious lives. Vedanta group has come forward to pledge Rs 150 crore towards our commitment to fight the pandemic and we stand firmly with our people and the government at this difficult time. We are creating a capacity of 1,000 critical care beds across 10 cities pan-India, while our BUs are supporting around 700 beds for Covid patents in our business locations, which will be increased to 1,000 soon. We believe that this additional infrastructure that will be set up immediately will bring much-needed relief for those affected by this deadly virus. Vedanta will also provide essential medical equipment for our heroic doctors and healthcare workers. We will continue to do everything possible that will help us together overcome this crisis.”

“We stand united with the government in the fight against Covid-19. Our priority is to ensure that our employees and their family members get proper medical care if need be. As a socially responsible organization, we are committed to the welfare of our communities and would utilize our resources to back the government’s efforts to contain the pandemic. The shortage of oxygen for Covid patients is a matter of great concern and our businesses are doing all that is possible to support them in this hour of crisis.”

SUNIL DUGGALGROUP CEO, VEDANTA

ANIL AGARWALCHAIRMAN, VEDANTA

MADHU SRIVASTAVAGROUP CHRO, VEDANTA

Nand Ghar front-lining awareness for COVID-19

National Fire Service Week Awareness at Nand Ghar

Nand Ghar for the holistic health of its communities

Vedanta Jharsuguda records triple win at National Best Employer Brand 2020

LNG World Art Day

BALCO ramps up safety measures ensuring health of its employees & community members

TSPL- COVID-19 Immunization drive

TSPL Awarded ‘Efficient Management of Fly Ash 500 MW’ by Mission Energy Foundation

HZL vaccine van inauguration

ZSD inaugurates Water ATM and RO hub plant

HZL inaugurates Mobile Health van at Doswada

Townhall - COVID

VEDANTA SATHI: FUELLING THE MSME GROWTH STORY

MSME: THE GROWTH ENGINE FOR INDIA

E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS FOR MSMEs

VEDANTA SATHI: WHAT’S IN IT FOR MSMEs

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES TO MATCH GLOBAL STANDARDS

THE SECOND COVID WAVE – VEDANTA RAMPS UP OXYGEN SUPPLIES

TEAMING UP FOR DOWNSTREAM FACILITIES

SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES & COMMUNITIES

CATERING TO INDIA’S NEEDS DURING COVID-19

COVID VACCINATION FOR ALL ADULTS FROM MAY 1

POINTS TO PONDER:

HELPING MEET OXYGEN DEMAND

VEDANTA CHAIRMAN PLEDGES RS 150 CR TO HELP COMBAT COVID SECOND WAVE

We believe in the philosophy of ‘people first’ and are committed to support our communities and local administration in every way possible. As a responsible organisation, we've started supplying liquid oxygen to help the gap in availability of oxygen in treating COVID patients in hospitals. Hindustan Zinc has set aside 100% of its liquid oxygen production facility in Dariba smelter to supply oxygen.” ARUN MISRA

CEO, HZL

SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT EFFORTS