Mapping of human rights impacts for Norsk Hydro
Tracking Hydro’s aluminium production from the extraction and refining of bauxite in Brazil to the generation of power in Norway, the mapping describes human rights risks in every part of the value chain. Potential impacts on the environment, local communities and employees are outlined in addition to human rights risks associated with contract-workers and joint-venture partners.
“With a diverse portfolio comprising operations in 40 countries, we understand that human rights challenges evolve quickly. That is why continuous monitoring and evaluation of new risks is critical. This report provides us with a useful overview which we can use in our continued work to support human rights,” says Elise Must, Head of CSR, Norsk Hydro ASA.
Headquartered in Oslo, Norsk Hydro is one of the world’s largest aluminium companies with 35,000 employees in 40 countries. From extracting bauxite and refining alumina in Brazil to metal smelting and hydroelectric energy production in Norway, Hydro is integrated along the entire aluminium value chain. Together with its joint venture partners, Hydro also manufactures aluminium products in Qatar, Canada and Slovakia.
The mapping outlines potential environmental concerns associated with mining in South America, working conditions amongst suppliers in Qatar and discrimination faced by ethnic minorities in Europe. However, it is just an initial outline for Hydro, and further deep-dives are needed to explore the potential impacts.
“Hydro has a firm commitment to respect human rights, this mapping is a central step in meeting this commitment. The human rights impact mapping is a key tool to support Hydro in identifying areas where further work and assessment is needed. We look forward to continuing our support for Hydro in this process,” says Cathrine Bloch Veiberg, Corporate Engagement Programme Manager at the Danish Insitute for Human Rights.
The mapping report includes practical recommendations from the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
“We are working on addressing the recommendations made and have already taken action on some of the points mentioned,” says Elise Must.
Contact at Hydro: Elise Must, Head of CSR, Norsk Hydro ASA: Elise.Must@hydro.com