Social responsibility

PA Resources is located in wealthy countries that are well-developed and regulated, but also in countries facing problematic socio-economic conditions in which democracy is not a matter of course and corruption occurs. PA Resources strives to contribute positively to social development in all countries where the Group operates.

Examples of social projects in 2011:

PA Resources provides financial support to social projects in Africa aimed at improving education, health care, infrastructure etc, for example:

  • Construction of classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, etc., in three schools in Equatorial Guinea.
  • Purchase of ambulances and construction of water wells in the Republic of Congo.
  • “Reconstruire ma Tunisie” – collection of funds to buy food, blankets, shoes, medication etc for poor families and hospitals in the area of Kasserine in southern Tunisia.

Contribute to social development

PA Resources’ activities provide a positive socio-economic impact in the countries in which the Group operates. Revenues from oil production are one of the most important contributors to the GNP development of many African states.

PA Resources helps the countries to build up their own oil industries, for example, through sponsoring undergraduates from Equatorial Guinea in gaining degrees in subjects such as geology, geophysics and accounting.
In addition, the Group endeavours to use local labour, equipment and services wherever possible. In certain cases, this is a condition of the operating licence.

Anti-Corruption

Bribery and facilitation payments are illegal and cause substantial problems for those companies affected and have an extremely negative impact on business activities, licences and partnerships as well as the host countries in which the Group operates. PA Resources does not accept any kind of bribery or facilitation payments.

In 2011, PA Resources’ subsidiary in the UK implemented a new Anti-Corruption Policy containing guidelines aimed at ensuring compliance with the new UK Bribery Act. The new legislation applies to PA Resources UK and its employees as well as its affiliates within the Group and for offences committed in or outside the UK. PA Resources’ new policy has been implemented and UK employees have received specific training on the subject. During the year, PA Resources initiated evaluations of corruption risk with regard to new business partners, agents, subcontractors and employees. These efforts continue in 2012.

Tunisia after the Jasmine Revolution

Extensive political unrest with clashes between civilians and security forces led to the resignation of the President and government in January 2011 and the subsequent initiation of a process of democratization. In October 2011, the election of a Constituent Assembly was held. The elected Assembly approved a new government, including a Prime Minister, a President and a Speaker for the Parliament. The Assembly is now drawing up a new constitution for the Republic and pave the way for a general election within one year.

In 2011, the situation in Tunisia impacted all operations in the country through social instability. Operations were affected by logistic disturbances, resulting in problems in getting equipment to the licences. PA Resources’ production did not suffer from any large-scale disturbances and liftings of sold oil were performed as planned. The unitisation process
regarding reserves at the Zarat field as well as development planning of the field was delayed due to civil unrest in the region.