HZL applies its sustainability performance reporting criteria based on Sustainability Reporting Standards of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards) including the Mining and Metals Sector Disclosures, National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business (NVG) framed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) principles, International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and Sustainable Development Goal frameworks for the Company as detailed in the 'Scope, Boundary and Limitations'.

We conducted limited assurance in accordance with the requirements of International Federation of Accountants' (IFAC) International Standard on Assurance Engagement (ISAE) 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information. Under this standard, we have reviewed the information presented in the report against the characteristics of relevance, completeness, reliability, neutrality and understandability.

Social Employment (401-1, 401-2, 401-3) Occupational Health and Safety (403-2) Training and Education (404-1, 404-2, 404-3) Diversity and Equal Opportunity (405-1) Non Discrimination (406-1) Local Communities (413-1)

Appropriate documentary evidence was obtained on a sample basis to support our conclusions on the information and data verified. Where such documentary evidence could not be collected due to sensitive nature of the information, our team verified the same at HZL's premises.

The assurance was conducted by a multidisciplinary team including professionals with suitable skills and experience in verifying environmental, social and economic information in line with the requirements of ISAE 3000 (Revised) standard. Our work was performed in compliance with the requirements of the IFAC Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which requires, among other requirements, that the members of the assurance team (practitioners) as well as the assurance firm (assurance provider) be independent of the assurance client, in relation to the scope of this assurance engagement, including not being involved in writing the Report. The Code also includes detailed requirements for practitioners regarding integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour. KPMG has systems and processes in place to monitor compliance with the Code and to prevent conflicts regarding independence. The firm applies ISQC 1 and the practitioner complies with the applicable independence and other ethical requirements of the IESBA code.

HZL is responsible for developing the Report contents. The Company is also responsible for identification of material sustainability topics, establishing and maintaining appropriate performance management and internal control systems and derivation of performance data reported. This statement is made solely to the Management of HZL in accordance with the terms of our engagement and as per scope of assurance. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to HZL those matters for which we have been engaged to state in this statement and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than HZL for our work, for this Report, or for the conclusions expressed in this independent assurance statement. The assurance engagement is based on the assumption that the data and information provided to us is complete and true. We expressly disclaim any liability or co-responsibility for any decision a person or entity would make based on this assurance statement. By reading this assurance statement, stakeholders acknowledge and agree to the limitations and disclaimers mentioned above.