Vedanta tries to clean up act with 'sustainability' chief

Indian mining group Vedanta Resources, under fire from human rights campaigners and environmental groups, moved to improve its public image today with the appointment of a "chief sustainability officer".

Anthony Henshaw arrives with 30 years experience in the cement, oil and gas industries with a brief to oversee Vedanta's "corporate social responsibility programmes".

Vedanta has been criticised by Amnesty International, among others, for operations in India said to threaten the lives of tribes and wildlife.

Pollution regulators have also taken a close interest in the company, which mines bauxite and copper and other metals and minerals.

Today the company said: "Our comprehensive CSR programmes positively touch the lives of millions."

Last month, India blocked plans by Vedanta to expand its alumina refinery because of environmental concerns. It also cited green issues when it banned Vedanta from going ahead with a plan to mine bauxite in Orissa state.

Henshaw was previously corporate vice-president of sustainability at Mexico's Cemex, the world's number three cement maker.

Vedanta shares, listed in London, moved up 34p to 2224p today, leaving the company valued at £5.9 billion.