SEPTEMBER 2018
www.endeavourmagazine.com
Chicken XPRESS
Finding Their Flava UK CAN USA EUR SA ZAR
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AURYN RESOURCES The Golden Lining K & D INTERNATIONAL Building On An Amazing Reputation INSPIRED BY YOUR SUCCESS
EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Alice Instone-Brewer editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Hilling-Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com Project Manager Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher Alex Hayes alexhayes@littlegatepublishing.com
W
e have had a mining-heavy
South Africa has been firmly represented
focus
with
by many of our other stand-out companies
several mining and mining
this month; we have a vibrant revisit from
exploration groups on the cusp of exciting
our friends at Chicken Xpress, and we had
developments and discoveries. Despite a
a conversation with the country’s General
market slump across many of the mining
Manager for Lenovo that practically saw him
sectors, the companies we’ve spoken with
bouncing off his seat with excitement for IT
are far from despondent. In fact, they
- we love companies with passion! However,
couldn’t be more hopeful, with years of
SMEs in the country are statistically slowing
gutsy investments and hard work behind
down instead of exploding, which has
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
them now getting ready to pay off. Algold
long-term implications for the country as
For enquiries or subscriptions contact info@littlegatepublishing.com +44 1603 296 100
and Auryn Resources have both found
a whole; thankfully, TK Global Experts are
themselves sitting on sites that are giving all
working with the government to try to
of the promising signs of “gold in them thar
change this trend for the better.
hills”, with Ivan from Auryn barely clocking
Last but not least, we were extremely
Editorial Researcher Dennis Morales dennismorales@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher David Kimberley david@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom. Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007 343 City Road Suite 10, Thorpe House London 79 Thorpe Road EC1 V1LR Norwich, NR1 1UA Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing
this
month,
in a few hours sleep a night from how close they are to make-or-break results. Given the number of years it has been since the world saw a 5 million ounce discovery, Ivan has reason to be giddy - in fact, he has two! With a site in Peru and one in the arctic that are both potentially sporting several such deposits, we’re breathlessly waiting for those lab results right alongside them.
writers and/or in advertisements included in this
Meanwhile, nickel-mining Marcventures
magazine do not necessarily represent those of
have found themselves sitting on the
the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst
time for a predicted aluminium boom - and
the information contained within this magazine,
the currently slumping nickel should be
publishers for loss arising from use of information
all, the exhilaration these companies are
publication may be reproduced or stored in a
feeling was contagious. When the market is
by any means without the prior written consent of
stand out of the crowd in a swollen and famously talented market. You can read about how they’re marking themselves out, and much more, in our first autumn issue (is it autumn already?) of 2018.
ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
picking up favourably next year too. All in
published. All rights reserved. No part of this retrievable system or transmitted in any form or
construction company that’s managing to
Philippines’ only bauxite mines, right in
every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of no legal responsibility will be accepted by the
happy to revisit K&D International, the UEA
at its lowest, the only way is up, and these
the publisher.
companies have their ducks in a row and
Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2018
ready for that upswing. Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
30 K & D INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTING FEATURES
20 MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS INC 4 | Endeavour Magazine
12 20 30 36 42 50 56 62 72 78 84 92 98
Auryn Resources The Golden Lining Marcventures Holdings Inc Making A Difference K & D International Contracting LLC Building On An Amazing Reputation Chicken Xpress Finding Their Flava Sharjah International Airport The Sky’s The Limit D. Rampersad & Company Ltd The Evolution Of An Engineering Giant Swisslion Takovo Growing Together TK Global Experts Expert Guidance Capital Drilling Going Underground CB Group Growing Success Stefanutti Stocks Botswana Building South Africa Algold Resources On The Hunt In West Africa Tuskys Continuing A Legacy
50 D. RAMPERSAD & COMPANY LTD ARTICLES 7 6 7 8 10 11
Business Headlines Africa Asia Middle East Europe America
28 48 90
Amazing World The Lykov Family Lion Lights Cliff Dwellings of the Anasazi
68
Automotives Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Shadow
72 CAPITAL DRILLING Endeavour Magazine | 5
BUSINESS HEADLINES AFRICA REFORMS SECURE ETHIOPIA $1 BN WORLD BANK SUPPORT
Swiss village in the Geneva countryside.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
called “regrettable and most unacceptable”.
His 10-year-old foundation promotes good
Mugabe was represented by his daughter
governance and the transformation of
Bonu, who previously called Mnangagwa a
African agriculture.
“traitor” after her father’s ousting.
says the World Bank will provide $1 billion in
Annan and the United Nations shared
Mnangagwa of the ruling Zanu-PF party
direct budget support to the country in the
the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to
won the election with 50.8% of the vote -
next few months. According to the Prime
reform the world body and give priority to
just enough to meet the 50% threshold to
Minister, the deal with the global finance
human rights issues.
avoid a run-off against his main opposition
body had been reached because of ongoing
challenger Nelson Chamisa, who scored
reforms in the country
44.3 percent.
The World Bank and other donors previously suspended
support
after
International observers said the polls
a
were largely free of the violence which
disputed and violent election in 2005. Abiy
has
announced
a
series
characterised previous votes in Zimbabwe. of
“WHITES STOLE OUR LAND, BUT THEY’RE ALSO NAMIBIANS,” SAYS PRESIDENT GEINGOB
economic and political changes since taking office in April. In other issues, he promised free elections in 2020 for the nation of 100 million people, where parliament now has no opposition lawmakers. Ethiopia has been one of Africa’s fastest growing economies in recent years, according to the bank and the International Monetary Fund. Its economy was, however, more state driven - a situation Abiy is seeking to reverse with plans of significant privatization.
MNANGAGWA VOWS POST-VOTE VIOLENCE INVESTIGATION AND TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
Namibia’s
President
Hage
Geingob
urged citizens to take part in the debate over mooted land reforms, including the expropriation of land, in order to avoid chaos. The southern African country will
Zimbabwe’s newly sworn-in President
hold a “national land conference” from
Emmerson Mnangagwa vowed to open
October 1-5, for discussion of policies
Abiy met with the World Bank boss in
a probe into violence which followed the
that
Washington DC during his visit to the United
country’s first election since Robert Mugabe
programme.
States. He also met with the IMF boss on the
was ousted from power.
same trip, as both parties discussed ways of improving relations.
GHANA TO GIVE KOFI ANNAN FULL STATE BURIAL Former United Nations chief and Noble prize laureate Kofi Annan will be buried in his home country Ghana on Sept 13..
“This is a different Zimbabwe, the dawn of the second republic of our Zimbabwe.”
will
accelerate
the
land
reform
“I believe that we should have difficult conversations, as Namibians, with the aim of finding peaceful and sustainable solutions
Emmerson Mnangagwa was officially
to the challenges of inequality, landlessness
sworn in as president of Zimbabwe on
and outstanding pains of genocide,” Geingob
Sunday after winning a contested election,
said during Heroes’ Day commemorations in
which was the country’s first since the
northern Namibia.
ousting of strongman Robert Mugabe.
According to Geingob, the October
“I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
conference will examine a policy of voluntary
swear that as president of the republic of
redistribution of land, and also compensated
Nana Akufo-Addo told a delegation of
Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe
expropriation by the government.
Annan’s family that Annan would have a full
(and) will obey uphold and defend the
The debate comes as neighbouring
state burial, “befitting his status as a global
constitution of Zimbabwe,” he said to
South Africa is considering plans to allow for
icon, diplomat and statesman”.
applause from a crowd that also included
expropriating farms without compensating
several African heads of state.
the owners, largely the white minority,
Annan died in a Swiss hospital at the age of 80. He was surrounded in his last days by his wife Nane and children Kojo and Nina.
“We must now focus on addressing the
which possess 72% of farms.
economic challenges facing our nation,” he
But there is also vigorous debate in
After rising through the ranks of the
said. “We are all Zimbabweans, what unites
South Africa about how land redistribution
United Nations, Annan served two terms
us is greater than what could ever divide us.
would work - and whether seizures could
as U.N. Secretary-General in New York
At the inauguration, Mnangagwa vowed
be economically damaging as they were in
from 1997-2006 and retired to live in a
to open a probe into the violence, which he
6 | Endeavour Magazine
post-independence Zimbabwe.
ASIA MYANMAR MILITARY LEADERS MUST FACE GENOCIDE CHARGES, SAYS UN
He was also released on humanitarian
A previous passenger allegedly said the
grounds, but arrived home critically ill and
driver had taken them to a remote place
died a few days later.
and followed them after they left the car.
A UN report has said top military figures
Mr Sugimoto, thought to be in his late
A similar incident happened in May in a
in Myanmar must be investigated for
30s, is believed to have been detained while
different part of China, when a 21-year-old
genocide in Rakhine state and crimes against
with a tour group in Nampo, on the west
flight attendant died after using the service
humanity in other areas.
coast. Nampo - or Nanpo - is known to be
in Zhengzhou.
The report, based on hundreds of
home to a naval base and weapons factory.
interviews, is the strongest condemnation from the UN so far of violence against the Rohingya. The army’s tactics are “consistently and grossly disproportionate to actual
CHINESE LEADER URGES FRESH PUSH AGAINST ‘SEPARATIST ELEMENTS’ IN TIBET
security threats”, it says. It names six senior
Wang Yang urges tight control over
military figures it believes should go on trial.
Buddhism as Communist party issues fresh
It is also fiercely critical of Myanmar’s de
rules to ‘crack down’ on religion
facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, for failing to
A top Chinese leader has called for
intervene to stop the violence.
“advancing anti-separatism efforts” in Tibet,
The report calls for the case to be
in a sign of continued high-pressure tactics
referred to the International Criminal Court.
in the Himalayan region.
The government has consistently said
Wang Yang was quoted in state media
its operations targeted militant or insurgent
as stressing the importance of tight control
threats. However, the report says the crimes it has documented are “shocking for the level of denial, normalcy and impunity that is attached to them. Military necessity would
DIDI CHUXING SUSPENDS CARPOOL SERVICE AFTER WOMAN KILLED
over Tibet’s Buddhist institutions. Religious figures must “be courageous to battle all separatist elements” in the name of preserving national unity and social stability,
never justify killing indiscriminately, gang
China’s ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing
Wang was quoted as saying in Tibet’s
raping women, assaulting children, and
has suspended its carpool service after
regional capital of Lhasa during a visit there.
burning entire villages.”
police said a driver had assaulted and killed a
The tactics in Tibet are largely aimed
female passenger. Didi Chuxing is the world’s
at reducing the influence of the region’s
largest ride-hail company by number of
spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who lives in
trips. A company statement said the incident
exile in India. China claims Tibet has been
NORTH KOREA RELEASES JAPANESE TOURIST
showed there were deficiencies in its
part of its territory for more than seven
A Japanese tourist detained for an
processes and so it would suspend its Hitch
centuries and regards the Dalai Lama as a
unspecified crime in North Korea is reported
system for re-evaluation. China’s transport
dangerous separatist.
to have been freed.
ministry has demanded action from the taxi
Tomoyuki Sugimoto, who is thought
giant to ensure passenger safety.
Wang’s statement came as China’s ruling communist party released new internal
to be a videographer in his 30s, has now
Police say the woman, 20, got into the
arrived in China, said Japan’s Kyodo news
taxi in the eastern city of Wenzhou at 13:00
on members’ religious beliefs. China’s
agency, citing diplomatic sources.
local time. An hour later she messaged a
constitution guarantees freedom of religion,
friend for help before losing contact.
but the communist party is officially atheist.
Tourists visiting North Korea are strictly
disciplinary
rules,
including
regulations
monitored at all times. The secretive country
The 27-year-old driver was detained on
“Party members who have religious
has often jailed tourists before - sometimes
Saturday morning and confessed to raping
beliefs should undergo thought education.
for arbitrary reasons - and used them as
and murdering his passenger, police say.
If they still do not change their beliefs after
bargaining tools in its negotiations with their home states.
The body has been recovered and an
education, they should be encouraged to
investigation is continuing. Didi Chuxing said
leave the party,” read the revised rules. Party
Among the most noted recent detainees
Zhong had had no previous criminal record
members who “incite activities” in the name
was Otto Warmbier, a US student who was
but it admitted there had been a previous
of religion should also be expelled.
jailed for stealing a hotel sign.
complaint made against him. Endeavour Magazine | 7
MIDDLE EAST ALGERIA SAYS SECOND PERSON DIES IN CHOLERA OUTBREAK
been used in the fighting. Residential areas
Algerian authorities have announced the
have had to evacuate their homes. Roads
reconstruction was his “top priority” in Syria,
death of a second person in a recent cholera
were blocked, while tanks and armoured
where more than 350,000 people have been
outbreak that has left dozens hospitalised.
vehicles were seen at several places
killed and millions forced to flee their homes.
The death was reported on August 23.
Heavy weapons, including artillery, have have been hit by shelling and several families
the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. Last
month,
President
Assad
said
across the city. The Presidential Council
The two countries have had strong ties
Authorities say the disease’s rapid spread
responded by condemning the GNA for the
for years - Iran has dispatched military forces
is linked to poor hygiene but many feel that
eruption of violence in Tripoli. The incident
to Syria but insists they are advisors, not
the government’s reaction was slow.
follows a deadly attack on a checkpoint in
fighters.
The latest fatality, like the first one, was a
western Libya, in which six soldiers loyal the
Iran-backed armed groups, including the
resident of Boufarik, a town in Blida province
Government of National Accord (GNA) were
powerful Lebanese Hezbollah movement,
some 30km south of the capital, Algiers,
killed. Libyan authorities announced the
have also backed Assad’s troops.
according to a health ministry statement
arrest of the suspected perpetrators.
carried by the official Algerie Press Service.
warplanes, Assad has recaptured around
The government confirmed the disease’s
two-thirds of the country and is now eyeing
outbreak but said the situation was “under
the northwest province of Idlib.
control”. It said the cases were “isolated and
ICJ HEARS IRAN LAWSUIT TO HAVE US SANCTIONS LIFTED
limited to a few families”. Overall,
139
people
have
With help from them and Russian
been
hospitalised across the country since August 7, with at least 46 cases confirmed as
Iran says US sanctions are damaging
cholera, the ministry said.
its economy and violating terms of 1955
Cases were reported in the provinces of
friendship treaty between their countries.
Blida, Bouira, Tipaza, Medea and Ain Defla,
Iranian lawyers will ask the International
as well as the capital. Some however accused
Court of Justice (ICJ) to order the US
the government of negligence, saying the
to lift sanctions ordered by the Trump
outbreak could have been averted had
administration against Tehran.
authorities been quick in their response.
ARMED GROUPS TAKE LIVES IN TRIPOLI CLASHES, LIBYA
TEHRAN WILL HELP REBUILD SYRIA, SAYS IRAN DEFENSE MINISTER
The lawsuit says the US sanctions, which are damaging its already weak economy, violate terms of a little-known 1955
Iran’s top defense official met Syria’s
friendship treaty between the two countries.
President Bashar al-Assad and the country’s
Tehran filed its case before the ICJ in late
Clashes broke out between rival armed
defense minister in Damascus, pledging
July, calling on the Hague-based tribunal’s
group in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, as they
to contribute to the war-torn country’s
judges to order the immediate lifting
attempt to take control of the city. The
reconstruction.
of sanctions, which it said would cause
two groups both operate under Libya’s government. At least four people have been killed,
Tehran has provided steady political, financial and military backing to Assad during the civil war, which is in its eighth year.
“irreparable prejudice”. US lawyers are expected to argue that the UN court should not have jurisdiction
with at least seven others wounded. The
Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami
in the dispute, that the friendship treaty
fighting erupted between local militias and
met his Syrian counterpart Ali Abdullah
is no longer valid and that the sanctions
Al-Kani tribal fighters from Tarhouna who
Ayyoub as well as Assad and said it was
Washington has levied against Tehran do
are sending reinforcements to the country’s
agreed with Syria that Iran would have
not violate it.
north. The health ministry declared a state
“presence, participation and assistance” in
The ICJ is the United Nations tribunal for
of emergency as the violence escalated.
reconstruction “and no third party will be
resolving international disputes. Its rulings
influential in this issue”.
are binding, but it has no power to enforce
Both sides technically operate under the defense ministry of Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). 8 | Endeavour Magazine
Since it erupted in 2011, Syria’s war has
them and on rare occasions, they have been
cost it approximately $388bn, according to
ignored by some countries, including the US.
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EUROPE MACRON SAYS EUROPE CAN’T RELY ON US FOR SECURITY French President Emmanuel Macron
talks on migration with Germany had been
which has already complained about a
going on for weeks and that an agreement
Russian military build-up in the Far East,
was close to hand to take back migrants who
something Moscow has linked to Tokyo’s
have passed through Italy.
roll-out of the Aegis U.S. missile system.
told his country’s ambassadors that Europe
However, Salvini insisted that the same
must guarantee its own security. He told
amount of migrants that are received from
France’s overseas ambassadors gathered in
Germany must be taken out of Italy so that
Paris on Monday that Europe can “no longer
the number of migrants doesn’t increase.
rely” upon the US for its security. “It is up
He also said the EU needs a new European
The Nordic Resistance Movement, or
to us today to take our responsibilities and
Commission and parliament that protects
NMR, is a neo-Nazi organisation originally
guarantee our own security, and thus have
the bloc’s borders.
founded in Sweden that is openly anti-
European sovereignty,” Macron said.
NEO-NAZI GROUP SEEKS TO GAIN GROUND IN NORDIC COUNTRIES
Semitic, anti-immigrant and anti-gay. Their
Since his election in 2016, US President
goal is to create an ethnically pure pan-
Donald Trump has been distancing himself
Nordic nation, according to the group’s
from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,
website, and to deport most non-ethnic
challenging
Northern European residents and dismantle
a
post-World
War
Two
consensus on peace and security in Europe.
the “global Zionist elite”.
Macron said he wanted to see a complete
While the group does not specifically
rethink of how Europe defends itself in the
call for violence, aside from in self-defense,
future. “I want us to launch an exhaustive
NMR members train in martial arts and knife
review of our security with all Europe’s
attacks.
partners, which includes Russia,” he added. Writing in the Handelsblatt newspaper, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called
RUSSIA TO HOLD BIGGEST MILITARY EXERCISES SINCE COLD WAR
The group is directly connected
to a string of incidents involving members violently confronting minority groups and those who disagree with their ideology. In
last week for Europe to “take an equal
Russia will hold its biggest war games
2016, a man died after an NMR member
share of the responsibility” and “form a
since the fall of the Soviet Union this
kicked him in the chest during a protest
counterweight” to Washington as Europe-
September, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu
in Finland, where he fell and hit his head.
US relations cool, AFP reported.
has announced.
Affiliated members planted IEDs outside
ITALIAN INTERIOR MINISTER AND HUNGARIAN PM TO FORM ANTIMIGRATION FRONT
This massive military exercise will also involve the Chinese and Mongolian armies. The exercise, called Vostok-2018, will
a far-left cafe and refugee housing in Gothenburg in 2016 and 2017. One of the blasts injured an immigration officer.
take place in central and eastern Russian
The group has its core membership in
military districts and involve almost 300,000
Sweden, where it was founded 21 years
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister says
troops, more than 1,000 military aircraft,
ago. The group since established chapters
France should reopen its border crossing
two of Russia’s naval fleets, and all of its
in Finland in 2008 and Norway in 2011.
at Ventimiglia, which was a departure point
airborne units..
Now, it appears they also plan to grow in
for migrants crossing into France. Matteo
The maneuvers will take place at a time
Salvini, whose government is fiercely against
of heightened tension between the West
Denmark. They announced their presence in
migration, said France should show greater
and Russia, which is concerned about what
Denmark by dumping a collection of
“solidarity and sensibility” on the ‘migrant
it says is an unjustified build-up of the NATO
rubbish outside the home of Aalborg
issue’. This comes after a meeting with far-
military alliance on its western flank.
municipality
environment
and
energy
right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
NATO says it has upped its forces in
councillor Lasse P. N. Olsen. The man
in Milan, who takes an equally tough stance
eastern Europe to deter potential Russian
delivering the trash yelled anti-immigrant
on migration.
military action after Moscow annexed
phrases and brandished the Nazi salute. A
Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014 and backed a pro-
note attached called for politicians to ‘clean
Russian uprising in eastern Ukraine.
up trash in the area’, and was signed “Den
Thousands of pro-immigration protestors gathered outside the building to push for open borders. The Deputy Prime Minister also said that 10 | Endeavour Magazine
The war games, which will take place from Sept. 11-15, are likely to worry Japan,
Nordiske Modstandsbevægelse” (the Nordic Resistance Movement).
AMERICA TRUMP ORDERS US TO CUT $200 MILLION IN PALESTINIAN AID
the findings in a long-awaited independent investigation. The hurricane devastated the island,
TRUMP ACCUSES GOOGLE, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER OF POLITICAL BIAS
Following a review of US assistance
and Puerto Rico has struggled to repair
US President Donald Trump has warned
to the Palestinian Authority, President
its infrastructure and power grid since the
Google, Twitter and Facebook they are
Trump has directed the State Department
storm, and is asking US Congress for $139bn
“treading on troubled territory” amid a row
to withdraw $200 million in aid that was
(£108bn) in recovery funds.
over perceived bias.
originally planned for programs in the West Bank and Gaza. The US gives support to help the Palestinian
Authority
provide
law
“I’m giving an order to update the official
The President accused Google of rigging
number of deaths to 2,975,” said Governor
the search results for the phrase “Trump
Ricardo Rossello. “Although this is an
news”.
estimate, it has a scientific basis.”
Google said its search engine set no
enforcement, including funds for “programs
In a statement, the White House
political agenda and was not biased towards
implemented by the Middle East Partnership
said the federal government supported
any political ideology. An aide said the
Initiative, as well as educational and cultural
the governor’s efforts to “ensure a full
administration was “looking into” the issue
programing through the US Consulate
accountability and transparency of fatalities”
of regulation.
General in Jerusalem,” according to the
in last year’s hurricane.
consulate’s website.
President Donald Trump was criticised
According to analytics, there is little evidence to back up Trump’s accusations.
“While funding levels change from year
for praising the federal response to the
Speaking to reporters at the White
to year, the US Government will remain
hurricane-ravaged island in the weeks
House, Trump said Google had “really taken
active in each of these fields,” the website
following the storm. Critics accused him of
a lot of advantage of a lot of people, it’s a
says.
showing more concern for residents in Texas
very serious thing”.
PLO
Executive
Committee
member
and Florida after they were hit by hurricanes.
Adding the names of Facebook and
Hanan Ashrawi condemned the decision,
Twitter, he said: “They better be careful,
calling the move “cheap blackmail” and
because you can’t do that to people...
claiming that “the Palestinian people and
we have literally thousands of complaints
leadership will not be intimidated and will
coming in.”
not succumb to coercion.”
He gave no details of what action he
The US opened its new embassy in
might take.
Jerusalem in May, moving it from Tel Aviv
In an earlier tweet, Mr Trump accused
despite international criticism and fierce
Google of prioritising negative news stories
objections from the Palestinian Authority,
from what he described as the “national left-
which
The
wing media”. He said most of the stories that
Palestinian Authority froze relations with the
controls
the
West
Bank.
appeared on the results page were negative
Trump administration last December when
and that conservative reporting was being
the embassy move was first announced, and
“suppressed”.
said it no longer accepted the US playing
Some are seeing this as the latest in
the role of mediator in any peace process
Trump’s campaign to discredit the media,
with Israel.
which it has been theorised is a political
PUERTO RICO UPDATES HURRICANE MARIA DEATH TOLL TO 2,975 Officials in Puerto Rico now say 2,975
move to encourage his voters to trust his word over that of independent bodies. Such moves have also been seen by other political leaders in history – particularly in leaders that evolved into dictatorships.
people died following September 2017’s Hurricane Maria. The revised death toll is nearly 50 times the previous estimate of 64. Governor Ricardo Rossello accepted Endeavour Magazine | 11
AURYN RESOURCES WWW.AURYNRESOURCES.COM // 001 778 729 0600
THE GOLDEN LINING “This is a once in a career, once in a lifetime opportunity.” Auryn Resources is a junior explorer on the verge of what could be a major discovery. As they complete the season’s drilling and await their results, we spoke with Ivan Bebek, executive chairman and co-founder of Auryn Resources, about Auryn’s current portfolio and the exciting discoveries that could be on their horizon. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
AURYN RESOURCES
It is no secret that the gold market is at a low point. In
fact, for the past year, it has been getting steadily worse. “The gold price and the gold sentiment has deteriorated on a monthly basis for 12 months in a row.” Ivan is upfront about the current state of the market, and yet he’s bubbling with anticipation. “I average about four hours sleep a night because of my excitement thinking about the potential discoveries we could make.”
T
his might seem strange, coming from the chairman of a gold junior during a gold market slump, but Ivan knows two very exciting things: firstly, this low point means that the market
should be ready for an upswing over the next few years and, fortuitously timed with this trajectory, Auryn Resources’ portfolio may soon bear treasure of global significance. We spoke with Ivan about their current projects and Auryn to learn more. . Whilst Auryn Resources has several projects in Peru and Canada, we focused in on two in particular: Committee Bay in the Arctic, and the Peruvian Sombrero. Both projects represent heavy investments and hard, often arduous work, particularly in Committee Bay’s case, and both required leaps of ingenuity and faith from Auryn and its team, but those gambles and long hours may be poised to pay off. In both cases, Auryn’s team believes that all the signs are pointing to the possibility of discovering a worldclass gold deposit – perhaps even more than one. “Committee Bay is a 300-kilometre-long greenstone belt with several gold occurrences along the entire belt, and Sombrero is over 100 000 hectares. These sites are district scale, meaning that there may be multiple multi-million ounce deposits within the large land positions discovered over the next few decades. We spent about three years – this is our fourth year – and quite a bit of capital to bring these projects to a near-discovery state.” The last 5 million ounce gold mine to be found was back in 2013 – the Amaruq mine, discovered by Agnico Eagle, which is now in development. This deposit is close to Committee Bay, and it’s
14 | Endeavour Magazine
Agnico Eagle’s third mine of consequence in the Arctic, implying
they have taken an aggressive approach to developing these assets,
a potentially gold-rich area. The recent drop in large high-quality
throwing money at these locations and making risky decisions that
gold discoveries also means promising things for gold prices:
seem set to pay off.
“Nobody’s finding goldmines. Two years from now, there’ll be a
This aggressive approach has been particularly true at
major production cliff – I believe we will lose approximately 20% of
Committee Bay. The 300 km greenstone belt is a massive
global production in one year. Very few people are spending money
undertaking, and the Arctic makes for hostile working conditions.
looking for new mines, and we’re one of them. We strongly believe
The land had already seen about $75 million worth of exploration
that there will be a major reversal in gold prices as we get closer to
expenditure before Auryn acquired it, in addition to $25 million
the production cliff and the potential weakening of the US dollar.”
spent on the infrastructure, which includes a full camp, fuel and
All of this puts Auryn in a fantastic position: if their portfolio bears
even drills. However, there was still plenty of work to be done. To
fruit, it will come at the perfect time.
tackle such a large area, Auryn devised a method of till sampling
So, why is no one finding 5 million ounce deposits anymore?
to study the glacial till that covers the rocks, which would allow
“All of the easy ones have been found. The amount of capital that
them to study the history of the movement of the glaciers over
was spent from 2000-2011 was intense, and everything that was
the belt and eventually vector back to the sources of gold. They
outcropping was found. Now, people are starting to explore for
also brought in an R.A.B. drill rig (rotary air blast), which drills chips
major deposits undercover.” Undercover exploration is more costly
rather than core. Chips provide less information than core, but they
and a much higher-risk endeavour, requiring more time, resources
are far quicker to produce, and more efficient when exploring a
and effort. The bear market has significantly reduced the number
large area:
of companies searching for gold, and slowed their searches down:
“We drilled 18 targets last year, spending approximately $25
which means very high rewards could await for shareholders of
million drilling 30,000 meters. That kind of undertaking along
the first company to find the next high-grade, large deposit, and
with the aggressive sampling we have done across the 300km is
Auryn’s team is confident that the signs they’re seeing at their
the kind of undertaking you would see a major do in ten years or
projects indicate they could be onto two of them. Not holding back,
so, and we did it in a couple of years. It’s been extremely tough
Endeavour Magazine | 15
AURYN RESOURCES on our geologists because the amount of energy and work is very
looking at 100 by 100 meters. The science is not perfect, and it
intense in the short seasons. You have from June to August to
will eternally evolve at Committee Bay, but our confidence is the
be physically working on the project with access to the surface,
highest it’s ever been. We’re seeing spectacular core.”
and you don’t get results until after the season, so you’re working
The results from this year’s drilling will be fully returned by the
basically around the clock, 24 hours a day for three months straight,
end of October. “What we’re hoping to define is a model so that
and then there’s processing the data in the fall ahead of the next
everyone can see the start of a significant deposit vs. a one-hit-
year’s plans.”
wonder. That’s what I’m excited about. When we get an answer this
The method was costly, but it allowed Auryn to speed up
year, if successful, it may show us something that we can actually
their chance for discovery. The vast amount of data allowed them
call a start of a deposit, and people can start to make meaningful
to compare the land in this district against nearby discoveries,
speculations as to its size and value based on how many holes, over
and through this comparison, they saw that Committee Bay was
the 1.5 km drilled, of the rock we hit contains high-grade gold.”
exhibiting all of the geological signs one would hope for to imply
What if this heavy investment in Committee Bay doesn’t pay
the potential presence of significant gold deposits, and this meant
off? The results so far are on par with other key discoveries in the
they were ready for the next step:
area, and Auryn feels confident in their cause for excitement, but in
“This year, we brought out the core rig for the first time for
the exploration game, nothing is for certain. However, Committee
maiden exploration, and what we’ve had a chance to do is see
Bay isn’t their only key project; they also have a potential ace in
what’s happening in the rocks in a much more revealing manner,
the hole in Peru at their Sombrero property. This project looks
and in real-time. We’re hitting all the right rocks and at respectable
as though it could be just as fruitful, and it is less expensive and
widths, and what we’re seeing in our drilling this year is much
logistically challenging to develop:
stronger and much more evident than what we have seen to date.
“The Arctic is fairly isolated and requires infrastructure. In our
The most important factor this year was the tightening of the
Sombrero project, the opportunity is parallel to what Committee
spacing of the sampling we did on surface. When we sampled the
Bay could be in scale, but it boasts some of the best infrastructure
belt we were sampling 500 meters by 1000 meters. This year we’re
one could hope for in a project. As luck would have it, the
16 | Endeavour Magazine
government put in high-tensile power lines on the project since
“A river cuts a 400 meter cliff, and in that cliff, there are mining
Auryn optioned the project. It also has roads directly to it, water
adits half-way-down– the Spaniards were mining into the actual
and access to people nearby.”
cliff, showing that the entire cliff, which we sampled, is mineralized
Las Bambas, a notable copper deposit approximately 200km
from top to bottom. It’s one thing to have the surface showing gold
east of Sombrero, sold for $7.3 billion in 2014, despite 2014 being
and copper, but it’s another to have a free cross section. It really
a bad year for metal prices. This has Auryn feeling understandably
increases the confidence and probability.”
positive - especially since early exploration implies that Sombrero
“One of the factors here is the grade – we’re seeing up to 193
bears several similar characteristics, including copper levels, to Las
gram-per-ton gold, and up to 17% copper. That means there’s a
Bambas, on top of signs of gold instead of molybdenum, which is
very high metal budget, implying it’s a strong system, which is a
seen in Las Bambas. Sombrero is located between many rich sites -
very positive line of evidence. The second thing we like about it
so why had no one developed it before? Ivan explained: “There was
is the scale. We’re talking multi-kilometre, long targets. The scale
volcanic cover over all the rocks on this side of the major gold trend
would be comparable to Las Bambas and several of the other major
and so people didn’t really look in this region. About ten years ago, a
mines in the region. “
gentleman named Miguel Cardozo - now part of our technical team
Between these two projects, it seems a safe bet that Auryn could
- noticed that there was an erosion window in this cover where one
be on the cusp of at least one major deposit, if not several! Pouring
could see the bedrock. He was sampling very high gold and copper
everything into these sites, the company is combining courage and
values, but was never able to drill it because market cycles turned
gut instinct with careful planning: also in the portfolio are a number
against exploration.” The team at Auryn recognized the opportunity
of midsize projects, which the company would consider selling, if
to invest and continue Miguel’s work, and as with Committee Bay,
the right price was offered, in order to fund their larger ventures.
so far, they are finding all of the geological signs they would hope
“Our most advanced project is Homestake Ridge. This is a
for to imply a major deposit. Most excitingly in Sombrero, a ravine
spectacular deposit – it’s about 1.2 million ounces at 7.5 grams per
and past small-scale miners have afforded them a sneak preview of
ton gold and silver equivalent, so far. We suspect that this could
what might lie under the highly-mineralized surface rocks:
potentially have a lower capex to build, due to nearby infrastructure,
Endeavour Magazine | 17
AURYN RESOURCES and potentially mined profitably due to the high-grade nature of
deposit, and this was achieved in Ghana. Whilst Keegan developed
the mineralization. We are drilling it right now to expand more of
this site, Cayden was founded with a similar goal, and it was
the high-grade gold we’ve found there, but it’s in a much more
successfully sold to Agnico Eagle for $205 million amidst the bear
mature stage than many of our other projects. Because of its
market after a hundred drill holes, even despite an official resource.
proximity to other deposits in British Columbia’s Golden Triangle,
The team grew at Cayden with Ivan and Shawn then teaming up with
and infrastructure that goes right to the edge of the property, it
Russell Starr, a finance guy with a lengthy and successful career in
makes it a very appealing asset for a mid-tier.”
institutional banking. Through both companies, the partners learnt
Ivan is standing at a breath-taking moment in his career - there
what it meant to run successful junior exploration companies from
is all to play for, and all he can do now is wait for the results and
set-up to discovery to production and/or sale. Achieving success
look forward to drilling Sombrero in early 2019. We asked him how
with both, they set out to take their ambition a step further, and
he had ended up here, and where his journey with mining began:
Auryn was born, with the aim of finding projects that would make
“I started in the business as a stock broker at 22 years old, and
gold majors take notice.
I was buying mining stocks back in the .com era. In 2005, I came
Today, some majors are. Notably, Goldcorp invested in the junior
across my partner, a fellow mining entrepreneur, Shawn Wallace.
last January, putting in $36 million and becoming Auryn’s biggest
He’s seven years my senior and when we met each other we said,
singular shareholder. They followed this investment with a further
‘You know what? We like working for these two successful mining
$2 million the following year in two more financings. This interest,
groups, Roman Shklanka in my case and Hunter Dickinson in his,
which Ivan believes is the largest investment globally from a major
but we want to try it our way’, taking the best of what we learned
into a junior at this low point in the gold cycle, shows the major’s
in the business to date.”
confidence in what Auryn is doing, and appeal of the potential scale
Shawn and Ivan started two companies prior to Auryn –
of the discoveries that might be made.
Keegan Resources and Cayden Resources. Keegan Resources was
In talking about their potential success, Ivan continuously brings
established in 2005, with the aim of finding a 5-million-ounce
the credit back around to his partners and the Auryn team. As well
18 | Endeavour Magazine
as his partner Shawn, he points to Auryn’s chief geologist, Michael
the freedom to follow their gut and approach their jobs with the
Henrichsen. Henrichsen was originally a global structural geologist
passion and individuality that their expertise gives them, rather
for Newmont. “He is one of the most professionally organised
than ticking boxes, has allowed the team to flourish, and there is no
geologists I’ve ever met. His best asset is that he surrounds himself
quicker route to a group of happy scientists. When a team is happy,
with people that know more than him about different areas of
they put in extra effort – Ivan tells us that during the exploration
geology. His area is structural geology, but if he needs to know
months, everyone, himself included, is putting in overtime not
about geochemistry, say, he goes to the world expert: somebody
because they have to, but for the love of the task.
that’s humble enough to acknowledge that they don’t know
Now, with results and possibly rewards for that effort so close
everything, especially in the world of science, is a brilliant person
on the horizon, Ivan and the team are full of optimistic anticipation:
to have confidence in. So, Michael’s the one who assembled the
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster that I can’t really describe. Do we
technical team for Auryn.”
have the next biggest goldmine in the world, or do we still have
Like Michael, Auryn’s team of experts includes many names
more work to do? I’m more excited than worried, but I’m so excited
that previously worked for exploration majors. We asked Ivan how
that I average about four hours of sleep a night. I look at Sombrero
Auryn managed to not only attract such a high-calibre team, but
and Committee Bay both in a portfolio, and I go, ‘This is a once in
how they’ve allowed this team to flourish and make the most of
a career, once in a lifetime, that as a junior explorer, to have the
their potential: “Our ability to finance really drew them in, and we
scale of these projects, at a time where the market’s not finding
also took away a lot of the red tape that they had with a major. The
resources.”
big deposits I’ve seen found are by a geologist who’s been free to
“It’s a spectacular opportunity that I’m doubtful will find us
be extremely creative in their exploration efforts. When you offer
again. I’m hoping one of the two, or both of them, work out, and
to back people financially, and give them the latitude to do what is
that we can deliver a return for the next 20 or 30 years.”
necessary for science, it doesn’t guarantee you a discovery, but it certainly gives you a really good shot.“ Allowing this talented team
Endeavour Magazine | 19
MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS INC WWW.MARCVENTURESHOLDINGS.COM // 0063 2 831 4479
MAKING A DIFFERENCE Marcventures Holdings Inc. is one of the leaders in nickel ore production in the Philippines, and even more excitingly, it is sat on another resource that will give it an exclusive edge in the country. We spoke with Isidro Alcantara, CEO and President of Marcventures Holdings, to find out what they have building behind the scenes. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS INC
In the Philippines, nickel is at a low point in the market,
but as our technology continues to progress, it is predicted to rise. Not only that, but Marcventures have an ace up their sleeve that puts them ahead of their local competitors. We were keen to speak with Isidro Alcantara, their CEO, on the cause for the current enthusiasm, but first, we delved into the challenges that the Philippines’ nickel is currently facing.
“W
e are in what you’d call a state of flux. As you know,
industry, with only one Indonesia as a real competitor. However,
we are the second biggest nickel exporter after
they do hold a strong advantage, as Isidro explained:
Indonesia. We are in a down cycle in the market at the
“We are at two distinct disadvantages. First, they have more
moment, which is exacerbated by the slowdown in China, which is
high-grade nickel than us, so they can achieve better yields. Second,
our market. If you look at the LME, the price levels we’re seeing
they have coal, so their power cost is much lower than ours. Our
should be at least 25% higher, but the LME is calculated based on
best bet for competing is to find new technologies that lower our
pure nickel inventory, and China is a direct raw ore market. We’re
operating costs.”
just expecting and hoping that the prices rebound by 2019 – that’s
Not ones to accept second place, Marcventures are looking
everybody’s prediction – so we are looking forward to better times
into just that. “I’ve had discussions with interested parties four
then.”
times in the last 18 months, and I’ve been to Europe to look at
As well as nickel prices being at a low point, mining is in a transition period in Indonesia. “The former secretary, Gina Lopez,
their technologies.” The companies are still in the process of signing MOUs, but the changes are certainly in the works.
wanted to stop mining. The new secretary seems measured and
A connected and even bigger change for the company is the
fair, but there are stricter regulations coming in.” Marcventures
possibility of expanding their operations into nickel processing.
are not concerned about stricter regulations, but they, and other
Currently, they export raw ore, but processing would open up Japan
mines, have had to suspend operations whilst their facilities were
and other nearby Asian countries as viable markets, and would
audited. 24 out of 27 were found to already be at spec for the
also allow Marcventures to better blend their high-grade nickel
new rules, leaving minimum impact on Marcventures, but it is still a
with their low-grade nickel to bring it to marketable grades, thus
bump for them and the industry at large.
increasing their profits. To do so, they require a higher tonnage, and
“There’s a need to support the industry, understand the
so have acquired extra mines to make up the difference.
industry, and I think we can be a major driver for mining and the
In the meantime, lower market prices for nickel have prompted
economy. In the 70s, mining and agriculture were the drivers of the
Marcventures to slow down their operations and to be more
industry. There’s no reason why we can’t go back to that position
selective in what they mine: “We’re concentrating more on the
in the economy. Implement strict laws – we have no problem with
higher grade. We’re allowed to mine 5 million tonnes a year, but
that – but with support, can you the growth we could achieve in the
last year we only did 2.5, and as the prices are lower this year, we’re
Philippines? 10% of Canada’s GDP comes from mining. In Australia,
only looking at 1.5 million. We’ll make more money from 1.5 million
I think it’s even more than 10%. Imagine the potential if we could
tonnes than 3 million that may include lower-grade ore.”
even bring ourselves up to 5% in the Philippines?”
However, Isidro’s team are sitting on something that will
Whilst only a small percent of the Philippines’ GDP may be
change the game for them far more dramatically than a refinery:
reflected by mining, the country is making a strong impact on the
bauxite. Marcventures own 100% of the known bauxite mines
22 | Endeavour Magazine
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MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS INC in the Philippines, meaning that they own 100% of the country’s
Isidro isn’t actually a miner by trade, only having entered the
potential for aluminium. With demand for aluminium set to rise, it’s
industry five years ago, but he speaks about it with enthusiasm. He
no surprise that Isidro is feeling confident: “As you know, aluminium
was actually a banker for 35 years, Executive VP of the third biggest
is being termed the metal of the future. If the number of electric
bank in the country, and later the President and CEO of another.
cars increases, the increased consumption of the batteries will have
He retired at 50, but came back into employment after a friend
two initial effects: it will increase a demand for nickel, and there is
convinced him to get off the bench and try his hand at managing
discussion over replacing the steel cladding with aluminium, as it is
a mining company. CEO and President of Marcventures Holding,
a third of the weight and doesn’t corrode.” Aluminium is also using
he does not oversee the operation of the mines themselves, but
increasingly in the creation of cars themselves, whether electric
he oversees the business sense behind him. “I was the one who
or fuel driven, and it is a metal that is in high demand from the
led the acquisition of this mine, and the other mines. ‘Let’s do the
defence industry, given its long-lasting and light-weight nature.
deals!’. That was my business model – I’m a banker! I put in a little
“I guess there’s a reason President Trump wants to revive the
money, I have skin in the game – my wife is not particularly happy
aluminium industry in America! I’m excited, because we have
about it, but it’s kept me active. If you’re not doing anything, they
the only two mines here. I believe we have 160 million metric
say you die early.”
tonnes, of which about 74 to 80 million tonnes in minable.”
Even as a banker, Isidro was interested in heavy industry, and
Marcventures already have their permits in place to pursue their
he’s continued to get stuck in since his return to business. “I’ve
bauxite resource, and will soon come to an end of their mine
tried to learn as much as I can. I was the kind of guy who, even
planning and design phase, as well as road alignment and similar
when I was an EVP, would sit in on factories and operations – I like
logistical arrangements. Soon, they will begin to build. They predict
to learn! So, now I can pose as if I’m a miner, but I’m not a miner. I
completion in only 18 months, and aim to be shipping bauxite ore as
even sleep in the mines once in a while. I’m 64, but I love getting
soon as 2020.
my hands wet.”
Marcventures Causeway 24 | Endeavour Magazine
This hands-on approach to learning about the industry is, to
disturb about 25% of the total land area that we are licensed to do,
Isidro, not only good fun, but a key part of successful leadership:
and we take care of the roads, we ensure control of gas, and most
“I think you need to learn what you are CEO of, because you must
important, replanting.”
earn the respect of your team. You really have to care not just about
However, simply restoring the environment isn’t enough for
the profits, but the people and their advancement. That will show,
Marcventures – they want to leave an area in not only restored
and they will get them behind you.” As well as offering constant
condition, but improved condition. “You have to provide a livelihood.
training to his staff, Isidro supports them when they move on to
There was nothing in these areas before mining, we came along and
key roles in other companies, and he prides himself on being a good
their situation has improved, but when we leave, there is nothing
mentor to those in his team.
again. Sometimes, that’s the beef I have with anti-mining activists.
As well as caring for his own staff, Isidro holds the wellbeing of
Some of these people have grown up in rich villages and they’ve
those in the communities around his mines in high regard. In fact,
never seen real poverty. They don’t know what we can do for these
he is passionate about the good work that Marcventures is able
people.”
to do in these communities, and it is keen for the wider world to
As a part of this effort to provide incomes after they leave,
understand the hand that mining can have in remote areas such
Marcventures have proposed a programme in which re-planting
as these. First of all, they are conscious of the environment and
includes the introduction of bamboo to new areas: “Bamboo is a
their impact on it: “We have an officer dedicated to looking at the
$6-8 billion industry in the world. It is used for products ranging
environment. We always check against regulations, and we like
from chop sticks to hardwood flooring, which is now more
to go beyond that. Nickel is a mining type where one can achieve
expensive in North America than cherry and oak. It has 100-year
progressive re-habitation, because we only dig to 25 meters at
life, it is easy to care for, it emits 35% more oxygen, and can really
most, vs gold and copper where your pit can be 200, 300 meters.
elevate an area’s income. The government agencies in charge really
We disturb the earth – there’s no doubt about that – but we only
want to make it a nation-wide effort.”
Safety first at Marcventures Endeavour Magazine | 25
MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS INC On top of serving as a catalyst for this programme, the
However, given concerns over the environmental impact of these
company has also improved the lives of these communities in other
companies, the positive impact they make is easily overlooked, with
staggering ways. “When women gave birth, it was touch and go
big industry easy to perceive as a black-and-white ‘bad guy’.
whether the child would survive. We have put up a full-time clinic
“Our main fault, if at all, is that we were content doing our
with a midwife. There was no school. We now have a secondary
business, making money, and not putting information out into
school. The LGUs provided the budget for teachers, but we put up
he public. We have been demonised – especially by anti-mining
the school.” They also provide scholarships that have sent many
groups. We now have an aggression information campaign, so
young people from these areas to college. Education, more than
we’re starting to get this stuff out there. I think a lack of information
anything else, can change the fortunes of not only individuals, but
and understanding breeds fear, and that is what has driven the
their families, and the entire area they come from. Isidro shared a
polarisation.”
moving account of one such person they have helped:
Making this area of their operations known, and sitting at
“I got a letter from a young girl who we had sent to culinary
a turning point for their operations, it’s a time of rebirth for
school. Now, she works as an assistant chef in the Middle East.
Marcventures. Come 2020, they should not only be trading in
She wrote to me and said she was given the chance because of the
a new wave for nickel, but will be embracing a burgeoning new
scholarship, and the last line is what breaks your heart, because she
market in aluminium. Hopefully, on top of all this, they will also
said, “Now my family can get a chance to get out of poverty.”
be better known for the good works they are carrying out in the
This incredible stories are not exclusive to Marcventures;
areas they mine – an awareness that will hopefully spread to the
schools, clinics and improved agriculture have been the legacy of
perception of other mining companies and similar industries. With
many mining companies operating around the world. As we see at
more awareness of both sides of that dialogue, perhaps the world
Endeavour every day, the positive impact of industry and the level
can move forwards together to find approaches to industry that are
of input the private sector puts into charitable works is staggering.
beneficial to everyone.
Waters are kept clean for the community people to enjoy 26 | Endeavour Magazine
Mangrove planting
AMAZING WORLD THE LYKOV FAMILY
BY WILL GIRLING
years ago, in the summer of
40
The evidence suggested that the garden/
long. The door of the shack creaked open
1978, a party of geologists
farm had been there for decades. As the
and out stepped a bearded, barefooted old
landed by helicopter in a remote
geologists journeyed up the mountain,
man dressed in rags. Without much pause or
Siberian taiga forest. Tasked with surveying
moving ever-closer to the spot the pilot
surprise, the old man courteously welcomed
iron ore in the area, they were approximately
had seen, clear indicators of human activity
the strangers into his home.
100 miles from the Mongolian border. Prior
became impossible to deny: a pathway, a
The old man was Karp Lykov; he had
to setting down, however, the pilot noticed
walking stick, and even a small wooden
lived in what many would have called the
something strange: a furrowed clearing high
shed containing some basic provisions were
‘uninhabitable’ wilderness of Siberia since
up on a mountainside. It looked like some kind
found. This evidence built to an inevitable
1936. A member of the Russian Orthodox
of agricultural project, yet there was not a
climax, where, beside a river, they found a
Church, Lykov and his sect had experienced
recorded human settlement in the region for
weathered shack, almost indistinguishable
persecution from Tsar Nicholas II for years
a radius of 150 miles…
from its surroundings, it had stood there so
– an enmity that stretched back to the 18th
28 | Endeavour Magazine
Natalia. Two more children (Dmitry & Agafia)
best as they could, and the only food available
were born during the family’s first few years
in any significant quantity were potatoes
in solitude. Having spent their entire lives
grown from seeds that Lykov had secured
away from Russian society, the children had
before he left.
never heard of nor seen bread before. They
Karp Lykov was an amiable and curious
had also developed idiosyncratic behaviours:
man. However, he regarded the geologists
for example, some of the younger children
with an initial air of suspicion. Unwilling to
had developed an unknown language that
allow too much modernity to corrupt his
was totally unintelligible to the visitors, a kind
family, Karp would only accept a small gift
of gentle cooing noise.
of salt from his guests. Gradually, over the
Having lived in the harsh conditions for all
course of many subsequent visits, he allowed
his life, Dmitry, one of the youngest, had built
more and more outsider influence into his
up an incredible resilience to the cold. Due
household (and was particularly fascinated
to their limited access to clothing, he would
by television). Tragically, within three years
frequently go hunting barefoot (sometimes
of making contact with them, Savin, Natalia,
in arctic winter conditions) and, lacking
and Dmitry had died – the women from
weapons, would often track an animal until
complications of their harsh diet and Dmitry
it died from sheer exhaustion. Dmitry would
from an infection that lead to pneumonia.
then carry the animal (sometimes as large
Karp himself died seven years later in 1988.
as a deer or elk) back to the house single-
Buring her father in the place he called
handed.
home for 52 years, Agafia remains the last of
Despite their only knowledge of the
her family and still resides to this day in the
outside world coming from their parents,
Western Sayan mountains, keeping the fire
the children also appeared to lead relatively
of one family’s truly amazing story burning
contented lives in their small, one-room
brightly in the Siberian landscape.
Century. Pressure only intensified after the
house. Entertainment primarily consisted
October Revolution in 1917, which saw
of swapping tales from the events of their
Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks assume
day and exploring/interpreting each other’s
power; a staunchly atheist group and one
dreams. Karp had managed to impress
which had, shortly before he went into self-
a degree of literacy upon his children by
imposed exile, executed Lykov’s brother in
instructing them to copy out the Gospels
front of him.
from his old family Bible, using sticks as
But Lykov hadn’t abandoned civilisation
rudimentary pens and the juice of berries
alone. With him he took his wife, Akulina (who
for ink. Supplies were understandably rare
sadly died from apparent kidney failure in
for the family: clothes had to be endlessly
1961); his son, Savin; and his infant daughter,
patched, metal equipment was repaired as Endeavour Magazine | 29
K & D INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTING LLC WWW.KDI-INTERNATIONAL.COM // 00971 4 443 1726
BUILDING ON AN AMAZING REPUTATION Endeavour Magazine is no stranger to K&D International Contracting LLC, having featured them before, but things have been progressing and it’s time to revisit this visionary company to find out more. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
K & D INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTING LLC
Speaking once again with Kevin Dickinson, Managing
Director at K&D International Contracting LLC (KDI), he reiterated the fact that making a mark in the highly competitive UAE construction arena is challenging. With so many spectacular examples of contemporary domestic and industrial buildings now rising from the tarmac in a bid to reach the ever-shining sun, building something that really sets itself apart seems impossible, but that’s not the case for Kevin and his team. You might ask how and the answer is simple and steadfast: KDI inject genuine passion into every single project.
E
ndeavour has already highlighted, in depth, exactly why KDI is
Given that KDI is still the only construction company in Dubai
one of the premier construction firms in the region, so we won’t
to provide a genuinely turnkey approach, with the vast majority
go over old ground, but instead, let’s take a look at new ground-
of specialist skills being provided by in-house talent, charging the
breaking work that is being carried out, in the form of exciting
company with such impressive projects makes perfect sense, if,
recent developments and projects. Kevin was only too happy to
that is, a super luxury and well-considered finish is what’s wanted.
reveal some details:
Interestingly enough, it’s this facet of KDI that has helped to garner
“Since our last feature KDI has carried out and completed two
such a favourable reputation and also directly contributed to the
amazing new projects, the first being a landscaping and swimming
amount of word-of-mouth recommendations that have secured
pool development, turning the desert green.”
ever more business. Kevin confirmed this, by disclosing how KDI
Turning the desert green? That sounds like some kind of dark wizardry at work, but in fact, it was all part of a carefully considered luxury outdoor project, as Kevin went on to explain: “We started off with a large plot of sand and designed a swimming
came to be selected for the two fabulous projects listed above: “KDI was recommended to both projects from previous clients, as with the majority of our works. Client referral makes up around 80% of the KDI order book.”
pool, with Jacuzzi, incorporating four stainless steel fountains. The
There’s a terrifically refreshing level of introspective operation
pool has over 1500 fibre optic lights at the base, along with over 300
happening at KDI, what with as much being completed in-house as
LED lights around the coping. There are also four additional water
is humanly possible and client recommendations accounting for
features, a home cinema screen that folds away, BBQ area with
the lion’s share of new work, but of course, Kevin recognises that
outdoor kitchen, palm trees, granite paving throughout and stone
bringing in experts is essential in some special circumstances. In the
planter boxes have made this a garden for pure entertainment.”
case of the landscaping project already discussed, a specialist pool
There’s a subtle insight into the high-impact developments that
and lighting designer, called Midas Touch, was subcontracted in to
KDI embrace regularly, as nothing about this outdoor paradise
ensure that everything was completed to the highest standards,
sounds like a ‘garden’ to us, but this is the UAE, where luxury and
which was vital given that the total cost of the development was in
decadence rule, which brings us neatly to the second project that
the region of Dh1,850,000.00.
Kevin was keen to discuss:
Despite attention to detail and client management being two
“The other development is an ongoing contract comprising
of the most important elements in any KDI project, naturally,
of a super luxury villa project with 22 villas ranging in size from
unexpected difficulties arise and it’s how a company navigates
15,000 sq ft to 22,000 sq ft, including fully landscaped gardens and
these stumbling blocks that can really set it above and beyond its
swimming pools.”
competitors. In the case of KDI and the two flagship projects being
32 | Endeavour Magazine
Since 2001 K & D International Contracting LLC has developed a reputation for being one of the most prestigious bespoke home builders and fit-out companies in the United Arab Emirates. Achieved through a commitment to the highest standards, coupled with the ability to bring to life the most demanding designs, whilst ensuring we pay attention to the smallest detail. K & D International Contracting LLC provides a complete single source turnkey solution. With a highly qualified and experienced workforce there is no job too large or small, and we have the expertise to deliver time and again, on budget, on programme, and exceeding client expectations of quality and finish. The Mission of K & D International Contracting LLC is offer our clients a unique QUALITY service, where customer care and listening to our client’s needs, are key to developing success for both parties. Whether it is design, construction, fit -out, refurbishment, or remedial works, ensuring our clients feel they are treated with TRUST and PROFESSIONALISM is paramount to our service delivery and our aim to achieve EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION. Our background ensures we offer a CLIENT ORIENTATED approach in all our services, here at K & D International Contracting LLC we understand what is important to you, and our focus is upon ensuring key client requirements are met through tailormade solutions, incorporating INNOVATION IN DESIGN, coupled with our company beliefs of HONESTY, we always aim to deliver projects to our clients exacting standards, completed in a TIMELY manner, and within budget. K & D International Contracting LLC Office 408 Detroit House Motor City, Dubai United Arab Emirates Telephone: +971 4 443 1726 Fax: +971 4 443 1728 Website: www.kdi-international.com
K & D INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTING LLC discussed here, Kevin revealed that not everything has been plain sailing: “Project 1 had numerous challenges, when we encountered an
“The Dubai market has always been fickle. It is an extremely hard market to work in and with more and more clients looking at budgets, it has become more competitive than usual.”
underground water table higher than expected. Dewatering caused
It’s during turbulent periods such as this that the benefit of
numerous delays and logistical problems. This, combined with the
client recommendations really comes into sharp focus. While
many difficulties in getting all the different facades of lighting to
other construction companies might tender for new contracts
work in unison, proved to be a very demanding challenge.”
as relatively anonymous names on a piece of paper, with a figure
The complexities here were merely an opportunity for Kevin
attached, KDI is a quantified element. Sure, there’s a quoted value,
and his team to exercise a little more creative thinking, which in
but the associated passion, expertise and proven capabilities of the
turn, simply allowed for better solution provisions, so no challenge
team are interwoven into the fabric of every KDI tender, which is
is seen as an exercise in futility. It’s a good job too, as the ongoing
why the company continues to flourish.
super luxury villa complex looks set to throw up some complications of its own:
Looking to the future, Kevin remains optimistic, but also hungry for new challenges:
“Project 2 brings a unique set of challenges in that the client had
“Like any SME working in the Middle East, the future is a very
commenced works themselves before bringing KDI in to get the job
difficult one to predict, but KDI has an order book taking us into
completed. The logistics of bringing over 600 workers to the site
the middle of 2019, though like any SME, we are always looking to
and making sure they are all looked after is a major part of our daily
promote more business opportunities.”
routine.” Due for completion by the end of 2019, the project value is in excess of Dh248 million, so it’s well worth navigating the minefield of numerous staff on site, especially when the buoyancy of the market is taken into account:
34 | Endeavour Magazine
Always dynamic and exciting, KDI has proved to be a company to watch and revisit, which is why Endeavour Magazine looks forward to catching up with Kevin and his team again in the coming years.
Endeavour Magazine | 35
CHICKEN XPRESS WWW.CHICKENXPRESS.CO.ZA // 0027 31 569 1900
FINDING THEIR FLAVA Chicken Xpress is a South African company with a South African taste. In fact, this patriotic “Flava” is central to everything they are, from their fresh take on chicken to the energy of their staff and the colourful design of their quick service restaurants. Since we last spoke with Chicken Xpress, they have been preparing to tell us about their journey through the most exciting time in a company’s life – a total rebranding, just in time for their wide-scale expansion, both at home and abroad. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
CHICKEN XPRESS
Chicken Xpress (CX) opened their first store in 2011, in
Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. A well-loved local fast food brand, they bring a distinctly South African feel to what they do, and they do it well. In the company’s own words: “Chicken Xpress is on an inspired mission to become the people’s champion in each new community we enter.”
T
heir love and enthusiasm for their work has been rewarded
family of service formats, including their traditional QSR stores,
with ever-growing success, which in turn has led to an
Large Format Brand stores, kiosks, and food trucks to deliver their
exciting period of change. Not only have CX been expanding
food out to the people.
their store numbers at an incredible rate, but they have also been
With the consistent and speedy growth of the Chicken Xpress
redesigning their branding, developing their plans for charitable
franchise, the company may be focusing on thinking globally, but
works, throwing opening parties and events across Africa and India,
they are still acting locally. As a proud South African company that
and have even had a change of COO.
puts patriotism high on their agender, from the sourcing of local
From owning 23 stores across South Africa, as well as
employment to the use of only “proudly South African” products,
locations in Botswana, the chain has recently undergone a massive
Chicken Xpress are working to reflect and contribute to their
expansion into India. Given that they began life in KwaZulu-
communities through everything from charitable works to their
Natal, the coastal South African province home to Indian-inspired
interior design.
Durban, the brand’s overseas expansion to this country is a logical
In particular, CX are representing this South African pride
one. Remarkably, however, their push into India will far outweigh
through their new branding. “We have evolved our branding to
their current numbers in Africa, with an initial roll out of 120 stores,
something more fun and exciting, just like the African culture,”
and a view to growing this up to 400 stores over the next five to
enthuses Biton. “We introduced colors and patterns that bring out
ten years. We spoke with Delon Biton, CX’s Marketing Manager,
the unique Flava in our brand, and that have a modern, African feel
about their plans: “We are currently finalizing a full market growth
to them.”
strategy for India, Bangladesh and Nepal. This will be our first entry
“When we say, “Trust the Flava”, we are not only talking about
into Asia, where we see CX growing across the entire continent as
the unique Chicken Xpress South African taste, but also the Flava
it is currently doing across Africa.”
within you that makes you stand out from the rest. Be confident in
India isn’t the only place seeing exciting change for Chicken
your Flava – Trust the Flava.”
Xpress, with their new stores both abroad and at home the front
“We also focus on the Flava within the community that a store is
line for the company’s innovations. One such innovation has been
situated in. We are focusing more on individualizing and localizing
the introduction of 24-hour Drive-Thrus, which were opened to
our stores; for example, through interior design, certain parts of
the public at the end of March this year, thus making the brand
our stores will abstractly tell a story about the area they are in. We
accessible to all potential customers. The Drive-Thrus join CX’s
are also adapting our stores to reflect our local customers’ taste
38 | Endeavour Magazine
CHICKEN XPRESS preferences. For example, some of our stores have a hotter “SHISA”
the Ugandan market. Uganda was recently voted one of the most
Flava than others, due to the area’s customer preferences. We also
entrepreneurial countries in the world, but it is still an emerging
offer our franchisees unique local store specials and marketing
economy, and entrepreneurs still need assistance in growing
advice to suit the area that they are in.”
their businesses over time. “We believe that franchising provides
Well aware that first impressions are everything, Chicken
a structured and sustainable platform for entrepreneurs to grow
Xpress have been pouring the majority of their attention into their
and enhance their business skills, while providing job creation and
new stores, from their smooth set-up, to their unique local designs,
economic growth.”
to throwing spectacular, crowd-drawing openings to welcome the
This will be CX’s first store in Uganda, and from here, they
location into the community. The festivities usually involve live DJs,
look to not only grow throughout Uganda, but also across the East
‘Spin ‘n Wins’ giving away deals and prizes, and specials offers that
African region. “While other western, off-continent brands have
allow everyone attending the opportunity to enjoy their menus.
come into the region, our brand is one that is truly built for Africa.
“We have focused a lot in our store openings – to make the
We combine smaller format stores, with a localised approach to our
biggest and best first impression and to maintain that standard
menu offerings, branding and community development across the
throughout. We show the customers our Flava – we have the Flava
continent.”
and we are the Flava. We make sure everyone around our store is
The vibrancy of CX’s store openings reflects the attitude
having a good time, from adults to young kids. We make the area
and energy that has seen Chicken Xpress win the hearts of their
around us buzz.”
customers and cement themselves as one of the nation’s most
It sounds like a party! One of these many planned openings
loved QSR brands. They have also achieved this through their
will be Chicken Xpress’ first store in Kampala, Uganda, in February
community outreach: as well as promoting growth through
2018. The site will be situated next to a busy Shell Petrol Station, in
employment and the sourcing of local ingredients, CX supports
one of the busiest parts of the city, and used as an entry point into
young sportspeople throughout the country via the sponsorship of
Proud to be the national distributors for Chicken Xpress in South Africa.
www.cnsfoods.co www.bevrae.co.za Over the years we have developed a distribution channel
the catering and hospitality sectors in particular as we are able
for niche value added suppliers in line with our existing
supply to specification rather than just products. The factories
customer base and have extended it to offer our services to
are well equipped and have superb refrigeration, temperature
manufactures that wish to focus on their core business and
is a critical area in the business, but in putting products
outsource their distribution which now has been extended to
together a high degree of flexibility has been maintained in
franchisors who would like to negotiate direct with suppliers
the production facilities with the result that the business is
and be in control of their pricing which has led to a total basket
not locked into any particular food category but has the ability
solution that can bring savings to their franchisees.
move with changing trends and respond to market needs.
All products are manufactured ensuring that the quality is of
As it has been recognized that this is a service business and
the highest standard.
not just the supply of food therefore great emphasis is placed
Major focus is upon product hygiene and quality, using only the best raw materials and products, which contain no preservatives or additives A spread of disciplines are employed in the factories which make possible a broad product range over a number of categories, this gives the company a great deal of strength in
40 | Endeavour Magazine
on the correct service levels and work continually to improve them. Our mission of “Convenience without Compromise” can as a result be followed through on both quality of product and quality of service.
soccer kits and other items for schools and clubs. On top of this,
brand with huge potential. “I have been very impressed with the
they are also involved in community initiatives such as charitable
sheer volume of interest in the brand,” Cook noted; whilst CX has
work with ‘Feed A Child Feed A Nation’, through whom CX feed
nowhere near KFC’s scale, they are well-loved in every area they
underprivileged school children once a month. Recently, they also
reach. “CX is very well placed to return investment in a competitive
teamed up with Mpact Recycling for a Mandela Day initiative, in
QSR environment with significantly lower investment costs,” Cook
which they provided over 1000 meals for Troyeville Primary School.
continued. “I also enjoy the company ethos, which allows quick
Donna Noble, Communications Manager for Mpact Recycling, said
decisions that enhance and grow the brand.”
of the initiative: “We chose Troyeville Primary School specifically
On top of the developments we’ve already looked out, Cook
because we wanted to brighten the lives of children in one of
plans to make ongoing improvements in CX’s supply chain,
Johannesburg’s disadvantaged areas.” According to Delon, this
distribution and operational systems to enhance their profitability.
collaboration was the first of many new charitable efforts for
As he joked, “This is very tongue in cheek, but unless you are
Chicken Xpress: “We have massive plans to increase our charity
the lead dog, the view never changes!” They are certainly choice
initiatives and community participations for the years to come.”
words, but ones that reflect Cook’s playfulness as well as his
As a modern and dynamic brand, Chicken Xpress know the
serious ambition for the company – traits that suit CX’s fun-loving
importance of staying fresh and moving forwards. Even so, this
professionalism perfectly. On a more serious note, Cook added, “I
has been an impressive period of change for the company, with
like Richard Branson’s words – ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they
developments occurring across the board. In part, this has been
are too small.’” We couldn’t put it better ourselves. Chicken Xpress
prompted by their change in COO. Chris Cook had over 20 years of
are definitely dreaming big, but the six-year-old company are in the
experience in QSR top brands before coming to Chicken Xpress. He
perfect position to use the foundation they have built and launch
left a 100-store KFC franchise group in order to join CX, leaving the
themselves to the next level. With a passionate new COO at the
corporate structure in favour of a smaller, vibrant, up and coming
helm, there’s no holding back.
Proud to be the national distributors for Chicken Xpress in South Africa. www.cnsfoods.co.za www.bevrae.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 41
SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WWW.SHARJAHAIRPORT.AE // 00971 6 5581111
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Focused on making safe air travel accessible to all, Sharjah Airport is a flagship aviation base in the UAE that aims to become the most renowned airport in the region and it’s definitely on the right path. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
It can be all too simple to overlook the commercial
complexities of not only building, but also maintaining, improving and running an airport and while the management team at Sharjah manages to make it look easy, the truth is a little different.
L
et’s start at the beginning and take a look at the heritage of the airport. Originally built in the 1970s, it was officially opened in 1977, having replaced an RAF base. While there were already
airports in place in the UAE, Sharjah would prove to be the first to be utilised by Imperial Airways. It would even go on to play host to hundreds of American troops in the 1990s. Skip ahead to the present day and it’s plain to see that the airport has gone from strength to strength, while also increasing exponentially in size. In fact, it now caters for so much cargo per annum that it is considered to be the third largest hub in the UAE, but passenger airlines have flocked to join the ranks as well. With 11 airlines flying into Sharjah, including Air Arabia who calls it its home base, the runways are busy, but so are the old cargo terminals. Every building is put to good use at Sharjah, which is why Air Arabia has gone one step further and located its headquarters directly in the Freight Center of the airport. There’s no doubting that Sharjah Airport is perfectly equipped to deal with both commercial and customer needs, but in order to stay at the top of its game, a more specific management approach has been taken: “Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and safety possible at Sharjah Airport.
44 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 45
SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT We strive to provide exceptional customer satisfaction through
a rate of knots, meaning that efficient procedures, friendly staff and
the combination of continuous improvement programmes and an
easy interactions are just as key as they are for domestic travellers.
efficient, innovative Integrated Management System (IMS).” With safety being a top priority, it should come as no surprise that a number of ISO certifications have been attained: “As part of
In a bid to improve the site, Sharjah Airport has maintained the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that has been in effect since before it was even a bricks-and-mortar operation:
its ongoing commitment to safety and quality, Sharjah Airport meets
“Sharjah made aviation history in 1932, when the first flight
the standards of ISO certifications in quality management systems
landed at the Al Mahatta runway. Since then, Sharjah Airport,
and environmental management systems. Its ISO certificates can be
through a series of path breaking initiatives, has become a world-
viewed on the website. We are proud that we are constantly striving
class modern international airport. Sharjah Airport has an open
to achieve growth and provide better services to our customers.
sky policy, which allows airline traffic from all over the world easy
We have worked hard to achieve the standards of a number of ISO
access to the airport. The airport has the newest Code F compliant,
certifications, to ensure we’re improving the effectiveness and
longest runway (4060 meters) in the region, with Cat II capabilities.
efficiency of our operations.”
This enables all aircraft, up to the A380, to land and take off with full
The idea of improving an airport for the enjoyment of flyers
load capacity during all weather conditions. The airport offers the
might sound a little odd; after all, most people are there for the
most competitive landing and handling rates in the region making it
perfunctory checking in and baggage issues prior to jumping on a
popular with both large and small operators.”
plane and taking off, but that’s exactly why Sharjah is so different.
As we’ve already highlighted, the cargo side of things is also vital.
No longer does the airport simply need to be a stepping-stone, as it
“Furthermore, SIA has also emerged as an important air cargo hub
can be a much-anticipated part of the travel process. Let’s also not
for many of the world’s major carriers. Strategically located, Sharjah
overlook the fact that commercial cargo flows through the facility at
has a unique location, which is just 10 km away from Sharjah city
46 | Endeavour Magazine
centre and about 20 minutes drive from nearby Emirates and also within easy reach of the Northern Emirates.”
From domestic to business travellers and commercial freight transporters too, absolutely everybody is welcome at Sharjah
The years of hard work and conscientious effort have clearly paid
Airport and treated with equal importance. The client experience
off, as the exemplar customer relations endeavours implemented
always has been and always will be the primary driving force in terms
at Sharjah Airport have led to honest and open communications
of implementing change or improving existing offerings and that’s
between management and consumers. This is referred to as the
why there can be no doubt that it will “become the most renowned
airport and customers ‘working together’,
airport in the region”, as per the vision of the management team.
“Apart from its efficient process, Sharjah Airport takes pride in
The sky really is the limit in terms of what can be accomplished
offering its passengers a variety of top-class and affordable facilities,
and given that it can navigate the big blue with ease…there’s
for the comfort and convenience of its travellers. To continue to
absolutely nothing stopping Sharjah Airport from soaring long into
improve and involve, we collaborate with passengers to obtain
the future.
insights and suggestion to further improve the airport’s service and facilities. Their feedback and suggestions are very important to us.” As an extension of this communication, there are incentives in place for consumers that choose to participate in surveys or questionnaires. Air Arabia, in conjunction with the Customer Relationship Enhancement programme, offers rewards and even free flights to those people that make the most helpful suggestions. That’s certainly not standard practice, but goes a long way to proving just how valuable the opinions of Sharjah Airport customers are.
Endeavour Magazine | 47
AMAZING WORLD LION LIGHTS
BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
I
magine if your income and financial security could be eaten by lions. Not the metaphorical lions of unexpected bills and
taxes, but actual creatures that can kill, and be killed. Richard Turere in a Kenyan Maasai cattle herder. His life and the wellbeing of his family revolve around the safety of their cows and therefore, their cows’ protection from lions. Unsurprisingly, many herders have bad feelings towards these feline predators, ready to harm and even kill them if necessary to defend their herd. Richard is different. “I love lions,” he has been documented saying. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t love lions.” Despite this peaceful attitude, Richard’s cows are some of the safest in Kenya, and he’s extended this violence-free security to other herds thanks to his break-through invention. The creation was inspired by an incident that happened when he was only 11; previously, Richard had tried to find other bloodless ways to protect his cows, including
Using solar-power, Richard created a
system is now in 750 homes in his community
a scarecrow (which didn’t bother the lions at
system that simulates the motion of swinging
and further afield. People have even created
all), and a darkened pen that kept the herd
torch-light, implying to lions that humans
their own versions of his lights as far away as
out of view, but unfortunately, didn’t hide
are on patrol whilst allowing them to sleep
Argentina and India.
their scent. Attacks were happening on their
through the night. He tested out his idea,
Lion Lights 2.0 costs $200 to install. Half
cattle nightly. However, one night, 11 year
and the attacks stopped: his family went
of the money usually comes from NGOs,
old Richard was patrolling with a torch, and
from losing up to nine cows a week to having
whilst the rest is provided by the herder.
the lions never came. That’s when an idea
zero losses.
As well as selling and installing his lights,
hit him. 48 | Endeavour Magazine
Richard is now 18, and the Lion Lights
Richard often improves upon his design; the
system now has 16 different light settings,
These deaths have been increasingly caused
Service. He did receive a scholarship to an
and features a new wind turbine so that it still
by humans, either defending their cattle
impressive school in Nairobi, but he feels that
works after cloudy days.
or carrying out ‘pre-emptive’ or retaliatory
the Kenyan government could do a lot more
This peaceful defense method is not only
killings. As the Maasai have lost land over
to support people like him. Without broader
saving the livelihoods of cattle herders, but
the years, clashes with protected lions have
support, Richard has not been able to take
it is saving the life of lions, too. According to
increased, and therefore, so have the killings.
the Lion Light as far as they could go, and he
the Kenyan Wildlife Service, Kenya has been
Despite helping in this crisis, Richard
worries about other Kenyans with good ideas
losing about 100 lions each year for the last
has not received any support from either
decade, with just over 1,700 left in the wild.
the government or the Kenyan Wildlife
but no financial way to bring them to life. Endeavour Magazine | 49
D. RAMPERSAD & COMPANY LTD WWW.DRAMPERSAD.COM // 001 868 671 7267
THE EVOLUTION OF AN ENGINEERING GIANT Founded in the region of 50 years ago, D. Rampersad and Company Ltd has undergone a series of evolutionary changes to become the company it is today, but one thing has remained consistent: a professional optimism that retains both clients and staff. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
D. RAMPERSAD & COMPANY LTD
Looking at where D. Rampersad and Company Ltd
(DRCL) started offers a unique insight into the skill, determination and expertise of the people involved, as the current incarnation of this progressive and adaptive company couldn’t be more different.
T
oday, DRCL is a third-generation family operation, with a
has been the catalyst for continued success. We look to the future
number of impassioned kinsfolk all coming together to propel
with reassuring optimism.”
the company into the next phase of success. While the initial
There’s the optimism we mentioned in the introduction. It might
concept was to focus on automotive parts and relevant machining,
sound like a strange element to use as a commercial underpinning,
things have developed significantly, as the team confirmed,
but in reality, it’s a refreshing and personable touch. In a world
“Currently our core activities focus on providing specialised
where financial turbulence can always be lurking around the corner,
engineering solutions, including new product sales, supply of
realism is essential, but there’s always space for a little positive
engineered package equipment, upgrading and refurbishment
thinking. If nothing else, it can lead to a more adaptable mindset
of water and waste water treatment facilities, preventative,
that in turn, allows for fast and effective diversification when the
routine and breakdown and turnaround maintenance of rotating
market calls for it, which is something DRCL has mastered.
equipment. This is in addition to fabrication of structural steel
Ask anyone, in a commercial setting, what the secret to success
and piping systems and machine shop services to customers in the
is and they will naturally reference having a multi-pronged approach
energy, petrochemical, power, steel and process industries.”
to a speciality. No one-dimensional operation will ever rise above
As you can see, the roster of service on offer has grown somewhat, though connections to the automotive and transport/
competitors, but DRCL doesn’t need to worry about this being an issue:
logistics industries remain strong both in the native Trinidad and
“D. Rampersad and Company Limited is an internationally
the whole Caricom region. With ISO certifications firmly under the
recognised, multifaceted engineering services company, possessing
company belt, responsible practices are second nature to the entire
a high level of competence in all that we do to satisfy our clients’
team at DRCL, with safety, environmental protection and quality all
overall needs on a 24/7 basis. Regardless of your industry sector, we
being given the requisite focus.
are confident that you will be able to continuously benefit from our
Getting down to brass tacks, it’s important to ask just how DRCL
diverse range of specialised services.”
has managed to set itself apart. After all, an engineering operation is
While it might have been simpler to choose one discipline,
not a new concept and there must be more than one in the Caricom
taking the decision to not limit the capabilities and talents of a
region, so what is it that the management team credits with helping
long-standing team, especially when servicing a relatively localised
DRCL to rise above the stiff competition?
region, has really paid off. DRCL is now a key partner in the
“Our longevity in business, desire to continually diversify
continued smooth sailing of countless industries within Trinidad,
synergistically, low turnover of staff and our ability to develop long-
including but not limited to essential sectors, such as construction,
term partnering agreements with the majority of our major clients,
water management and even power supply. Would it be a step too
52 | Endeavour Magazine
D. RAMPERSAD & COMPANY LTD far to suggest that DRCL is integral to the continued flourishing of
to new heights, while always staying faithful to the founding values
the region? We don’t think so and this appears to be an opinion that
and vision. Avinash Rampersad and Martyn Killingbeck, who have
is widely shared, if the low staff turnover is taken into account.
been with DRCL for 15 and 20 years respectively, support him in
It’s true that you really can judge a company by how it treats
these endeavours:
its people and in the case of DRCL; staff are family, quite literally
“Avinash has been and continues to be instrumental in ensuring
in some cases. From ground floor positions, such as welders and
that the company stretches the boundaries in terms of achieving
technicians, to senior management, nobody seeks to leave, and
the company’s mission and vision. Martyn’s broad-based business
retention levels are impressive. Why? Most likely because each
experience, desire for growth and risk management awareness
individual is respected and appreciated as a vital part of the overall
bodes well in ensuring the company continues to diversify within a
machine. After all, you can’t expect to keep customers happy if the
stable business environment.”
staffing body is miserable:
With a strong family figurehead at the helm and a complementary
“D. Rampersad & Company Ltd. offers the opportunity to work
mix of commercial skills within the senior management team,
in a diverse, dynamic, multi-disciplinary company, with the goal of
there’s little question as to how DRCL has become not only a relied
providing ever-improving levels of customer service and quality
upon resource in Trinidad, but a key support structure for numerous
operations to our valued clients.”
industries.
Key to the family-first approach of DRCL is the fact that the
A piquant mix of established family values, genuine local
entire operation is still overseen and run by true family members.
interest, an adaptive managerial mindset and high-level expertise
Nirmal Rampersad, a proud Trinidad national, is the sole owner and
makes DRC an engineering company with a difference and that is
chairman of the company and as such, has a vested interest in its
exactly why it is sure to continue enjoying phenomenal success.
continued success. With this in mind, he utilises his entrepreneurial
It will certainly be exciting to revisit this dynamic operation in the
spirit and extensive commercial experience to push the company
future, to find out more.
54 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 55
SWISSLION TAKOVO WWW.SWISSLION-TAKOVO.COM // 00381 13 800 700
GROWING TOGETHER Made by companies with decades of experience, Swisslion-Takovo’s products are tastier and more popular than ever. The Serbian company produce delicious foods and snacks for children and adults, from luxurious chocolate treats to healthy drinks. We took a closer look at this scrummy company to see how they’ve been putting a smile on South-East Europe’s faces since they opened, almost a dozen factories ago. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
SWISSLION TAKOVO
In the valleys of Trebinje, Bosnia, golden light seems to
flow slowly over the slopes, like a light treacle or a fine dusting of sugar over a sleepy-looking town. Rolling hills of green, dotted with picturesque, toy-town trees and buildings, make the area look destined for a biscuit tin picture. The white stone and warm terracotta-coloured rooftops of the town are bright, warm and welcoming in the sunlight; this calm, quiet city is one of the many idyllic homes of SwisslionTakovo’s chocolate and confectionary factories.
F
ounded in 1997, the company have gradually expanded their product range, branching out from biscuits to include sweets, ice cream and even baby foods. Starting out in Serbia, the
company now also has facilities in Macedonia, Croatia and, of course, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their single factory has become eleven, with ten built in Serbia and one in Macedonia, and their personnel now total the thousands. Swisslion-Takovo’s Trebinje factory, whilst an industrial facility by nature, mimics the colours of the town with its white walls and warm reds. The structure, which cost the company over €20 million, has an appearance that evokes the excitable, childish joys stirred by what’s inside: chocolate, biscuits, even ice cream. It is a clean, welcoming factory fit for a whimsical industry. This look and feel is shared by all of the company’s locations. The sheer number of locations explains not only the confectioner’s vast output, but also their broad range of products. Their two main factories are located in Vršac, North-Eastern Serbia, and Gornji Milanovac, Central Serbia. The North-Eastern factory is dedicated to confectionary production, including biscuits, chocolate bars, wafers, sweets and Turkish Delight, whilst the central facility manufactures food products such as pasta, soups and fruit juices. Overall, the company’s best-known products are their Eurocrem (chocolate spread), Eurodessert (chocolates), Viljamovka (pear brandy) and even Juvitana (baby food). Each factory is fully automated, producing the company’s beloved products on the most high-end and up-to-date machines. The company describe themselves as “an empire in the field of
58 | Endeavour Magazine
SWISSLION TAKOVO quality and healthy food production”, claiming that “the application
a major part of their operations. It’s hard to say, ‘ice cream factory’
of modern technology and advanced knowledge, as well as
without a swell of childish excitement, and this factory has plenty
continuous training processes, set high standards of business,
on the production slate to be excited about: promising “perfection
living and working in Swisslion-Takovo.” Their fully automated line
of flavour, high quality and natural ingredients”, Swisslion claim
creates biscuits in a manner that will have the Willy Wonka and
that their ice cream will “delight you once more with its richness”,
the Chocolate Factory opening credits playing in your mind, or
with high levels of cocoa butter in their chocolate flavourings
perhaps Edward Scissorhands’ cookie machine. The facilities each
and carefully selected natural fruits for many of their 54 flavours.
house numerous machines, every one as fun to watch in action as
Combining these natural ingredients with modern methods, the
the rest. White and red labels whizz past like ribbons on spools,
factory’s totally automated production line is able to produce
vast sheets of biscuit squares run under pouring chocolate, and
30 million litres of ice cream a year – try to imagine that without
confectionaries of all kinds zoom around the room in various stages
grinning!
of their separate dances. It’s enough to make your mouth water
Like any sizable and successful company, Swisslion-Takovo’s
for the goodies being produced, and your inner child to clap in
origin story isn’t simple. The Swisslion Group traces its origins from
excitement at the mechanical circus in motion.
the Takovo company, founded in 1962 in Gornji Milanovac, whilst
Whilst production is automated by top-end machines,
Swisslion itself was founded in 1991. Takovo was state-owned
personnel oversee the entire process. Dressed in sanitary white,
during the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and was one of
they monitor, package and transport the treats, as well as making
the country’s biggest industrial companies. Swisslion and Takovo
sure that quality standards never slip. Don’t let the production line
merged in 2004 under name Swisslion-Takovo, following Swisslion’s
fool you – every product in these factories is made with love!
acquisition of Takovo by public tender. Whilst Swisslion’s focus
Of course, Swisslion don’t just produce confectionaries – they
has always been on the sweet side of things, Takovo brought their
own many facilities, creating everything from healthy drinks to
savoury foods and healthy drinks into the mix. If this double threat
baby foods. Perhaps the most glee-inducing of these is their ice
wasn’t enough, the company also incorporated Juvitana, producers
cream factory, added to their arsenal in 2011 and quickly becoming
of children’s food, and Sisak, a Croatian biscuit factory involved in
60 | Endeavour Magazine
the production of the Euro Jaffa biscuit brand, secured in part to expand the company’s hold on their Croatian market. As one unit with many parts, Swisslion-Takovo was the brainchild of Rodoljub Drašković, whose clear vision and contagious energy fuelled the merger and inspired the resulting company with this message: “Business can be done here, done well, and new values can be created.” The mission included the desire to become the most powerful player in South-East Europe’s food industry, as well as playing a significant role in Serbia’s overall economic development. As well as these lofty aims, they intend to price competitively, distribute promptly, and offer a wider and more mouth-watering assortment of treats to choose from. Swisslion and Takovo’s now symbiotic relationship is perhaps best illustrated with their most iconic product: Eurocrem, the brand’s popular hazelnut and vanilla flavoured sweet milk chocolate spread. Half white, half brown, the two products are sold together in one tub as a yin-yang of flavours. Often marketed with the image of a slice of toast, half covered in one spread and half in the other, the product’s most recent slogan is “We grow together”. It is a perfect metaphor for Swisslion-Takovo’s journey together: two elements, one sweet, one savoury, a combination that is unarguably delicious. We couldn’t imagine one without the other.
and Swisslion-Takovo – Partners in Success We are taking pride in creating success for business partners. In the confectionary industry the development and the right choice of the applied fat is a most important factor for the final quality, a smooth production process and a short and reliable supply chain.
© Fotolia.com
Our partners receive full technological support with all our expertise.
Wels, Austria
www.vfi.co.at
Endeavour Magazine | 61
TK GLOBAL EXPERTS WWW.TKGLOBALEXPERTS.CO.ZA // 0027 12 756 1555
EXPERT GUIDANCE Without smooth supply and procurement, businesses cannot operate reliably for their customers; in fact, they can barely exist. We took a look at TK Global Experts, a 100% black-owned Supply Chain Advisory company in South Africa, to see how they are supporting the success of small to large-scale companies around their country through their insights into this backbone of their clients’ operations. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
TK GLOBAL EXPERTS
With over 20 years’ experience, TK Global Experts are a
Supply Chain and ESD Advisory Company that is able to offer in-depth information and strategies on the complications procurement.
hey cover all areas of this process, including commodity /
T
As well as making sure that the standard of this support is top
category strategy development and implementation, supplier
quality, TK Global also work hard to make sure that they are well
relationship management, supply market analysis, spend
integrated and able to reach out to key suppliers and SMME with
analytics and transformation. What this means, effectively, is that
their efforts. To do this, they work closely with several partners,
TK Global Experts aim to help both public and private companies
including the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS),
to reach their full potential. In their own words, they “provide
the State Owned Entities Procurement Forum and the South
companies with deeper understanding of how and why small
African Supplier Diversity Council. They are also involved in the
supplier contracted to large organisations grow or fail.”
Public Procurement Awards Adjudication Committee, and are
Their team features experts in the fields of engineering,
members of CIPS - SAQA Procurement Qualification Committee.
utilities, construction and infrastructure, financial services, public
On top of offering their services, TK Global Experts were also
procurement, logistics and transportation, ICT and mining. With all
tasked by South African National Treasury to conduct a National
of these sectors covered, business in South Africa can come to TK
Survey of suppliers operating and doing business throughout the
Global and trust that their needs and industries are understood,
country. The government intended this study as a foundation upon
and they can rely on the advice they are given. They also make sure
which to base its future policies and support towards SMMEs.
that their team have prior, senior management level experience
To make sure that they supplied accurate and detailed data, the
in business consulting companies, both local and international.
company sent its survey out to over 300,000 suppliers in South
Through this, they aim to advise groups on “maximising their
Africa. In particular, the survey focused on the areas that suppliers
resources, reducing operational costs and increasing local, SME and
felt needed fixing, including operational challenges that could be
BEE spend.” In particular, they offer to take a lead in their clients’
improved with government policy, or through better communication
sourcing, tendering and negotiations, and assisting companies in
or information with procuring companies. They are now planning
maintaining relationships with key existing suppliers, and well as
further study off the back of their results, which should help their
helping them to identify new potential partners.
experts to formulate policy proposals for the government, as well as,
64 | Endeavour Magazine
TK GLOBAL EXPERTS according to their statement, “unpack reasons for stagnant supplier
factors, only 5% of South Africans between the ages of 18-24-
growth and even more important analyse the view/ perception/
year are involved in early-stage entrepreneurial activity. This is the
experience of supply chain and ESD professionals.”
lowest the rate has been in recent years, and could have concerning
So, why would South Africa’s government be so interested
implications for the future of South Africa’s SMEs, and therefore, its
in how suppliers are doing business? According to TK Global,
national economy. If TK Global can shed further insight into why
research has shown that the public sector’s procurement of goods
this is occurring, hopefully the country can turn this trend around.
and services can represent as much as 50% of a country’s GDP. In
The company is headed by CEO Kamogelo Mampane. As the
South Africa, only a small amount of this public sector procurement
leader of a highly experienced team, it’s important that he brought
is spent at state-owned companies, instead spending the majority
a wealth of knowledge to the role himself, and he has a bounty
with private companies, contributing to about 35% of the GDP.
of it. Kamogelo is a member of the State Owned Enterprise
Factor in private spending, and the knock-on effects of efficiency
Procurement Forum (SOEPF) and the CIPS Africa Board, and is
and profitability in businesses, and no wonder this is an area of
the Chairperson of the SOEPF Skills Steering Committee and the
interest.
Tshwane University Advisory Board. From these positions, he
The importance of this research and TK Global’s work is
currently co-ordinate all of SOEPF’s activities. He also manages
heightened by the fact that, with neighbours of ever-varying
all of South African Revenue Services’ ICT procurement spend. As
politics and market stability, South Africa is a challenging place
the head of this procurement, he designed an electronic monitoring
for a small company to operate. Because of this, and many other
framework that allowed the state to deal with fraud and conflict
factors – including those that TK Global are currently in the middle
of interest effectively. The design was presented and approved by
of examining – many SMEs in the country are struggling and
both SARS Strategic Council and the Multi Agency Working Group
experiencing a low rate of growth. One statistic from their studies
to support SARS and other bodies of state in dealing effectively
thus far shows that, possibly because of this, and other economic
with vetting of suppliers.
66 | Endeavour Magazine
ICT has been a major focus for Kamogelo, and it is an area of particular interest for TK Global. As the company explains, “Organizations in both the public and private sector are increasingly aware that, ICT driven business change can be an engine of competitive advantage and customer and citizen satisfaction. We harness the potential of ICT and derive tangible business value from it.� WIth consultation and aid on this, and on the range of issues involves in a streamlined and effective supply or procurement process TK Global Experts can make a dramatic difference in the business success of their clients. As they continue their research for the SA government, this helo could be extended to the whole sector, and with any luck, the knock-on effect of this will benefit not only SMEs, but the economy and country at large.
Endeavour Magazine | 67
AUTOMOTIVES FORD MUSTANG 5.0 V8 GT SHADOW
Six-speed manual Standard car-on-the-road Price of £39,965.00
E
ven if you loathe American muscle cars, you cannot deny that this Mustang it a good-looking vehicle. It might not have
the finesse of other super-cars, but it also doesn’t have the price tag. The Ford Mustang GT costs the same as, say, a Mondeo, but a Mondeo doesn’t look and sound this divine. This car is all about the grin factor, and it provides that by the bucket load. The big V8 grabs attention wherever it is seen or heard. If you are worried about MPG, then read no further – and yet, for a sports car, this Mustang makes real sense as a purchase, able to double as a drivable, practical every-day vehicle as long as you don’t mind frequent visits to a petrol station. I clocked up 500 miles in this car and every one was pure fun. I even braved a 140-mile round trip with four adults, and we all got out feeling fine. Granted, the rear seats don’t have a lot of leg or head room, but they still offer more than most sports cars. The engine is peachy and useable in traffic - not fiery and twitchy like you might expect. Open her up, though, and she excels
become loose cannons around the twisty
The interior looks fantastic and works
– wow! With a 4.8 second 0-62, the front
bits. However, Ford has developed the
well with the design of the car, but inspect
lifts with an angry howl from the exhaust
Mustang to excel in handling around corners.
it too closely and you can see how Ford
pipes, feeling stable and secure. This car
To achieve this, they have removed the
have kept the cost down. Tap on the plastic
can be driven fast and safely on normal
previous suspension set-up and replaced it
surrounds and they have a brittle sound
roads, which is not always the case; many
with independent suspension in each corner,
quality to them; the cup holders are in a
of the sports models I have driven hard had
not revolutionary as a concept, but new for
stupid position, as any cup gets in the way
a tendency to bite you when you relax, but
the Mustang. The change transforms the
of the fabulous stubby gearstick; whilst
not so with the big Mustang.
car: not only is it fun and punchy to drive,
boot volume is passable, it has an oddly
it now stays flat on the corners and the
shaped opening that makes it difficult to
steering is sharp.
put anything inside. These little details are
The
Americans
historically
produce
muscle cars that rocket in a straight line but 68 | Endeavour Magazine
lacking compared to other cars out there
mustangs on the ground beside the car – it
idiosyncrasies that just confirmed it was
– but something had to give. If you can
was an awesome little touch, and I loved it.
American and a Mustang!
overlook these small elements, this car is
I asked my passengers what they thought
If you want better MPG, Ford also
brilliant and great value for money. There is
one would have to pay for this car, and the
produce this model with a 2.3 EcoBoost
also no Sat Nav included with the model as
guestimates were always about £65k. All
turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but don’t
standard, but I didn’t mind this so much, as
told, the value speaks for itself - you get a
do it: it would be sacrilege to not have the
whenever I got lost it carried the plus side
whole lot of car for your money!
sweet V8 throbbing under this car’s bonnet.
that I got to drive further! Also, whilst Ford
It is rare for me to not want to give a car
I have a request for Ford: please let me
have skimped on some details, they have
back at the end of the test, but the Mustang
do a long-term test with the Mustang – say
put thought into others: for example, at
was a break from the norm. I absolutely
a year or two should do it. Oh, and can you
night, the car projects lights in the shape of
loved everything about it - even its few
also provide me with a fuel card? Endeavour Magazine | 69
Making life easier for fleet managers everywhere
CAPITAL DRILLING WWW.CAPDRILL.COM // 00230 464 3250
GOING UNDERGROUND Going the extra mile is difficult when heading below ground, but for clients of Capital Drilling, it’s the very least that can be expected, as a commitment to always exceeding expectations comes as standard. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
CAPITAL DRILLING
Operating with a clear focus on the African market,
Capital Drilling has been expertly set up to offer a comprehensive and fully immersive exploration and production solution to clients. Already enjoying a fantastic reputation, thanks to stringent health and safety procedure and professional operating standards, Capital Drilling focuses on diversified services in order to capture new business.
“O
ur services include blast hole, directional, grade control,
budget. Moreover, established quality expectations need never be
resource development and underground drilling services,
compromised and this is precisely why Capital Drilling has been
together with geotechnical capabilities.”
able to establish long-term relationships with some of the world’s
Essentially, if you can dream it, Capital Drilling has a way to
most respected and premier mining operations.
drill it, while being supported by one of the youngest machinery
Capital Drilling refers to its objectives as being to operate
fleets in the entire industry. Why is this important? Because every
within safe parameters, while maximising value for clients and
piece of equipment is fitted with the latest technological advances,
remaining flexible enough to weather unexpected industry storms
for data collection and efficiency, while also undergoing regular
and changes in the market and the results are encouraging. Having
upgrades and maintenance. The result of investing heavily into new
become known for being “more than a drilling provider”, the current
machinery has contributed to Capital Drilling’s reputation for being
growth and development strategies have obviously been well
reliable and completing projects without ever compromising on
considered, so there is little reason to change them,
quality.
“We will maintain our existing strategic focus on increasing
Kitted out with at least 93 drilling rigs, it should come as no
utilisation of our fleet, while implementing targeted opportunities
surprise that the company has been employed in a number of
to grow our revenue base. We will achieve this via the latest
different countries, tackling a variety of terrains:
technologies, investing in our people and delivering industry-
“We have extensive experience in diverse operational
leading safety leadership.”
environments – particularly emerging markets within Africa, Eastern
By actively pursuing new long-term contracts, putting existing
Europe, Asia and Latin America. We take the time to understand
equipment to more efficient use and looking for opportunities
local regulations and customs in all countries we operate in. This
to expand into West Africa, growth is all but guaranteed and as a
ensures our activities are compliant and our operations considerate
result, the strengths of the team will truly be tested. It’s unlikely
of local traditions. We experience improved efficiencies, faster
that this will cause too much concern however, as the Capital
project start-up and smoother ongoing operations as a result.”
Drilling strengths and skills matrix is extensive.
Experience is one thing, but when you can add considerate
At the top of the strengths list is the fact that Capital Drilling
operating practices into the mix, the result is a truly tailored
always has and always will prioritise creating tailored solutions.
drilling solution for every client, regardless of location, needs or
“Our large rig fleet enables us to provide a diverse range of drilling
74 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 75
CAPITAL DRILLING solutions across all phases of the mining cycle from greenfields exploration to production.”
Safety has to be the first priority of every Capital Drilling staff member and while the management team takes every precaution
Capital Drilling went on to explain why it’s so vital to remain
to minimise the risks the ground crew will be exposed to, personal
fluid and flexible, in terms of being able to be adaptive, rather than
responsibility is vital as well. For this reason, well-educated and
reactive. “Drilling, by its very nature, can present many challenges:
expert team members are the only option,
difficult formations, isolated locations, equipment wear and tear
“Our company’s reputation has been built on providing
and significant costs. At Capital, we remain focused on providing
professional drilling services, regardless of the location. We invest
solutions, not just to achieve metres drilled each day, but that
substantially in training programs and professional development for
consider the financial impact and broader operational objectives
our employees, ensuring they are skilled, confident and competent
of our customers. Our employees use their extensive knowledge,
in completing their role. We also recognise the importance of
innovative thinking and intimate understanding of our clients’
contributing to the local communities in which we operate and
projects to provide the best solutions.”
actively employ, train and promote local national labour, providing
That’s where the commitment to offering a value-added service
in-country expertise and operational knowledge.”
comes into play. Every issue, expected or otherwise, will have a time
Having been intentionally structured to meet the needs of a
and cost implication, but if a company can pre-empt these potential
diverse range of clients, in a variety of locations, Capital Drilling
pitfalls and account for them in advance, there will never be a
is ready and able to mobilise its teams quickly and efficiently, in a
sense of client disappointment, resulting in a spotless reputation.
bid to always be ready to accept long-term projects and to develop
Of course, no enviable reputation in the mining industry can be
lasting and significant professional relationships.
garnered without a commitment to safe operating methodologies and experienced personnel.
76 | Endeavour Magazine
The mining industry, though potentially lucrative, does not always move quickly. Exploration processes can take extensive
periods of time and processing raw materials is specialist and costly. Capital Drilling has managed to navigate the marketplace successfully by never losing sight of the fact that the client is the priority, but so is the safety of every team member on the ground. It’s said that you can’t please all of the people, all of the time, but Capital Drilling appears to be on a mission to disprove that theory and it shows no sign of slowing down, rather, it’s simply planning to dig a little deeper.
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Endeavour Magazine | 77
CB GROUP WWW.MYCBGROUP.COM // 001 876 924 6000
GROWING SUCCESS Food can represent the heart of a country: not only does it feed mouths and provide an essential pillar to the economy, but the uniqueness in ingredients, flavours and traditions can sum up the feeling of a people. A country and its food can have a love affair – it’s a relationship that is life-giving in the jobs and business it generates, but if it is worked with care from the field to the frying pan, it can mean so much more. CB Group understand this relationship well, and have used it to not only achieve success for themselves, but also to help their country grow, whatever the weather. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
CB GROUP
CB Group was founded by Chairman Karl Hendrickson.
Hendrickson loved food: he approached the company both as a fan of baking and a fan of farming - he knew how to produce the best products, and he loved to use them! Like most ventures, he started small, purchasing a poultry processing operation called Caribbean Broilers in the early 1980s. Over the next ten years, he worked to improve the business, streamlining the supply chain and modernising production through automation.
W
ith a Caribbean hatchery already in business to supply baby
influence has grown, and the CB Group have been able to involve
chicks, he opened Newport Mills to supply himself with
themselves in more and more of Jamaica’s industries, supporting
better feed. Vertically integrated and running smoothly, a
their regrowth. In particular, they made major investments in the
successful future was a sure thing. However, history had other plans,
pork, egg and animal feed industries, with suppliers receiving steady
both for Hendrickson and for Jamaica at large. What happened in
business as well as hands-on assistance from CB’s resources. Today,
1988 could have been the end of many businesses, but Caribbean
the CB Group stands as a diversified agribusiness, covering three
Broilers not only rose from the ashes, but raised Jamaica up
main markets: consumer foods, livestock & animal feeds, and crops.
with them.
It all began with chicken, and CB Chicken is still a local favourite
In September 1988, Jamaica was hit by Hurricane Gilbert – one
that is offered in retail chains and wholesales island-wide. A staple
of the most powerful storms recorded to date. In terms of wind
meat in Jamaican cooking, CB Chicken has become the go-to brand
speed, it even surpassed 2017’s Hurricane Maria, and with it came
for pan vendors across the island, so much so that it annually holds
catastrophe for Jamaica. Once the storm had passed, not one farm
a PAN Competition attended by hundreds of vendors a year, and
was left standing. Between flood damage and sheer force, the
is spectated by thousands! These festivals are as popular and
crops were not only destroyed, but livestock was wiped out: the
energetic as they are in touch with the soul of Jamaica.
country’s agricultural sector was crippled, along with most other
This sums up CB Foods, and the entirety of the CB Group, with
areas of island life. However, the country was resilient, and this
their country’s enjoyment and wellbeing behind every decision as
included Hendrickson’s business. Rebuilding themselves better
they develop their delicious and sustainable foods. Local flavour
than they had been, the company saved no expense in choosing the
and high product quality is found in every aspect of CB’s companies
best farming technology available. Such a costly investment would
and brands, as is their dedication to supporting and raising up
have seemed like a risk after such devastating loss, but they knew
local farmers. The brand Caribbean Passion produces ready-to-
that to come back strong, they needed to come back swinging. This
eat deli products that use and celebrate local ingredients, their
restoration resulted in the Caribbean’s first-ever tunnel ventilated,
selection including extremely popular Christmas hams, sausages,
climate-controlled broiler house, proving a turning point not just
and smoked and cured meats. The Group also produces two ranges
for the company, but the local industry as a whole.
of eggs (Smart Eggs and Chippenham Eggs), and the “lean, clean
From that point onwards, the company has continued to
and tender” Copperwood Pork. The Group even has a company
innovate, invest, grow and diversify. In doing so, its affluence and
dedicated solely to producing flavoursome Jamaican beef burgers,
80 | Endeavour Magazine
CB GROUP and they’re not doing things by halves. Using Jamaican pimento and
livestock – they help farmers to care for them, too. Nutramix,
real Jamaican Scotch Bonnet peppers, Bonafide Burgers’ patties
another of the Group’s many companies, are producers of healthy,
are full of local taste. They can also boast that their products use
natural feed for almost any kind of animal a farmer might keep. From
no fill, no paste and no preservatives, promising a better quality,
livestock such as pigs, cows, rabbits, goats, sheep, poultry and fowl,
meatier burger. CB see Bonafide Burgers as an important arm in
they even provide feed for healthier, happier dogs. Farmers can rest
their support of local agriculture, using beef exclusively from local
easy knowing that Nutramix has taken all their animals’ needs into
cattle farms, and only ever from grass-fed cows.
consideration, right down to their four-legged helper. For example,
Bonafide Burgers only hit the shelves in summer 2017, as
their sheep and goat feeds “are enriched with ammonium chloride,
one of the many results of CB Foods’ ‘Live Better’ movement
which helps to prevent urinary tract stones known as ‘stoppage of
launched in February that year. “Through everything we do, we
water’, a health concern for small ruminants,” whilst their poultry
want Jamaicans to live better by making not just safe and quality
feeds will have birds “ready for market faster without compromising
foods, but by making more healthy and convenient foods, by being
health.” Despite the latter’s promises, all of Nutramix’s feeds claim
more eco-friendly and by continuing to support our local farmers.”
to be hormone-free, offering instead a healthier, more natural feed
Another brand of CB’s supporting this campaign is Happy Foods,
that has been carefully designed species by species to provide the
a range that currently only carries soups, but aims to eventually
greatest benefit. (The only agricultural animal Nutramix don’t feed
carry a whole range of healthy, wholesome meals hand-made from
are horses, but CB has them covered as well with the Front Runner
“homegrown” ingredients.
feed produced by Newport Mills Ltd!)
All of these brands claim to teach and encourage top-quality,
Much like CB’s meat brands, the Group’s feeds benefit from
sustainable practises in their fields, as well as empowering local
locally grown, fresh ingredients. Encouraging local crops is
suppliers of these meats. “Without our contract growers, there
essential for Jamaica’s farmers. It’s shocking to know that, despite
simply is no CB Group. Quality foods start on the farm and it is
the country’s agricultural potential, Jamaica’s iconic scotch bonnet
the hard work, dedication and excellent farm management skills of these special people that make it possible for us to provide safe and quality foods for our country each and every day.” Almost all of CB Group’s contract farmers have completed their ISO, HACCP and GMP certification, and new growers are encouraged and enabled to do so when they start supplying the Group. This is important for upholding not only safety, but quality taste, and also empowers more and more farmers to develop their practises for the good of the country. However, for many, the Group’s real game-changer is Bad Dawg Sausages. The “Bigga, Betta, Badda tasting sausage” is marketed as a meatier, more genuine-tasting alternative to the frankfurter, filled with richly flavoured ingredients and, like CB’s Bonafide Burgers, using no filler or paste. In the early days of the brand, Bad Dawgs were sold from independent cart operators. Each vendor ran their own business, empowered by CB and benefiting from the Group’s vast marketing resources. Like CB’s support of local farmers, this business model allowed many Jamaicans to work on their own terms. As the brand grew over its five years, its popularity soured to the extent that it has now worked its way into retail stores, although its cart vendors are still going strong! As the company themselves have said: “At CB Group, we care about our people and that’s why, in everything that we do, we always put them first. Our culture of hard work, passion and love for both our country and her people has been the cornerstone of the company’s success.” Of course, it isn’t only people that CB want to see eating well. As true supporters of agriculture, they not only purchase local 82 | Endeavour Magazine
peppers are not all locally grown. In fact, in 2016, the country
on help in the form of veterinary services: “Our expertise is honed
imported two million kg of these peppers. The country also
by operating one of the largest and most sophisticated poultry and
imports the majority of its sweetcorn every year, as well as 85%
pig livestock grow-out operations in Jamaica, and our veterinarians
of its onions. CB want to tackle this; much like their intervention
also provide field support for our extensive network of contract
to revive agriculture following Hurricane Gilbert, the Group are
farmers, feed and animal genetics customers.” These support
getting involved again, by creating the new brand ‘Homegrown’.
services are available across the island, assisting not only with
This brand focuses on freshly picked Jamaican produce, including
health concerns and site visits, but also by providing workshops
scotch bonnet peppers, sweet corn and onions!
and training to better inform and equip farmers for everything
Unsurprisingly at this point, the Group aren’t stopping there.
from general healthcare, to specific practises such as artificial
As well as working to make Jamaican farming what it should be,
insemination. they also facilitate the importation and distribution
CB are asking what it could be. “We have a passion for building
of veterinary medicines and supplies.
Jamaica and we recognize the importance of the agricultural
From surviving disaster to developing a vertically integrated,
industry as a driver of the Jamaican economy. Imagination is the
mutually supportive industry chain, CB Group’s success is the clear
seed of success, and so we started Imagination Farms. At our agri-
result of wise investments and genuine hard work. In everything
campus in St. Catherine, we’re investing in agricultural research
they do, they both benefit themselves, and their industry at large,
and development. Here, we grow a variety of crops, exploring the
and pull this off in an impressive number of fields! With so much
‘What If’ whilst developing sustainable best practices that can be
agricultural expertise under one name, with every company able to
applied by all local farmers.”
assist and inform each other, Jamaica’s farmers can know that they
As if all of this involvement wasn’t enough, CB have found yet more ways to feed into Jamaica’s agriculture. On top of everything
are in safe hands when they turn to the CB Group – whether they are buying, selling or both.
we’ve covered so far, they also provide extremely practical, hands-
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www.ottevanger.com Endeavour Magazine | 83
STEFANUTTI STOCKS BOTSWANA WWW.STEFANUTTISTOCKS.COM/BOTSWANA // 00267 397 4773
BUILDING SOUTH AFRICA Construction is a heaving market in South Africa, with many companies operating on local and national levels to vie for work. Stefanutti Stocks is one of the country’s largest multidisciplinary construction groups; we took a look at what they have to offer in this highly competitive sector. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
STEFANUTTI STOCKS BOTSWANA
Stefanutti Stocks employees a massive 12 000 employees,
offering a slate of expertise that allows them to rise to any construction challenges that comes their way. Not simply stopping at residential and corporate builds, they instead have developed the capacity to deliver a range of infrastructure projects to their clients across diverse sectors, including building work, bulk earthworks & geotechnical, energy generation, industrial plants, oil & gas, mining & mining infrastructure, transport infrastructure (road, rail, marine and air), and water, sanitation & pipelines.
s the company says themselves, “Our offering extends
A
Moving on to bulk earthworks, Stefanutti Stocks have also been
across a wide scope of supply, including the construction of
responsible for these for many clients across sub-Saharan Africa, for
fixed infrastructure, municipal services, mining & industrial
nearly 30 years. The group’s capabilities include bulk earthworks,
facilities and all structures and buildings essential for the continued
blasting and excavations for construction projects, ranging from
development of the economies in which we operate.”
roads, mine infrastructure, highways, bridges, railways, causeways,
The company as a whole has a Grade 9 rating from the South
trenches, dams and other water infrastructure, as well as residential,
African Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), which
industrial and commercial buildings. The group’s impressive fleet of
grants it unlimited tender capability. Given its broad range of
construction equipment includes mobile crushing and screening
expertise, it is able to tackle every area of these tenders, with
plants and mobile asphalt plants, as well as surface road miller and
different divisions and subsidiaries focusing on their varied areas
recyclers.
of expertise. These multidisciplinary abilities make Stefanutti an attractive candidate for clients who want to remove the risks of
The company also offers the design and construction of various
miscommunication that arise from several teams working on a
types of piles, lateral supports, rock anchoring, void fill/compaction
project, thus giving Stefanutti a decisive edge.
grounding and specialist grouting. The geotechnical division has
Stefanutti’s building sector dates back to the early 1950s.
the experience and expertise to design and construct deep-level
Their experience in this field ranges from greenfield developments
foundations and lateral support solutions in the most challenging
to inner city refurbishments, covering all types of build from
geological environments and has been involved in a number of high-
commercial, high-rise, industrial and service buildings, hotels and
profile contracts that have pushed and tested this ability.
shopping centres, affordable and mass housing and residential developments, and specialist fit-outs. Over the decades, they have
As a key part of infrastructure, Stefanutti’s offerings wouldn’t
been responsible for the construction of many landmark buildings
be complete without proficiency in energy generation projects.
across sub-Saharan Africa. “Our preferred methodology of working
These builds require high standards of engineering, as one can’t
is in close partnership with our clients,” Stefanutti explain, “Meaning
afford mistakes.
that we are able to develop innovative solutions that address their requirements.” 86 | Endeavour Magazine
The company works across the full spectrum of the electricity and power supply chain from the construction of power stations,
STEFANUTTI STOCKS BOTSWANA cooling towers and chimneys to coal handling and blending
partner of choice to this industry.” These skills have also been applied
plants, ash disposal dams, infrastructure earthworks and road
to broader water and sanitation work throughout the country, with
infrastructure construction all the way through to mechanical,
projects varying from local to regional and even national size. As
electrical and instrumentation work for power stations. This
well as pipelines and water treatment or sewerage treatment plants,
included the construction of the Kusile and Medupi power stations.
these projects have also included the construction of reservoirs and
They have even completed work on wind, solar and hydropower
work towards environmental or structural rehabilitation.
builds.
Lastly, their final area of expertise is in transport infrastructure.
In the other direction, Stefanutti Stocks have a history of
Even here, they have everything covered, able to work on road,
involvement with the oil & gas industry, which again requires
rail, air and marine facilities. From airports to bridges, ports to
high levels of engineering in order to be both effective and, most
rail stations, there is little that Stefanutti can’t do. Between their
importantly, safe. They have constructed factories, high volume
divisions, they have South Africa’s needs thoroughly covered, and
storage facilities, processing plants, smelters, furnaces, mills,
their large team are even operating in neighbouring countries
facilities for the automobile industry and even petrochemical plants.
across Africa. It’s no surprise that they are a top choice for clients
During these builds, they have developed and earned a reputation
who want a guarantee of a job well done; it seems that no matter the
for safety that has made them a go-to for this sector, where errors
scale or the complexity of the job, this team has it in hand. It’s hard
cannot be made.
to predict where they can go from here in terms of growth, already
The same is true in the mining industry, where Stefanutti have
sitting pretty, but one thing seems likely – they aren’t going to be
worked on piping and water treatment plants for many mines
facing difficulties any time soon. We look forward to returning to
throughout the country. As the company states, “Stefanutti Stocks’
Stefanutti and seeing where they have taken their conquest of the
capability to offer comprehensive cradle-to-grave construction
sectors from here.
solutions to the mining sector has resulted in its reputation as a
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Est. 1989 Proudly 100% Citizen P. O. Box 402965, Gaborone, Botswana, Tel: (+267) 393 6773, Fax: (+267) 393 6774, Cell: (+267) 72622266, plumbot@info.bw 88 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 89
AMAZING WORLD CLIFF DWELLINGS OF THE ANASAZI
T
BY JAMES LAPPING
here are certain images that come to the
there. These were the indigenous peoples,
site called Mesa Verde National Park,
minds of many when thinking about pre-
and they lived in towns and cities.
which houses the finest examples of these
colonisation Native Americans: one may
A great example of the awe-inspiring skill
think of teepees, feathered headdresses and,
that this culture possessed can be seen in
In 1492 and onwards, the ‘European elite’
thanks to stereotyped and often negative
the Cliff Dwelling of the Mesa Verde region,
of the period (the Spanish, the English and the
imagery peddled by the old Spaghetti Western
in the South West of the United States. The
French) began using their own terminology
movies and similar, a simple or even savage
area that covers the intersection of Utah,
to describe the peoples and surroundings
way of life. This image of a scattered people
Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico is home
of the North American continent. Pueblo
helps to support the idea that Columbus
to the Pueblo peoples, and has been for the
means ‘village or town’ in Spanish, so the
‘discovered’ the country, and almost implies
past 2000 years. There are 567 federally
structures that these people lived in clearly
that it was still ‘up for the taking’. However,
recognised tribes in the area (which means
made an impact on the Colonialists. At this
in 1492 AD, when Columbus first stepped
there are more that don’t have a legal status),
time, the Pueblos called themselves the
foot on what is now known as the American
but the Pueblos are one of the better-known
Anasazi - however, they do now self-identify
continent, there was a thriving, diverse, and
groups. Physical memories of the Ancestral
as Pueblo. Ancestral Pueblo history has been
highly developed civilisation already living
Pueblos can be found at a popular tourist
split into three periods prior to 1492 AD by
90 | Endeavour Magazine
magnificent structures.
anthropologists and historians, and the Cliff Dwellings were erected in a period between 1150-1300 AD. This time is coined the ‘Pueblo III Period’ of history. There are many reasons why the multistorey Cliff Dwellings are renowned. Firstly, the level of architectural skill and masonry involved was on par with building works taking place within Europe at the time. The materials that were used to create these dwellings consisted of sandstone, mortar
rooms and 23 kivas - underground chambers
Columbus America that housed settled
and wooden beams; sandstone was used to
that were used for religious ceremonies.
civilians in towns and cities. Running through
create the bricks, and the mortar was made
Studies have suggested that 100 people
the heart of the country, Mississippian
from soil, water and ash. One of the most
would have lived in this structure. – it would
cultures lived in towns and erected temples;
progressive techniques in the construction
have been home to farmers, administrative
in the North East, the Iroquoian Tribes
phase was called ‘chinking’: this consisted of
workers and religious groups. At the peak of
lived in longhouses that were protected
chinking stones into smaller pieces and adding
the Mesa Verde settlements in the Pueblo III
by defensive palisades and farmed in the
them into the mortar mix. This technique
Period (1150-1300 AD), over 22,000 people
surrounding cornfields; and again in the
strengthened the walls significantly and
are believed to have lived in the area in total:
South West, other Ancestral Pueblos built
was so successful that large sections of the
this would have been a similar population to
structures such as great houses (aka Pueblo
buildings still survive today, over 900 years
London at the time. The larger Cliff Dwellings
Bonito). These were multi-storey structures
after they were built. The finest example is
would have also rivalled the Motte and
that covered three acres of land, consisted
Cliff Palace, located within the boundaries of
Baileys which were currently popular across
of 800 rooms across four to five storeys, and
the Mesa Verde National Park. It is believed
Europe.
housed up to 1500 people.
that Cliff Palace consisted of at least 150
It wasn’t just the South West of PreEndeavour Magazine | 91
ALGOLD RESOURCES WWW.ALGOLD.COM // 001 514 747 4653
ON THE HUNT IN WEST AFRICA As the discovery of large scale gold deposits faces a global slump, the industrious are seeing this not as a time for defeat, but a time to forge ahead. As these companies search the world for the next big thing, Algold Resources Ltd have chosen to place their focus on West Africa, where they are developing three promising properties. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
ALGOLD RESOURCES
Algold Resources Ltd. is a leading gold exploration and
development company based in West Africa. Focusing on advanced-stage exploration and development, Algold has built a portfolio of projects that includes three extremely prospective properties in Mauritania. In operation since 2013, the company has thus far managed to raise US$25 million in investments in these properties: the adjoining Kneivissat and Legouessi, and the company’s prize site, Tijirit, which covers five separate areas of exciting gold potential.
A
lgold acquired the Tijirit project in April 2016 and immediately
country. As the population mostly stay near the coast, Mauritania’s
launched an ambitious exploration program, which included
sparsely inhabited desert was a prime location to continue
20,000 meters of initial drilling. This extensive drilling quickly
exploration with little disruption, and today, the now mining-keen
allowed Algold to identify a high-grade gold deposit in the area
area is well known for various high-yield sites, including Kinross
with “significant upside potential”. An initial calculation in March
(gold), XStrata (iron ore), First Quantum (copper, gold) and SNIM
2017, completed by SGS Geostat, estimated that the site could
(Iron Ore). As well as being a mineral-rich land, Mauritania’s mining
hold a 602,130 ounces gold deposit, at an average grade of 2.29
codes are some of the most favourable in West Africa, which adds
g/t Au. Algold since carried out a metallurgical test, which indicated
great appeal to the area for companies like Algold.
recovery of up to 97% by gravity and cyanidation of the Eleonoretype mineralization.
Located next to so many successful sites, then, what does Tijirit have to offer? It is still early days in terms of Algold’s 30-year future
In 2017, only four years since the company was founded, Algold
relationship with the area, but we took a look at what the exploration
Resources managed to secure a 30-year mining license from the
team knows thus far. The area has five particularly notable targets,
Mauritanian government to work on the Tijirit project. Under the
known as the Eleonore Target, Sophie Target, Lily Target, Eleanore
conditions of the license, they will release a completed feasibility
East Target and the Salma Target. Eleanore represents a 3.5 km
study by December this year, meaning further news is close on
area, which shows signs of high grade gold quartz veins within a
the horizon!
shear zone. Lily and Eleanore East also appear be shear-hosted gold
So, why has Algold chosen to commit so firmly to the
deposits, which in Lily’s case bears mineralization that indicates
Mauritania area, and what has excited them about Tijirit in
shear zone stockwork within mafic volcanic sequences. Meanwhile,
particular? Mauritania is a little over 1 million km2 in size, with a
Sophie is a 5km strike zone that has shown signs of mineralization
population of 4,301 million. This population largely lives along the
that is often associated with banded-iron formations, and lastly,
Atlantic coastline, whilst the majority of Mauritania’s land - almost
Salma shows signs of a vein system that occurs at the contact of a
90% - is located in the Sahara Desert. It is unsurprising, then, that
granite and meta volcanics.
its main exports are fishing products and, more relevantly to Algold,
Of course, this is only what has been indicated so far, and from
iron ore, copper and gold. In fact, the mining industry accounts for
what has been found, Algold believes that Tijirit as a whole also
60% of the area’s exports. Mining first began in the area in the early
offers high potential for gold mineralization outside of these known
1930s, after copper was discovered near Akjout, in the centre of the
prospects. This positivity and sense of optimism is increased by the
94 | Endeavour Magazine
ALGOLD RESOURCES project’s proximity to surrounding success stories. Most notable of
the Samapleu Projects in Ivory Coast, West Africa, and Chairman of
its neighbours is Kinross, the world-class Tasiast gold mine, which
the Canadian Council on Africa.
stands only 25 km from Tijirit. This incredible 15 million ounce gold
The rest of Algold’s team are also able to boast impressive claims
deposit is currently the only known gold deposit in the Aouéouat
of expertise and involvement within the industry: for example,
greenstone belt, but Algold are certain that they’ve found the next
Executive VP of Exploration François Auclair is a geologist with
big discovery.
more than 25 years of experience, 20 of which are within Africa.
Making these bold calls requires the kind of confidence that
Before he joined Algold, Auclair was the Vice-President, Exploration
is rooted in experience, and Algold’s team has that in spades. Its
of Gondwana Gold, and also used to be the Chief Executive Officer
strong management team and board includes former founders,
of Nimini Gold, and his past credits continue. Headed by a team
builders and operators of SEMAFO, Afcan, Rio Narcea, and the
this well versed and reliable, perhaps it is no surprise that Algold
first GM of the Tasiast mine. The company is currently headed
is able to pursue its goals with confidence, from within and from
by CEO & Chairman Benoit La Salle, with Yves Grou serving as
external support.
Executive Vice Chairman, François Auclair heading up exploration
For exploration companies, investments will always involve an
as its Executive VP, and Dejan Ristic as CFO. This is an impressive
element of chance and uncertainty. Until resources have already
lineup of experience in the field: for example, as well as being
been poured into a site, it is impossible to guarantee the presence
Algold’s Chairman and CEO, Benoit La Salle has his fingers in
of the rich deposit you are searching for: however, with solid
many other pies, including his position as President and CEO of
research and the insight of experience, the risks can be limited, and
Windiga Energy - a renewable resource developer in Africa. On
these leaps of faith become educated ventures. With the level of
top of this, La Salle founded SEMAFO and brought it from junior
expertise that is steering Auryn, it is safe to say that the company
explorer to a +250,000 ounce-per-year gold producer with three
should be able to trust its gut, but as to the scale of the discovery
mines in operation in West Africa. He is also the Chairman of Sama
they’re sitting on, only time will tell.
Resources, a nickel and copper exploration company focused on
Capital Drilling, a leading provider of exploration and production drilling services, are proud to partner with Algold Resources to deliver their drilling projects in Mauritania. www.capdrill.com
96 | Endeavour Magazine
|
info@capdrill.com
TUSKYS WWW.TUSKYS.COM // 00254 709 382 334
CONTINUING A LEGACY In 1982, Joram Kamau opened a simple store; 36 years later, his children co-run an empire that grew from this single seed. We took a look at Tuskys, now a go-to retailer of anything and everything for shoppers in Kenya and Uganda, to see how his entrepreneurial efforts grew into the legacy he left behind. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
TUSKYS
The Jolly Grocery, established in Nakuru, Kenya, was the starting place of Kamau’s retail career. From that single point grew Tuskys – an online and physical retail chain that deals mainly in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), supplying everything from electronics to furniture to footwear. Kamau sadly passed away in 2002, but his hard work has lived on in the form of one of the largest supermarket chains in the Great Lakes area – a chain that continues to expand.
oday, the business is owned by Kamau’s seven children, and
T
Ultimately, Kariara and Tuskys News remembers Kamau as a
the company keeps the running of its operations very much
man who believed in fairness and equality, especially among his
within the family. Operating out of a head office in Nairobi,
workers. “His greatest wish was to have everyone around him
Kamau’s hard-earned legacy now employs over 6,000 people
happy. He made sure that each of the workers received their dues
throughout Kenya, as well as over 900 people in Uganda, and
in time.” It is a loving look back on the company’s founder; it seems
operates 64 supermarkets across the two countries.
that Kamau’s reputation was one of fairness and honesty, and this
So, who was the man behind this enterprise? Tuskys News conducted an interview with Kimathi Kariara, a long-serving
belief was one that he strived to pass down to the company’s seven owners, literally from parent to child.
Tuskys employee who became extremely close with Joram Kamau
This sort of integrity is key when it comes to doing business
during his time with the company, right up until the founder’s
competitively, which Tuskys needs to do in order to keep ahead
death. According to Kariara, Kamau was a religious man who
of its rivals. We spoke with Stephen Malua, from the offices of the
maintained a humble way of life throughout his success, keeping
CEO, who told us: “The current state of the industry in Kenya and
himself grounded and focusing his funds on supporting his family
Uganda is very buoyant, with a lot of competition. High operational
and growing his business. In Kariara’s words, “Kamau was a soft-
costs coupled with low margins are also a major challenge.” With
spoken man...and a true Christian. He lived a simple life like any
these challenges to contend with, we asked Stephen how Tuskys
other village man and loved to associate with the poor.”
sets itself apart. In part, Kamau’s reputation and approach to
According to Kariara, who worked as a Branch Manager for Buru
leadership bred a loyalty, from staff and suppliers alike, that
Buru under the Tuskys chain, Kamau would visit several Tuskys
continues to hold as Tuskys have proven a reliable and worthy
branches every day by bus to interact with the staff and check
name to stand beside: “The key to leadership and success is valuing
on their well-being, to make sure that they been given breakfast,
your employees. Likewise, all of our suppliers have walked with us
and even to preach in morning services that were made available
in different times, including times when the business is not very
to employees. Having worked under Kamau for 12 years, Kariara
good.”
said that he became “like a father” to him, and was also passionate
When it comes to employees, a company claiming that it
about how Kamau had raised his own children to share his belief in
values its staff must include not only fair and positive treatment
integrity. “He was a good father, and mentored them all.”
for every worker, but a structure within which staff members can
100 | Endeavour Magazine
TUSKYS train and improve. Tuksys are committed to providing their nearly
their operations by pioneering intelligent cash deposit machines in
7,000 employees with opportunities to do just this: “We have a
their stories within region.
staff training unit which comes up with our staff training programs.
They must be doing something correctly: as well as a steady
Promotions happen from within, especially if a certain talent is
ongoing growth, Tuskys has recently been honoured with several
noticed.” The company’s training includes a Management Training
awards marking them out for their excellent standards. Last year,
Program, which takes on new graduates as well as new and existing
they were listed in the East Africa Super Brand (Top 20), and were
staff members. The company also provides an internship program,
awarded the Best Consumer Electronics Partner in East Africa by
which has offered an education in retail to over 4,000 young
Samsung. Finally, they received Kenya Supermarket Brand of the
people in the last three years. As well as these opportunities, the
Year 2018 from the World Global Brand of the Year awards.
company also provides additional sources of employee motivation,
Whilst any company has its ups and downs, and Tuskys has
such as a generous commission structure for staff, and open and
experienced its share of management debates as the seven siblings
easy communication channels with senior management.
have sought to bring in the right people to lead in their father’s
Of course, as well as focusing on supporting their staff and
image, the company continues to grow at a steady rate. Every year,
suppliers, Tuskys must also concentrate on their customers:
a selection of new stores open in a conservative but continuous
“Focusing on the masses and engaging our customers has been the
roll-out, allowing the brand to consolidate and make sure that it
key differentiating factor for us. Our goal is to serve the local market
is delivering to the highest standard it can in the areas it serves
fully before accelerating our regional expansion. Both expansion
before every new step outward. This approach makes for a reliable
and consolidation will also be part of our strategy as we seek to
but relentless chain – one that we expect to continue growing and
look for new locations.” As part of this ongoing expansion, the chain
maintaining the standards of its founder for years to come.
has opened two new stories this year, in Greensquare (Kericho Town) and Eldo Center (Eldoret Town). They have also branched out
Established in 1991 under the Malbros Group, MJENGO LIMITED has grown into a well-recognized organization in Kenya having developed NuVita and Daawat to become the country’s most renowned brands in their categories.
102 | Endeavour Magazine
Being a socially responsible corporation, our vision is to bring about positive change by strategically enriching and adding value to the lives of East Africans. We would like to congratulate Mr. Daniel Githua and Tusky’s on their success, and are proud to be associated with them for over 15 years.
You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food
Rice
Paul Prudhome ...transforms everymeal into a feast daawat rice
daawatafrica
www.daawat.co.ke
The long and short of a great biscuit …a treat in every pack nuvita biscuits
nuvitaafrica
www.nuvita.co.ke