Endeavour Magazine September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

www.endeavourmagazine.com

Chicken XPRESS

Finding Their Flava UK CAN USA EUR SA ZAR

£4.95 $7.95 $7.95 €5.95 69.00

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

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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