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Welcome back to Endeavour Magazine and welcome to 2024! We hope you all had a great time welcoming in the new year and we look forward to bringing you yet another year of great stories covering businesses and organisations from across the globe.
We start the new year off well with return to AKF Mining to look at its vital role as a mining and geoscience firm which provides its customers with expertise and information regarding explorations, geological modelling, mineral resources, and reserve estimates across the international mining industry.
Following on from this we look at some great players across the energy sector which are working to bring crucial energy infrastructure and development towards the future of their respective regions.
Overall, we start the new year with a whole range of companies which have sustainability as a key focus. As we move ever closer towards many companies’ sustainability goals, the focus on innovating industries to implement carbon-neutral initiatives is increasingly important.
We look forward to seeing how all of these companies and associations continue to expand and help move the world towards a future of sustainable development.
by Carley Fallows
Asia/Oceania
Australia Wins Cricket World Cup
Australia has added yet another win to their belt as they have won the sixth men’s Cricket World Cup by six wickets. Australia claimed a victory over host India who fell just short after having dominated for most of the tournament. India had won the previous three World Cups and has long been ranked No.1 in the world rankings. However, in the final Match Australia just bet them to the win.
India started the match well with 80 runs in the first powerplay, equalling the record for a men’s World Cup Final. However, as the pressure began to build with a large home crowd watching Australia began to take the lead. India had won every single one of the previous 10 games but missed out in the final match as Australia to a 6-wicket lead taking them to victory in Ahmedabad.
Trapped Miners Freed in India
41 workers had been trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand for 17 days, and a giant operation was undertaken to free the men via a 4.5 km tunnel. After the collapse workers were able to communicate with workers trapped inside, and they were provided with oxygen, food, and water through a narrow pipe. However, releasing them was going to be a big and delicate task.
The tunnel collapsed due to a landslide which caused a portion of the tunnel to cave in, and whilst the men tried to clear 60 metres of the rubble there was still a lot of rock and metal preventing them from escaping at the tunnel mouth. The tunnel is part of the $1.5 billion Char Dham project connecting key Hindu pilgrim sites via two-lane roads in the Himalayas.
Two dozen ‘rat-hole’ miners were deployed to manually drill a passage for the workers to escape. Upon release, the miners were greeted with cheers and flower garlands as they emerged from the tunnel over 2 weeks after being trapped.
Eruption on the Pacific Ring of Fire
Indonesia is known for its ‘Ring of Fire’, which features 127 active volcanoes – which is more than anywhere else in the world. Mount Marapi is one of the most active in the area and stands at 2,891 metres high. This month the volcano erupted which sent volcanic ash and giant plumes of smoke into the sky. The volcanic eruption took place whilst climbers were in the area, which resulted in thirteen climbers killed and another 10 missing.
Search and rescue efforts began to recover bodies and bring them down the maintain and evacuate a total of 75 people from the area. Following the activity of Marapi, authorities have raised the area to the second highest alert and stopped all activities from taking place within a 2-mile radius of the crater.
Africa
Malaria Vaccines Arrive in Cameroon
According to UNICEF, a malaria vaccine is being rolled out across Africa, for which they are playing a crucial part. Malaria is a preventable mosquitoborne disease which kills a child under 5 every minute. Cameroon was not part of the initial plot program which rolled out the vaccinations in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi which successfully vaccinated roughly 2 million children. Therefore, the introduction in Cameroon signalled the scale-up of the malaria vaccine to help those at the highest risk across the continent.
Cameroon received more than 330,000 doses of the new malaria vaccine in a historic moment for the country. Over the next few weeks, vaccines are expected in Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone. Africa currently accounts for the vast majority of malaria cases worldwide. The rollout of the vaccine hopes to reduce the 600,000 people who are killed globally each year from the disease.
Extreme Flooding in Somalia
Somalia has experienced relentless heavy rains since October caused by El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole weather phenomena. Flooding has swept across the nation and has been reported to be the worst the country has experienced for decades. At present 700,000 people are reported to have been displaced, with the state news agency SONNA reporting that 96 people have now died because of the flooding.
The country was already experiencing a humanitarian crisis and the flooding has added to an already severe situation. Other neighbouring counties such as Kenya have also experienced extreme flooding where 76 people have been killed, along with severe destruction of roads and bridges. These extreme flooding events have left many without shelter, drinking water and food supplies according to charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
African Cup of Nations Kicks off in January
On 13th January, the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) will kick off in Abidjan at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium. The first match will see hosts Ivory Coast take on Guinea-Bissau to open the event in which 24 teams will battle it out to be champions. The games will be played across six stadiums: Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Stade de la Paix, Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium and Laurent Pokuo Stadium. All of these are either new or have undergone renovations ahead of Afcon.
The government has spent one billion US dollars in infrastructure projects around the country to support the tourism which the tournament will bring. The final will take place on 11th February.
Americas
Brazil Records
Hottest-Ever Temperature
Record-breaking temperatures have been seen across Brazil, with a top temperature of 44.8°C recorded in the south-eastern state of Minas Gerais. The extreme weather is attributed to the El Niño phenomenon and climate change. The heat sent red alerts across the country, with many people suffering from the heat.
The heat led to artists such as Taylor Swift cancelling one of her concerts in Rio de Janeiro after a fan fell ill and died before one of the shows. This extreme weather is becoming more common with climate change, as well as the El Niño phenomenon which has seen global temperature soar in recent months. According to scientists, heatwaves are becoming more intense, and this is only set to get worse due to the continued release of greenhouse gases warming the planet.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine Star Andre Braugher has Died
The actor best known for his role as Captain Raymond Holt on the hit show Brooklyn Nine-Nine has died at 61 following a brief illness. Andre Braughter won two Emmy Awards and received 11 nominations for his roles in Homicide and Thief, and Brooklyn NineNine. The announcement of his death has been met with an outpouring of love from fans and castmates alike on social media.
Many cast mates took to social media to share photos and messages showing their love and respect for the actor. Melissa Fumero, who played Detective Amy Santiago in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, wrote on Instagram “Your laugh was one of the all-time greatest laughs to have ever existed”.
Tesla Recalls 2 Million Cars
Following 2 years of investigation into crashes caused by Tesla’s driver assistance system, Autopilot, the company has recalled more than two million of its cars. The recall applies to almost every Tesla sold in the US since the feature was launched in 2015. Elon Musk said he would send a software update to fix the issue with the autopilot function, however, due to the findings by the US regulator the software update is still referred to as a recall.
The Autopilot function works to help with steering, acceleration, and braking but still requires the driver’s input. However, Tesla’s software is supposed to make sure that drivers are paying attention and that the Autopilot function is only used in appropriate conditions. However, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that “the prominence and scope of the feature’s controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse” having investigated the 956 Tesla crash reported and so forced a recall.
Pioneers in Explosives
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Middle East
World Leaders Meet in Dubai for COP28
At the annual United Nations climate meeting, world leaders met to discuss and prepare for the future of climate change. The 28th meeting comes following a year of extreme weather in which many climate records were broken. The summit took place in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is one of the world’s top oil-producing nations.
For the first time, countries agreed that there was a need to “transition away from fossil fuel in energy systems”, although, no timescale was specified for this to take place. However, the agreement did include some global targets to triple the capacity of renewable energy across the globe in things such as wind and solar power. In addition, they agreed to double the rate of energy-efficiency by 2030. Countries were also called to accelerate low- and zero-emission technologies such as carbon capture and storage to combat the rising global temperatures.
The Line in Saudi Arabia
A project is currently underway that will build a cognitive city that is 170km in length across the country from the mountains of NEOM across the desert valleys to the Red Sea. The construction will be a mirror architectural masterpiece in a ‘line’ shape which will tower 500 metres above sea level and will only be 200 metres wide.
The urban development project is looking to see what the future of cities will look like. The construction will have no roads, no cars or emissions and will run on 100% renewable energy and will perverse a significant area of land for nature. It would accommodate 9 million people across its 34 square kilometre footprint.
The first phase of the project includes excavation along the length of the project which began in October 2022 and is expected to continue until 2030. This phase is expected to cost £265 billion.
Oman Air Launches Freighter Service
Between Muscat International Airport and GMR Hyderabad International Airport in India, Oman Air has launched its first-ever freighter service. The service will include 2 weekly flights with a capacity of 22 metric tons. These flights will be serviced by its recently delivered 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, the country’s first dedicated cargo aircraft.
The service will add an additional combined inbound and outbound weekly capacity of 88 metric tons at the Hyderabad Airport. The freighter service is hoped to boost the export of pharmaceutical and hatching egg shipments. Oman is currently the largest importer of hatching eggs from India, and so Oman Air anticipates an increase in hatching eggs from India, which will leverage the hatchery infrastructure of the country.
Europe
Fashion Designed for Space
Fashion designer, Anurita Chandola, has designed clothing for future space travellers as part of a Martian House Project in Bristol. Chandola is reported to have been inspired to join the project after observing how her dress moved in the breeze, and so she wondered how gravity would affect clothes in space. Therefore, she combined her passions for design and space to create clothing.
As part of the project, the team created a prototype of a Martian house, which is the first of its kind outside of the United States. Previously, scientists grew plants in a dome which died after they received a box of t-shirts to celebrate the achievement. The plants are thought to have been killed due to the dye in the clothing, so Chandola looked at this and saw it as an opportunity to use the project to redesign clothes that will help with life on Mars.
Italian Opera Singing Given Cultural Heritage Status
The United Nations announced that it was including four-centuries-old art, mixing costume, drama, and music under its category of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This includes opera singing which developed in the late 1500s and early 1600s in Florence.
Opera typically involves intricate plots, elaborate staging, and virtuoso singing. UNESCO outlines that Italian Opera singing was “a physiologically controlled way of singing that enhances the carrying power of the voice in acoustic spaces”, they also added that it is a “collective cohesion and sociocultural memory”.
Today there are roughly 60 opera houses across the country, with many key and famous Opera singers and composers coming from the region since it began all those years ago.
Smoking Decline Falls in England
During the pandemic, there was a 120% rise in the proportion of people giving up smoking, however, in the years following this decline has almost come to a halt. This is thought to be due to an increase in 18-24-year-olds taking up the habit. This statistic comes as the UK Government has been pushing to make the country smoke-free by 2030.
One government proposal would continually raise the smoking age which would mean that children turning 14 today would never legally be able to buy cigarettes. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, it has doubled funding for stop-smoking services and is planning to provide a million free vapes to smokers. This funding is hoped to help 360,00 people to quit smoking across the UK.
DISTINGUISHED QUALITY
AKF Mining is a state-of-theart mining and geoscience firm that acts as a vital partner in its clientele’s exploration, development, production, and closure.
Situated at the heart of the Canadian Mining Industry, their expertise in the field encompasses a wide range of operations, including, exploration, notice of work, permitting, geological modelling, mineral resource and reserve estimates, as well as mine engineering and operational support. Such a spectrum of knowledge rivals many competitors in the Canadian mining sector.
As expected, the Canadian mining industry is a highly competitive sector, however, AKF Mining can be confident in its extended knowledge and capabilities, evidenced by the 100 years of collective experience that AKF has to offer. AKF’s primary focus can be found in areas such as hard rock, diamonds, gold, base metals and Industrial Minerals. Unlike many of their competitors, which are more focused on development and profit, AKF places greater priority on utilising specialised resources and reserves that best suit their client’s specifications. This means that their clientele can be guaranteed quality service and produce, that is more environmentally conscious. Additionally, their value-added services mean that each project grants long-term solutions and exploration, without the extra costs that can occur in larger engineering entities. From this bonus, AKF can ensure that lower overhead costs do not compromise the project and guarantee unmatched services.
AKF Mining aid their clients through every step of the project, from equipment selection to geological modelling and resources. This is evidenced by the work conducted with their clients Dakota Gold Corp, as well as US Gold Corp. Both of these well-established gold mining entities have greatly benefitted from AKF Mining services in S-K 1300 reporting, as it has provided a greater picture of their mining resources and consequently optimised profit and success.
AKF Mining provides a diverse range of services in engineering and services that showcase their expertise in mining and geoscience. For example, their software services encompass Vulcan, Leapfrog, Whittle, QPit, ESRI, and AutoCAD, that each provide advantages in the mining exploration capabilities. AKF’s use of Maptek’s ™ Vulcan software provides state-of-the-art 3D geological modelling. Through the use of such technology, alongside their extensive operational experience, it creates the perfect equation for careful and highly detailed exploration.
Overall, AKF prioritises quality geoscience and mining services, putting the clientele’s needs above all else. Subsequently, such attention to detail and use of specialised technology is unmatched in the Canadian Mining sector.
Shell Trinidad
Shell is a global integrated energy company which aims to meet the world’s growing demand for energy in a way which is economically, environmentally and socially responsible. These key values for the global Shell Plc, are adopted by its Trinidad and Tobago division which today is the second largest natural gas producer in the region. With 3 offshore platforms, 2 onshore processing facilities and a logistics base, Shell Trinidad and Tobago has spent the last 100 years developing the country’s oil and gas industry towards local and international success.
SServing the Energy Industry for 25 years providing efficient service, while developing mutually beneficial relationships with all our stakeholders.
hell has been operating in Trinidad and Tobago for over a century, where it has continued to play a major role in the development of the country’s oil and gas industry. When it began, Shell Trinidad and Tobago was thought to have been the largest private-sector employer in the country. In 1974, however, the oil industry nationalized which saw the government purchase Shell’s assets and created the region’s first national oil company. This saw Shell’s vast ownership within the region’s industry significantly reduce. But, in 2014, Shell acquired Repsol’s 20-25% non-operated interest in Atlantic LNG, the 6th largest global producer of liquified natural gas (LNG), which, in combination with the BG Group, saw Shell take on the role as a major upstream facilitator which supplied both petrochemical and LNG sectors thanks to its majority interest in Atlantic LNG across its 4-train facility. In addition to this acquisition, Shell Trinidad and Tobago also has 7 offshore and onshore blocks, which are either operated or non-operated. Consequently, Shell Trinidad and Tobago delivers an integrated gas operation which has continued to supply the petrochemical market and Atlantic LNG for years.
Under Shell Trinidad and Tobago is the East Coast Marine Area (ECMA) which is one of the most prolific gas-producing areas across the region. The company has developed strategies to access the significant volumes of gas that exist here and bring them into production. Within the ECAM are two assets; an offshore platform called the Dolphin Facility and an onshore processing facility in Beachfield. The first gas was delivered from Beachfield in 2021 within the Barracuda Project which was a backfill project with roughly 25,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) of sustained near-term gas production being produced, with a peak production expected to be at roughly 40,000 boe/d. The Barracuda project comprises 2 subsea wells which are some of the deepest development wells for Shell Trinidad and Tobago which are called the Endeavour Field and Bounty field. Both of the subsea wells are 100% owned by Shell Trinidad and Tobago and tie back into the Dolphin platform. This is Shell Trinidad and Tobago’s first greenfield project and remains one of the largest developments for the company since the BG Group Acquisition.
The North Coast Marine Area (NCMA) is another key development for Shell Trinidad and Tobago which includes 2 offshore facilities, the Hibiscus and Poinsetta platforms, which in 2022 as part of
the Colibri project delivered its first gas. Colibri, like the Barracuda Project, is a backfill project that is expected to add approximately 30,000 boe/d of sustainable near-term gas production to Shell Trinidad and Tobago’s portfolio. It is expected to have a peak production of nearly 43,000 boe/d made possible through a series of 4 subsea gas wells all of which are tied back into the existing Poinsetta Platform.
In addition to these two central developments is the Central Block for which Shell Trinidad and Tobago have a 65% interest in, as well as the Beachfield site
where Shell operates an onshore gas processing facility. These significant developments of Shell Trinidad and Tobago make it clear that they have strategically made acquisitions to expand its gasproducing potential and bring greater return on investment. However, this is not where Shell Trinidad and Tobago’s projects and initiative end, instead, alongside its energy delivery and processing, the company is working towards ‘powering progress’ which aims to accelerate its businesses and move the company’s operations towards more sustainable solutions.
Sustainability is such a vital conversation when it comes to the discussion of oil and gas companies, and throughout Shell’s operations, it remains aware of its impact on the world whilst actively working to deliver energy in the most responsible way possible. This becomes a challenge as the growing demand for energy looks set to continually increase, and so companies such as Shell Trinidad and Tobago are constantly working with the government, local communities, and its partners to deliver energy that contributes to the country’s economic development whilst also respecting and protecting people and the planet as best it can. Furthermore, by doing so Shell Trinidad and Tobago are maximising the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago’s hydrocarbon resources to move the industry towards a more responsible and carbon-conscious world.
Furthermore, as a multi-national corporation, Shell Trinidad and Tobago has a strong commitment to the citizens of the region, and so it aims to empower, nurture, and build sustainable solutions to allow future generations to also make the most of the resources available. Consequently, through educational and entrepreneurial STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs, it can educate future generations to build a crucial understanding of energy gas production and its sustainable development to provide great returns for many years to come.
In recent news, Shell Trinidad and Tobago have announced a new conventional gas development located in the shallow water across the region. Named the Manatee Field Offshore, the project is currently in the approval stage and is expected to start commercial production in 2028. As part of the development, Eni and McDermott International have been brought in as contractors to help with the design and FEED engineering of the offshore development. The engineering and construction company McDermott has been awarded a limited notice to proceed concerning engineering, procurement, construction, and installation. Once commissioned the gas will be used to supply both domestic and export markets from Trinidad and Tobago thus continuing the develop the region as a key player in the energy sector. The work, however, is currently subject to Shell making a final investment decision.
Overall, Shell Trinidad and Tobago is such an expansive company which has continued to develop over the last 100 years to now play a significant role not just in the development of gas for domestic and export markets, but also in a way that respects the resources in which it is utilising. As a key integrated energy company, we expect to see Shell Trinidad and Tobago’s expansive role in the industry continue to grow – especially with the recent development of the Manatee Field Offshore facility which is set to vastly expand the company’s existing offerings. Therefore, in its goal to provide projects which respect the resources, bring development back to local communities, and continually generate shareholder value - it is clear to see why Shell Trinidad
Total Energies Suriname
TotalEnergies is a multi-energy company which produces and markets fuels, natural gas and electricity with key operations and developments across the globe. With operations active in more than 130 countries, the global company is a leading energy player across international markets. For TotalEnergies providing energy, which is affordable, reliable, and accessible is its main goal, and so the company is constantly undertaking projects across the globe to continue to bring essential energy to the people and regions which need it most.
Acrucial development for the global company is in Suriname where it has been active for 4 years. In Suriname, TotalEnergies already has 5 significant discoveries across the Block 58 offshore area which continues to be developed by the company to deliver greater energy potential to the country. TotalEnergies announced an oil project that would see 200,000 barrels per day (b/d) from Block 58. The project has started development studies with the object of sanctioning the entire project expected to come by the end of next year in 2024.
The announcement for the development project at Block 58 location is in partnership with APA Corporation which owns a 50% interest in the operation, along with TotalEnergies 50% interest. The project required the appraisal of the Sapakara South and Krabdagu fields which are the main oil discoveries that exist in the Block 58 area. The appraisal was successfully completed earlier this year in August 2023. Following this, the drilling and testing of new wells took place which has confirmed a combined recoverable resource of close to 700 million barrels for the 2 fields.
The new wells will be at depths between 100 and 1000m, and will be produced through a system of subsea wells which will ultimately be connected to an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit) which is already located 150km off the coast of Suriname. It is expected that once the project is completed it will have an oil production capacity of 200,00 barrels a day and will represent an investment of approximately $9 billion. FEED Studies are currently taking place, and it is expected that the final investment decision will come by the end of 2024. It is hoped that production will be expected to commence in 2028.
This project will significantly develop Suriname’s oil potential and bring jobs and economic activities to the area throughout its production and continued operations. Therefore, in working with local authorities and communities across Suriname, TotalEnergies is committed to developing and implementing the project in a way that is responsible and respects the area in which it is taking place. One way that TotalEnergies is implementing responsible practices is through the implementation of the best available technologies to reduce greenhouse
Total Energies Suriname
gas emissions. This highlights TotalEnergies’ focus on delivering high-value projects using the best available technologies to ensure the sustainability of its operations across the globe.
The upcoming development and production phases of the Block 58 project with work closely with Staatsolie, the national oil company in Suriname, which will reinforce the actions of the project in favour of bettering the lives of the local community. The project has already seen 80 people trained in logistics to help in the initial stages of the exploration and appraisal phases. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies commented in the announcement of the project that “The Block 58 development studies that we are launching today are a major step towards the development of the petroleum resources of Suriname. This development is in line with TotalEnergies’ strategy aiming at the development of low-cost, lowemission oil resources, and leverages on our company’s expertise in deepwater projects. We will thus contribute to improving the well-being of the people of Suriname”. As Pouyanné states, the project currently and will continue to serve Suriname with petroleum and a range of job opportunities to
bring initial and sustained economic growth to the region.
In addition to the Block 58 developments, TotalEnergies has signed a sharing contract for 2 shallow offshore blocks. These blocks, 6 and 8, have been awarded to TotalEnergies following the Suriname Shallow Offshore Bid Round 2021/2021, where TotalEnergies will operate the two blocks with 40% interest. The operation will be in partnership with Qatar Energy which has a 20% interest, and Paradise Oil Company (POC) which is a subsidiary of the government-run Staatsolie, and which also has a 40% interest in the development.
Blocks 6 and 8 are located towards the south of Suriname not far from the border to Guyana, directly adjacent to the previous Block 58 which Total Energies already operates in. The Senior Vice President of Exploration for TotalEnergies, Kevin McLachlan states in the press release for the Block 6 and 8 development that “TotalEnergies is pleased to expand its operatorship position in Suriname, a world-class emerging basin, exploring for low technical costs and low GHG emission oil resources”. He continues, “This new milestone further strengthens our strategic international
partnership with Qatar Energy marking its first entry to Suriname”.
As we can see from McLachlan’s comments TotalEnergies span across Suriname has established it as a key player in the country’s energy industry. With significant developments in Block 58, and now developments in Blocks 6 and 8, TotalEnergies continues to work with crucial partners and players across the global industry to bring sustained economic development and a wider sphere of energy potential for the region.
Overall, TotalEnergies is a vast global company which facilitates a whole range of multi-energy projects to bring the world greater energy security whilst also working to develop the regions in which it sources the oil and gas. As we have seen with TotalEnergies Suriname, along with a range of partners, government organisations and the local community, the company continues to develop the region towards economic success whilst respecting the planet to reduce carbon emissions throughout all of its operations.
Clarke Energy Australia
Specialising in low-carbon, efficient, and flexible energy systems, Clarke Energy Australia delivers a range of energy solutions, with a focus on ensuring quality products, solutions, and services across a wide variety of sectors. Therefore throughout its operations, Clarke Energy Australia leads the Australian market through its complete engineering, procurement, and construction of its energy solutions. As a subsidiary of the global Clarke Energy company, Clarke Energy Australia is a leading provider of power generation and storage solutions across Australia, New Zealand and Papa New Guinea. Throughout every aspect of its operations, whether on a global or regional scale, Clarke Energy is committed to safety, quality, and the environment as it continues to serve its customers with quality products.
Clarke Energy began its operations in 1989 and has worked over the years to now be a world-leading company in the design, installation and long-term maintenance of gas and diesel engines for power generation applications. From this substantial base, Clarke Energy opened its Australian division in 2001 with its first premises in Adelaide which today is the head office for the whole of the global company’s South Pacific regions. Since 2001, the South Pacific region has grown expansively, and it is now an award-winning specialist in gas-fuelled technology with a whole range of engineering, project management, sales, service, ports, and administration personnel ready and waiting to serve its customers every need.
Clarke Energy Australia provides complete engineering, construction, and procurement (EPC) services to suit the supply and maintenance of gas engines or other power generation systems to help make its customers’ energy projects a reality. In engineering, it creates computer-aided designs and provides mechanical and electrical engineering to make these a reality through installation. For installation, Clarke Energy Australia has dedicated teams which help to bring these designs to life with their top-quality project management, installation, and commissioning of the entire energy solution. Once the company has designed and implemented a range of energy solutions it continues to add value to its business through the installation and maintenance of the system all under one company.
Clarke Energy Australia’s supply can range from the sale of a single engine, a completed combined heat and power plant, to a fully engineered power plant, as well as the integration of other power generation and hybrid or microgrid solutions. The vast array of solutions that Clarke Energy Australia offers all under a single company allows them to follow every project from concept to its implementation and maintenance to ensure that customers are receiving solutions which are best suited to their needs. Then, all of the EPC will be completed by the company which boasts over two decades of expertise in the field, and a whole host of substantial projects behind them. Clarke Energy is a part of KOHLER Energy, which means that throughout its energy systems, the
Energy Solutions for Every Situation
company can deliver a range of KOHLER’s gas engines, biogas upgraders, battery energy storage systems, carbon dioxide captures and heat pumps. However, Clarke Energy Australia is also the largest and sole authorized distributor and service partner for INNIO Jenbacher gas engines in Australia, which along with the KOHLER systems, has established the company as a key player in energy solutions providing top-quality engines.
Already within its portfolio are many turnkey power stations in remote areas, and now it has over 20 years of experience across such a vast array of applications and conditions that for energy solutions, Clarke Energy Australia is the leading choice to meet and exceed its customers’ needs. This has been seen with Clarke Energy Australia undertaking a range of energy solutions across the mining, oil, and gas industries to deliver efficient, low-carbon energy solutions that are uniquely suited to the needs and conditions of its customers.
Clarke Energy Australia provides gas engine fuel sources to the mining sector which can accept a variety of fuels including natural gas, coal bed methane, coal steam gas, liquified natural gas (LNG), diesel and crude oil. These allow mining facilities to remain resilient and functional whilst
Clarke Energy Australia
improving efficiency which in turn hopes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Then for the oil and gas sector, Clarke Energy Australia engineers, installs, and maintains a range of solutions for oil and gas wells, hydrocarbon separation plants, drilling rigs, gas compression plants, dehydration stations, and oil treatment plants.
In recent news, Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) has chosen Clarke Energy Australia as its preferred partner for a second project. The two companies reached an agreement on a new 26.9-megawatt (MW) power station for MinRes’ Onslow Iron Project. The work will take place in Ken’s Bone Mine which is planned to produce roughly 35 million tonnes of iron ore per year. The mine is expected to commence operations in June 2024, and Clarke Energy Australia will design and supply mine and process-related infrastructure. This will enable the processed ore from the mine to be hauled by private road to Onslow, where port operations will transfer the product to transhipment vessels destined for international markets.
Therefore, the contract will see Clarke Energy complete a ‘power wrap’ of the Ken Bone Mine and port which will feature tailored solutions at both ends of the operations. 9 Jenbacher J420s will supply the highly variable load of the Onslow port operations whilst 8 J620s will power the comparatively high load transients of mining operations 150km inland.
One of the key aspects of Clarke Energy Australia’s operations is ensuring that its solutions are futureproofed for hydrogen. All of the Jenbacher Series 6 engines can operate on up to 25% blended H2/ CH4 without the need for retrofits or special orders. Furthermore, from 2025 direct injection options will be available through Clarke Energy Australia which will achieve 100% H2 operations to help move industries towards a future of decarbonisation in and across supply chains.
Clarke Energy Main Board Director and Australasia Managing Director Greg Columbus commented in the MinRes and Clarke Energy Australia press release announcing the partnership that “From our humble beginning in Australia 25 years ago it is very pleasing to see growing recognition amongst WA Tier 1 miners and energy producers for the Jenbacher 6 Series generator and the exceptional quality of our design and builds in remote, islanded applications”.
Greg Columbus highlights the expansive and widely recognised role that Clarke Energy Australia plays across the industry as it continues to build on its portfolio of projects across the mining, oil, and gas industries.
Overall, Clarke Energy Australia is an all-inone engineering, procurement and construction company that provides pivotal energy frameworks and solutions to help establish reliable energy infrastructure that suits and supports its customers for now and in the future. As Clarke Energy Australia continues to develop its implementation of engines that are future-proofed, it looks set to
Energy Solutions for Every Situation
grow expansively as the company moves both its customers and its operations towards a future of decarbonisation – an essential move for the mining, oil and gas industries which so often use natural resources. Therefore, throughout Clarke Energy Australia’s systems and solutions, it is providing efficient solutions which are actively working to help its customers’ projects and move the energy industry towards a world of reduced carbon emissions.
The Dove Self-Esteem Project:
THE DOVE SELF-ESTEEM PROJECT:
EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE
Written by Carley Fallows
In a world where most people use social media, many young people are constantly met with heavily filtered and edited images which do not represent what people really look like. However, when images do not disclose editing or filters, many young people start to compare themselves to these unrealistic images and in return develop unrealistic expectations for what they think their bodies should look like. Dove noticed these unrealistic expectations and low body confidence rates which led many young people to miss out on social activities, and even often not take care of their health and visit a doctor because of how they view themselves. Dove believes that no young person should be held back from reaching their potential, and so established the Dove Project to help build confidence in the next generation.
The Dove Self Esteem Project began in 2004 and combines work from leading experts with a vision to help young people develop a more positive body image and raise body confidence. A study by the project in 2017 found that over 50% of girls have low body confidence and that 8 out of 10 girls will actively miss out on seeing their friends or family because they don’t feel confident. Therefore, Dove knew they had to do something about this and help these young people by bringing key initiatives to help them reach their full potential and not feel held back because of their self-image.
The project works with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) and the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS). These organisations provide key psychological, health and body image expertise to the project to help build initiatives to best serve young people. A key part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project is through education which helps parents, mentors, teachers, and youth leaders to better understand how to help young people and improve their self-esteem. The project has developed free downloadable tools and resources that have been proven to help build body confidence in young people, so parents and mentors know how best to help the young people in their lives.
Dove has also established a range of key campaigns with other global brands to help bring positive change on a global scale. One of
these campaigns is with Nike, to help build body confidence through sport. For many teenage girls sport is one of the first things that is dropped when body confidence becomes low – roughly 57% of teenage girls are quitting sport with low body confidence being the reason why. Dove’s ‘Body Confident Sport’ is a specialised programme which is proven to boost the confidence of girls through sport. The campaign is in partnership with Nike, the world-renowned academic experts at the Centre for Appearance and Research and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport. Therefore, the program has been developed by key experts in the field to boost body confidence and help young people to thrive in sports.
The in-person program is aimed at 11 to 17-yearolds and is delivered in three body confidence sessions by coaches in PE classes and after-school programs. The partnership with Nike has further boosted its support of women and girls to get them back into sports where they can thrive and not have to feel insecure about their bodies.
One of my favourite campaigns by Dove is its social media campaign #NoDigitalDistortion. The campaign highlighted how easily retouching apps can distort your face, and so produced a range of images which celebrate unedited beauty. This campaign helps people to realise that if what you see in the mirror doesn’t align with the airbrushed perfection, impossibly long limbs and perfect hair
which is seen across many social media platforms then that is okay because they don’t look like that either. As part of the campaign, Dove has introduced a ‘No Digital Distortion’ mark which people can add to photos so people viewing the image know that there are no filters at work. This campaign has been designed to help tackle unrealistic body expectations which thanks to social media many young people are experiencing every day.
Overall, Dove is a beauty brand which is working to change the way people feel about their bodies. Its Self-Esteem Project is focused on bringing a positive change to the lives of young people and helping them to reach their full potential without the stress of what their body looks like holding them back. By working with key research centres and psychological teams, the Dove Self-Esteem Project is well-equipped to help parents and teachers to have the tools to combat negative body image in young people and build up self-confidence. Then, through international campaigns online and with brands such as Nike, Dove is showing its true commitment to helping a quarter of a billion young people who are dealing with body confidence issues by 2030.
Located on the most advanced point of the West African coast, the Port Autonome de Dakar (PAD) is in a key geographical position at the intersection of maritime lines linking Europe, South America, North America, and South Africa. Its location aids ships travelling from the North with the benefit of a navigation gain of two or three days compared to other ports across the coast of West Africa. Therefore, PAD has established itself as a key player in the shipping and tourism industries, as it remains committed to developing the port and battling decongestion to expand Senegal’s position in the global maritime industry.
As the first deep-water port touched by ships coming from the north, the port has been a major player across global shipping industries since the 1850s. However, it wasn’t until 1987 that PAD was established, with its central role of operating and maintaining the seaport of Dakar, whilst managing all vessels and activities that take place across the port. The port provides access to a 13.5-metre (m) dredged channel and a large turning circle with a 500m diameter. It also has a stable and protected harbour with direct access at any time, a 10-kilometre (km) quay length, and a tidal range of 0.2-1.8m. This means the port is perfect for any sized vessel which can be accessed 24 hours a day. The round-the-clock accessibility makes it the perfect stopping point for many vessels, and, consequently, Dakar’s seaport is now the thirdlargest port in West Africa.
The port has implemented a range of nautical access and marking solutions, including upgraded navigational aids such as buoys, lighthouses, and security infrastructure to ensure that vessels are safely and securely navigated into shore. The port’s Marine Safety Service is responsible for ensuring this is managed under the Subdivision of Lighthouses and Beacons. This subdivision facilitates a range of operations across the port to ensure that every vessel can safely enter and begin to receive the full range of the port’s services. These services include piloting, which is compulsory for any vessel over 1500m3, and is facilitated through PAD’s 15 long-distance pilot captains, 6 pilot boats and 7 mooring PCs which assist ships as they enter and exit the port. PAD also offers towing, refuelling and mooring options at the port for visiting vessels.
PAD is also home to one of the largest shipyards on the West African coast, which is home to modern equipment ready to repair and refit a range of vessels. The floating dock is 235m long with a wingspan of 38m and a 28,000-tonne lifting capacity; the rift basin is 191m in length with a 25m wingspan; and a repair dock with a repair quay of 500m with a max draft of 9m and all mooring conditions. These repair services ensure that ships can make all the crucial repairs needed in such a key geographical spot as the vessels make their way across long voyage routes.
Port Autonome de Dakar
Inside the port, PAD facilitates all loading and unloading operations. It takes goods when they arrive in the port and oversees their entire journey ending in ship stowage or in PAD’s various storage and warehousing areas. Handling of cargo is largely facilitated by entrusted private operators, but PAD oversees all operations to ensure that the goods travelling in and out of Senegal are transported in a timely manner. The speed with which cargo is moved through the port increases the export value of cargo and decreases importing delays. The port has recently seen a large amount of congestion as the demand for importing and exporting across Senegal continues to rise. Therefore, by optimizing external logistics companies, PAD has raised the level of equipment at the Port and increased the handling rate to reduce the amount of time ships need to dock in the harbour. This increases ship turnover and subsequently, the amount of cargo that the port is able to effectively transport on and off ships, and then across the country.
However, with the increasing demand for imported and exported cargo across the region, PAD has been working with external companies to develop the city of Dakar and its cargo capacity with
the implementation of the new Port of Ndayane. The new port will increase Senegal’s capacity for cargo and continue to develop the region as a key seaport hub both locally and internationally, whilst effectively mitigating supply chain disruptions, with the aim to decrease the cost of essential imported goods over the coming years. PAD has been working with the team behind the Port of Ndayane, and last year supplied a range of topographical and IT equipment to help the development. The development is set to take place over the coming years, with a completion date of 2026.
PAD is not limited to just cargo, instead, it also benefits from a rich tourism industry which is facilitated through the port’s International Maritime Station of Dakar which can accommodate over 800 passengers and provides boarding, storage and catering services for people visiting the port. Furthermore, PAD works closely with the Dakar Gorée Maritime Liaison which is a public service set up by the State of Senegal responsible for ensuring that transport is available to the island of Gorée. The Société Nationale du Port Autonome de Dakar therefore ensures that the operation and upkeep of rowboats for this are maintained across the
port, as well as ensuring the safety and security operations of passenger ships to help support the tourism industry to the UNESCO island.
In more recent news, PAD has welcomed the Global Mercy Ship, the largest private hospital ship in the world which docked at the PAD earlier this year. The large ship has 6 fullyfledged operating wards, 102 acute care beds, 7 isolation/intensive care beds, 90 convalescent beds, as well as a range of classrooms and an auditorium. The ship features a laboratory which means the vessel has the facilities to carry out a range of surgical operations, including maxillofacial and reconstructive surgery, tumour removal, cleft lip and palate repair, plastic and orthopaedic surgeries, cataract removal and repair to obstetric fistulas. The ship remained docked at the PAD as part of a crucial humanitarian mission, for which the port played a crucial role in facilitating.
Overall, PAD is such a crucial port which has established Senegal as a key hub across the West
Strengthening Senegal’s Seaport
African coast for its essential shipping and maritime industry operations. Through its range of services, PAD provides a necessary stop for many ships with a range of services, in a specialised geographical location, which continues to meet the needs of almost any vessel. Furthermore, it works to aid in establishing vital links to the tourism industry via cruises and transport between Gorée, whilst also providing a safe and reliable docking station for vessels such as the Global Mercy ship to provide the people of Senegal with essential healthcare needs. Therefore, Port Autonome De Dakar plays such a vital role in Senegal’s development and is set to continue expanding its position in global maritime industries over the coming years as demand for goods is set to continue to increase. Therefore, in its mission to operate and maintain the seaport of Dakar, PAD is leading the way for its expansive services backed by years of rich maritime experience.
Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
Located in the Southern-most waters of the Caribbean, where trade lanes between the Americas, islands of the Caribbean, and significant Atlantic and Pacific Ocean shipping lanes, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) is a strategic hub providing a coordinated and integrated system of harbour facilities and port services.
Divided into four separate strategic units, PATT has served Trinidad and Tobago by providing port authority services for the Twin Island state for the last 70 years. A key focus of PATT is in the Port of Port of Spain for which the majority of cargo is imported and exported through. PATT was established as a statutory authority by an act of parliament in 1961, which was proclaimed in 1962 to begin providing a coordinated and integrated system of harbour facilities and services. Today, PATT is an entity comprising four business units: The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Governing Unit (PATTGU), The Port of Port of Spain (PPOS), The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transport Company (TTIT), and The Port of Spain Infrastructure Company (POSINCO).
PATTGU provides critical authority over all the port’s activities and the other divisional units. It is the critical enabler in ensuring that all the units are efficient, sustainable, responsive, and productive throughout their business operations.
Therefore, the PATTGU is on a mission to ensure that its internal stakeholders achieve their respective mandates and become leaders in these core areas of operation. Fundamentally, PATTGU works to ensure that all activities are in compliance with the Constitutional Law and Regulations of Trinidad and Tobago, promote excellent service which focuses on integrity, objectivity, fairness, professionalism, care, confidentiality and productivity across the port operation units, all the whilst ensuring that safety is paramount throughout every single activity. Therefore, we can see that PATTGU is a key voice in the Authority of the port, driving for excellence through safety and communication to ensure that the ports of Trinidad and Tobago are recognised globally as a key hub across vital international trade and shipping lanes. The key unit responsible for all cargo handling operations at the port is the PPOS. The Port of Spain is a natural harbour located on the north-western coast of Trinidad and is ideally positioned to service the major sea lanes. The PPOS unit provides berthing for international container vessels, breakbulk, rollon/roll-off, and dry and liquid bulk cargo. PPOS also provides a range of services including towage, container freight, warehousing and a one-stop barrel shop for clearance and delivery of personal effects. The PPOS actively works to leverage its
Handling the Port of Spain
location and utilises its motivated and well-trained workforce, state-of-the-art technology, and range of modern and reliable equipment to ensure that the port maintains a steady stream of cargo handling to promote the Port on an international scale.
The Port of Spain contains 142 hectares (ha) of land, with 61ha used specifically for cargo operations. As a government-owned unit, it facilitates all the necessary cargo handling, storage, and warehousing across the port through its 8 berths, unclaimed cargo shed, break bulk storage, Barrel shop, empty container storage yard, full container storage area, container reefer yard, as well as vehicle storage. Consequently, PPOS is capable of managing a whole range of cargo operations, to aid in bringing vessels into shore and the unloading/reloading of cargo to keep global supply chains moving.
Also under PATT is the Inter-Island Transport Company (TTIT) which provides the service of reliable
and affordable transport of passengers, vehicles and cargo between Trinidad and Tobago. Through TTIT’s 4 passenger ferries, the company provides world-class inter-island transportation services which facilitate customer-driven passenger and freight services between Trinidad and Tobago that are affordable, consistently safe, reliable, and efficient through its experienced workforce. TTIT is tech-driven and consistently provides vital transport links between the two islands, which continues to enhance the development of the region as a cohesive effort.
Furthermore, the landlord unit of PATT is POSINCO which was incorporated in 2002 and plays a significant strategic role across the Port as the landlord who oversees the real estate of the port. A crucial part of its role is in the development of port infrastructure to help maintain the smooth running of the port. This maintenance aims to help boost cargo activity and the inter-island ferry service to keep the port developing to meet growing cargo and transportation demands across Trinidad and Tobago. POSINCO provides real estate leases and
Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
licenses, towage, upgrading and maintenance services, harbour facilities and a range of value-added services. The unit is committed to strengthening the Port of Port of Spain’s collective position, maintaining customer focus, and developing its human resources to comply with international standards for the preservation, safety, and security of the Port environment.
An additional service available across the port through POSINCO is its cruise shipping services. Trinidad and Tobago have seen a vast increase in growth in international cruise shipping over the last decade, and a large amount of this development is due to the collaborated efforts of the Tourism Development Company, the Ministry of Tourism, the Tobago House of Assemble and POSINCO in the overseas market of Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore, through key collaboration with a range of companies across the region, POSINCO is upgrading and developing the port and its service offerings to continue to develop its role in both the cargo and tourism industries.
Overall, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago are providing key development across the region which has seen the port grow significantly over the last 70 years. The Port’s ability to handle cargo via The Port of Port of Spain has vastly improved through PPOS and POSINCO’s effort to develop its facilities towards a more seamless supply chain future. However, the tourism industry across Trinidad and Tobago has also seen vast development through TTIT. Collectively the divisional units of PATT work together to establish it as a unity and regulation-implementing organisation that seeks only the develop the ports towards global success. Therefore, as a strategic hub in the south of the Caribbean, PATT is successful in its mission to unite the region’s port offerings through its unrivalled commitment to developing its port and harbour services.
For over 180 years, Norton Lilly International has established itself as the premier shipping agency, driven by its commitment to being the industry’s trusted provider of maritime and industrial logistic services for all vessel types.
With operations spanning the US, Canada, Panama, and several Caribbean countries, Norton Lilly is the most time-tested ship agency in the Western hemisphere-consistently delivering top-quality services to its valued customers.
Norton Lilly maintains a robust partnership with The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, serving Trinidad’s Port of Spain through its division, Norton Lilly Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NLTT). NLTT offers a comprehensive range of services, including general cargo, roll-on/roll-off, tanker, and naval vessel services. Since its inaugural vessel call in 2007, NLTT has nurtured a strong bond with the Port Authority, bringing its extensive international experience to meet the local requirements of the Port.
Looking ahead, Norton Lilly is dedicated to exploring additional opportunities in the container market. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional service to its clientele through close collaboration with the Port Authority.
With a focus on providing excellent maritime and industrial logistics services, Norton Lilly is a trusted guide in the complex realm of shipping and port logistics. Prioritizing clients’ best interests, the company continues to earn unwavering trust and foster synergistic relationships. Norton Lilly’s longstanding success is a testament to its dedication to excellence at every turn.
As a leading financial services provider, BMO Capital Markets provides essential financial services including investment banking, treasury management as well as research and advisory services to corporate, institutional and government clients across both North America and throughout its global network. BMO Capital Markets is a member of the overarching BMO Financial Group, making BMO Capital Markets part of a diverse network of financial service providers. Therefore, it is no surprise that BMO Capital Markets plays a pivotal role in developing the North American financial sector toward success with the company’s central focus on integrity and excellence.
As part of one of the largest and most diversified financial service providers in North America, BMO Capital Markets serves a vast array of industries including financial institutions, financial sponsors, food, consumer and retail, energy, energy transition, global metals and mining, power, utilities and infrastructure, healthcare, industrials, real estate, and technology. With such a wide variety of sectors that BMO Capital Markets provides essential financial advice to, highlights the wealth of industry-specific expertise that is available through the company’s global network of contacts. The role of BMO Capital Markets is to provide its clients with a throughout understanding of the current market trends and issues that could affect their respective industries, investments, or businesses. As of October 31st 2023, the total assets of BMO Financial Group equated to $1.3 trillion.
Across BMO Capital Market’s network, teams of experts provide a full range of advisory services as well as industry-leading research, sales, and trading information to help its customers make the best financial decisions possible. The services offered by BMO Capital covers just about everything you can think of relating to financial advice including advisory, capital raising, carbon credit development and trading, global banks, global trade, institutional investing, investment product, market risk management, research and strategy, sustainable finance, and treasury services.
To best serve its clients, a key focus for BMO Capital Markets is on the development and implementation of key economic research and corporate debt strategy which is widely recognised for its high quality and independence. With over 2,700 professionals in 35 locations around the world, you can be sure that with BMO Capital Markets you are receiving top-quality care from industry experts who want to help its clients to make the most of their investments.
However, as the world moves ever more towards a future of sustainability, BMO Capital Markets has implemented a range of sustainable initiatives which saw it ranked as one of the most sustainable companies in North America according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. This is thanks to the company earning the highest possible score in customer relationship management as well as scoring highly in risk and crisis management,
information security/cybersecurity, system availability, talent attraction & retention, materiality, occupational health and safety, emissions, human rights, and privacy protection.
Sharon Haward-Laid, General Counsel at BMO Financial Group and Chair of the BMO Climate Institute commented in the press release announcing BMO Capital Markets are one of the most sustainable companies that “BMO’s commitment to sustainability is guided by its purpose, to boldly grow in business and in life, for our clients, colleagues and the communities we serve. Our purpose informs our strategy, drives our ambition, and reinforces our commitments to process for a thriving economy, a sustainable future and an inclusive society”. Haward-Laird’s comments here show how the award recognises the expansive and key role that BMO Capital Market plays in global markets thanks to the offerings and programs that are available to support the process for a more sustainable economy.
As part of this drive to support progress for a more sustainable economy, BMO Capital Markets offers programs to continually develop towards a more sustainable economy. This included
committing more than USD$40 billion to address key barriers faced by underserved groups in the US and supporting women business owners in Canada with a CAD$5-billion commitment. These kinds of funding projects highlight BMO Capital’s keen focus on establishing a more inclusive society through key programmes which result in a more sustainable economy.
BMO Market Capital also announced a USD 3 million donation towards a leading non-profit solar installer, GRID Alternatives, which would provide solar systems for families and individuals across communities which are most affected by climate change. This focus on sustainability is key to BMO Capital Market as it remains a globally recognised leader for its push towards net zero across the industry. For BMO Capital Markets, it has already been carbon neutral throughout its operations since 2010, and in March 2021 it launched the BMO Climate Institute with a focus on being it’s a leading partner for its clients to aid in transitioning their businesses and the world towards net-zero.
Overall, throughout BMO Capital Market’s operations its founding philosophy ‘Boldy Grow the Good in Business and Life’ is evident throughout its operations whether that be helping its customers to make the best financial decisions, or whether it be as a leading partner pushing all of the vast sectors that it operates in towards a future of carbon neutrality. This focus on driving positive change throughout all of its operations is why BMO Capital Market remains a leader in building a thriving economy, a sustainable future and an inclusive society throughout every aspect of its operations both in North America and across the globe.
Data rooms that travel so you don’t
In a global energy crisis, with markets unpredictable and uncertain, divestiture activity must be safe and secure, and data must be valid and trustworthy. Oil Finders clips into transactions for investment banks and majors to consult on the science and security behind the deal.
Todd Knight | President, Geophysicist
As the global energy transition continues, the market for buying and selling major oil plays remains hot. There was a brief slowdown through 2020 and 2021 as the industry took stock and re-strategized to ensure long-term sustainability. But now, investment banks and private companies are busy as O&G asset holders streamline portfolios.
In international markets, sales have been buoyant with most of the world’s majors active in multi-milliondollar transactions since 2021. But when buyers come to the table it is essential to keep them there and get transactions over the line. To achieve this, a clear and concise display of information and a scientific review of what is on offer is critical.
Oil Finders is the Canada-based provider of transactional support in significant asset divestiture, utilising secure data rooms and seismic knowledge to safeguard deals for clients. Founder and President, Todd Knight explains that now is an essential time for banks to obtain experienced guidance and support from proven industry professionals. “The industry is still in something of a recovery mode,” he says. “People are getting back to work but cautiously, and finances are tight. Banks are not as open to lending as they were in the past, and the oil companies are building funds to pay back shareholders.
“My job is a lot about encouraging what they should do rather than what they shouldn’t. We ensure that the data that will be reviewed is focussed on the property. Sometimes when a bank gets a project from an oil company, the data is scattered and there is a broad focus around the land that is being sold. That isn’t great as people that may view might have land in other places, and they can be distracted by data that isn’t focussed on the primary property that is being sold. It’s about bringing focus to the project and ensuring reviewers spend time on what is valuable.”
From bases in Calgary and Ontario, Oil Finders details geoscientific information using specialist software, in highly-secure data rooms, leaving no stone unturned so that clients - including BMO Capital Markets, ExxonMobil, Shell, and more – can understand true value.
“In our world, where it involves seismic – looking for upside – it’s not just about pools. When they involve us, it is not just about buying a pool of oil, it’s about making sure the wells are high quality. We have increasingly become the go-to for divestures around the world where seismic shows the value,” Knight adds.
“I use industry standard software and work closely with bank directors,” he says, highlighting the simplicity of his offering for end users. “We are busy with a number of significant projects right now. We get involved in some of the largest oil plays in the world and some are quite famous in the marketplace. Often, owners are looking
Unlocking Deep Potential in Energy Deals
to spin off assets in the vicinity of major discoveries to reduce their own risk. These wells can cost 100s of millions to drill and farming down to reduce risk is a very good idea ”
The expertise within Oil Finders can help to swing deal values by up to 10%. Right now, that is significant and achieving this can make a big difference in financial results. Returning clients have commented: “He’s expensive, and worth it, because everything just works.” As activity continues to boom, Knight is keen on international work alongside clients.
“There is a lot of exploration going on and we are hearing a lot about developing markets finding oil and gas plays, and that is exciting. In the last decade, oil assets have been purchased for production purposes as opposed to upside. Now, we are getting back to exploration and new drilling, and that involves seismic and that is also exciting ”
Happy clients highlight the combination of science and technology as particularly appealing: “With Knight we get a more experienced geophysicist, software, hardware, and security, and that’s worth a lot to us.”
Even through the energy transition, the geoscientific nature behind Oil Finders remains highly attractive when clipping into bank transactions, anywhere in the world. Knight remains confident that the company’s insight will be required.
“We will do well helping players transition from one sector to another. If companies decide they are going to evaluate their portfolio and dive further into wind or solar, they will need to spin off oil and gas and that brings opportunities.”
But this will likely happen over a much longer period.
“It is now clearer for those that have rushed into the energy transition that oil and gas is the backbone of the system and it will be around for many years,” he says. “As the problems in Europe have highlighted, oil and gas are very strongly required elements in the economy.
“If you look back at any of the sources that mankind has made through the years, it is a transition to more and more complex energy. Each jump has involved
more knowledge and more technology. Wood, coal, oil, gas, nuclear, and next will be hydrogen as an energy carrier, have all required fresh ideas and deep new understanding. No energy source that mankind has ever developed has diminished in use. We are using as much or more of every source from wood to hydrogen. Oil and gas usage will not diminish. It is likely to stay where it is or increase, and that is the stage we’re at now – many think it will increase because of the rate of population increase.”
Consultancy around this, and delivery of straightforward easy to decipher scientific information, is where Oil Finders finds its niche. “Geophysicists should be exploring for oil and gas – that is what they are paid to do. They shouldn’t be getting involved with data rooms – that is not their specialty. When they get in with reviewers, they might talk too much about the sale, giving a certain impression that might not help in a sale. You have to be careful about what is said during a review of a large oil and gas asset and that is where we are successful.”
The quality service levels within Oil Finders are unquestionable and, in a challenging market characterised by uncertainty, the merit of partnering is clear. The company brings certainty around data, assurance in value, and confidence in transactions.
WHY OIL FINDERS?
• Highly Secure Data Rooms
• Industry Standard Software
• 24/7 Remote International Access
• Geology, Geophysics & Engineering Expertise
• Support and Process Overview and Consultancy
The Power and Water Corporation, trading as PowerWater, distributes and transmits electricity across the northern territory of Australia, whilst providing essential water and sewerage services to the people of the region. With an abundance of rural and remote areas in the northern territory, the government-owned corporation works to keep these places connected and powered to support the continued development of the territory’s future through accessible water and energy infrastructure. Therefore, PowerWater’s vision is to contribute to the Northern Territory’s economy and continue to service its customers better whilst embracing change, and diversity as its central core values.
PowerWater, a government-owned corporation, provides services in water, wastewater, electricity supply, power networks and gas, as well as a range of educational and environmental projects and initiatives to help promote the Northern Territory of Australia towards a supported, connected, and sustainable future. In terms of water, PowerWater provides complete water supply and waste services across the northern region in both urban and remote areas. As part of this role, PowerWater manages ground and surface water across 90 communities (18 urban and 12 remote) where water is mainly sourced from groundwater – especially for those in the most remote places. These remote communities include Darwin and Katherine where the people rely on surface water sources alone. In Darwin, for example, the Darwin River Dam provides 85% of Darwin’s water needs. Establishing a secure water supply is vital and through key investment and development of infrastructure to provide high-quality water supply services, PowerWater can bring people seamless water supplies that can deal with the increasing population and subsequent demand for water supplies. By implementing great infrastructure across the northern region, PowerWater has shown its commitment to matching current and future water demands with its reliable and sustainable water services which will continue to serve the region for many years to come.
A key part of this infrastructure is its water treatment plant which deals with wastewater, working with the Department of Defence, is building a 10ml per day per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment plant located in Katherine. Through this plant, it serves to treat the water across the region and help deliver clean and safe drinking water for all.
The second crucial part of PowerWater’s role is the power supplies and distribution networks which through most major centres the company distributes electricity across the power network. PowerWater is the market operator and system controller of the power network and provides regulation across the electrical systems. This is crucial in remote areas where it operates as the generator whilst also performing retailer functions to deliver power to the most rural places. Consequently, alongside its role as distributor, PowerWater is also the market
operator which manages the wholesale exchange of electricity between licensed retailers and licensed generators. It is these generators which are crucial for maintaining power across the northern region and bringing freedom to those in remote areas with reliable access to electricity.
For Gas, PowerWater uses its gas supplies division which provides wholesale gas supply and transportation to large business customers. The company provides agreements which supply 90% of the electricity generation sector across the region, especially to large mining and heavy industrial businesses to help keep them operating and continually contributing to both local and national economies. Through the Northern Gas Pipeline, PowerWater provides competitively priced gas to the East Coast during its peak winter period when the Northern Territory is in its dry season and demand is low. The Pipeline allows for easy gas transportation both ways, which has created a range of opportunities for added competition across the expanded market which has increased the security of the supply for the region.
NUFLOW
The Nuflow network’s influence across Australia empowers councils to costeffectively manage their assets, facilitating planned repairs rather than reactive ones.
Nuflow’s expanding partnership in the Northern regions with water authorities, including Power & Water.
Nuflow partners stand out due to their specialization in the relining industry as highly trained professionals with over 10 years of experience. They continually invest in maintaining their status as the skilled and professional choice for the highest quality pipe relining solutions.
However, beyond power, water, and energy supply, PowerWater is focused on delivering projects and development which continue to benefit the people of Australia. One project PowerWater is currently undertaking is the Manton Dam, which is currently being restored to provide additional water supply to the region. The Manton Dam was originally the primary source of water for Darwin until the Darwin River Dam was commissioned in 1972. The Manton Dam was opened to recreation by the Northern Territory government in the late 1980s but was always a potential future water supply source. However, as the water demand continues to grow across the northern territory and the current water supply in the Darwin River Dam becoming increasingly affected by climate change and evaporation, the reopening of the previous dam provides a longerterm plan for continued water availability.
The project is part of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program hoping to return the Manton Dam to an operational drinking water supply source. PowerWater will apply additional treatment measures to ensure that the dam meets stringent drinking water quality standards. The recreational management plan for the reservoir will be developed in
collaboration with the Northern Territory Government and once returned to service the Manton Dam will provide an additional 7,3000 megalitres of water a year to the Darwin region and water supply system. The completion of the restoration is expected in 2026.
In addition to these projects, PowerWater is driven by a mission to make a difference to the people living in the Northern Territory through projects that provide major partnerships, community grants, and sponsorships. One way PowerWater helps the community is through portable water stations at events, as well as projects which aim to help shape the future of the territory. Another way is through an education programme called ‘That’s My Water!’ which in 2023 saw a record 800 students attend the course from 9 schools from the Darwin region. The program invites students to work and learn alongside STEM industry professionals to investigate water sustainability.
In addition to community projects, PowerWater is committed to creating a greener future by ensuring
BULK FUEL & LUBRICATION Storage
that throughout its operations it does business in the most sustainable services. One of the key focuses for sustainable development is through renewable energy solutions. As the climate and geography of the Northern Territory expose it to a lot of sun, solar energy is the most commonly used to supplement other power generation. Therefore, to move the region towards increased renewable energy sources that are both beneficial to the planet and to the people of the region’s pockets (being a cost-effective alternative), Power Water is implementing solar across many remote communities to help reduce reliance on diesel in place of solar power.
A key example of this was highlighted earlier this year when Titjikala, located 130km south of Alice Springs, was powered by 83% renewable energy. The area is home to 200 residents, and through the implementation of solar panels, the region was able to be powered by renewable energy for an average of 20 hours a day. In Titjikala, PowerWater has a 400-kilowatt solar array, integrated with a 300-kilovolt-ampere (970-kilowatt hour) battery energy storage system. The Titjikala region is one of 25 communities which are part of the Power
Supporting the Northern Territory
and Water Solar Energy Transformation Programme (SETuP). The storage of battery energy storage system technology enables the communities to access solar energy and allows diesel engines to be turned off during the day. The diesel engines are only necessary overnight when the battery energy storage system is depleted. The project in Titjikala was commissioned in March 2021 and is the largest off-grid solar program in remote communities which has enabled significant savings on diesel and transport costs for the local community.
Overall, PowerWater is a key government-owned corporation which is working to help establish essential infrastructure, water, sewage, gas, and electricity services across both urban and rural areas of the Northern Territory to communities that are connected and able to continue to develop economically. However, throughout every aspect of PowerWater’s operations is a central focus to implement change whether that be through supply or programmes which are for the benefit of the people across the region. By focusing on the natural elements available across the region, PowerWater is able to harness solar energy and bring both a reliable and stable renewable energy resource.
EL NIÑO PHENOMENON
Written by Carley Fallows
Climate change is such a big issue that we are increasingly more aware of its effect on global weather and the increasing temperatures across the planet which can result in either extreme flooding or droughts depending on where in the world you are. However, according to the US Science Agency, NOAA, the world has now officially entered into an El Niño phase which will cause further extreme weather disruption and send global temperatures soaring over the next few years.
El Niño is a climate pattern which describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This warming is part of the larger El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) which sees the sea surface temperature increase more than 0.9° Fahrenheit (F). However, to be classed as El Niño this increase in temperature must last for at least 5 successive three-month seasons. The intensity of El Niño events ranges from weak with just a 4-5°F fluctuation, all the way to moderate with a temperature increase of 14-18°F. These severe fluctuations are associated with worldwide climatic changes which can result in droughts or extreme flooding.
On the opposite side of these fluctuations is La Niña, where the surface temperature is in an unusually cool phase. These ranges of El Niño and La Niña happen in irregular intervals, with El Niño occurring anywhere between every 2 to 7 years. The unpredictable nature of these fluctuations threatens to disrupt food security and cause widespread disruption when extreme weather as a result of these temperature fluctuations occurs.
Not every ENSO event is the same, and so consequences vary from region to region. In 1982-1983 the world experienced one of the most intense El Niño phenomena in the 20th century in which Australia experienced harsh droughts, whilst
Tahiti experienced typhoons and Chile saw a record amount of rainfall. Then again in 1997 during another El Niño event, Indonesia saw extreme drought conditions, whilst Malaysia, the Philippines and Peru experienced heavy rain and severe flooding. The effects of the 1997 El Niño event were felt all the way in the United States where one part of the country experienced increased rainfall whilst the Midwest experienced record-breaking warm temperatures leading to the period to be known as ‘the year without a winter’.
So why does El Niño cause such severe weather? Well in normal conditions the surface water of the Pacific Ocean is cooler in the east and warmer in the west, and trade winds tend to blow east to west so heat from the sun progressively warms the waters. However, during El Niño these winds weaken or reverse which sends warm surface waters eastwards. With warmer water spreading further all whilst staying closer to the surface more heat is released into the atmosphere which creates warmer and wetter air which increases these extreme weather phenomena.
However, with the current return of El Niño in 2023 and as we enter into 2024, scientists are warning that El Niño conditions in combination with the current effects of global warming on extreme weather could make some already extreme weather events worse
and see the world temperature records hit a new high over the next 5 years. If these extreme weather events continue to occur and are worsened by climate change, they may threaten infrastructure, food and energy systems on a global scale whilst also significantly reducing the production of marine food for key fishing industries.
Overall, ENSO is an unpredictable but potentially concerning natural phenomenon which could, along with the already warming temperatures of the world, due to climate change, lead to extreme weather phenomena over the coming months which may disrupt both local and international levels. However, due to the nature of El Niño and La Niña, we will never know the effects they will have until they occur over the coming years when we see how the temperatures continue to fluctuate.
British Columbia is known as a key mining hub in the world, thanks to its world-leading mining jurisdiction, rich mineral geology and strong commitment to safety and regulations. However, a crucial part of mining in this region is developing the industry towards a carbon-neutral future to protect the landscapes and communities to which the region is home to. Therefore, operators across the industry work closely with all aspects of the mining industry, including the services and supply sectors, to push the boundaries of mining and find new and innovative approaches to develop the industry and region as a whole.
The Mining Supplier Association of British Columbia (MSABC) was established as an overseeing body that represents the companies located across the mining industry in British Columbia. The members of MSABC gain access to equipment, products and related services across the industry whilst taking advantage of key stakeholder relations and connections with the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC). By partnering with MABC, the members of MSABC gain access to a range of key mining companies which allows for better cooperation between the two sides of the mining industry. Together these companies build industry initiatives which focus on sustainability, land use, First Nations cooperation, government relations and public awareness. Therefore, under MSABC supplier companies are in the best position to interact across the mining industry of British Columbia, whilst promoting the space and support to move the industry towards more sustainable practices.
MSABC is focused on promoting its members’ work to move the mining industry towards carbon emission reduction and preparing the industry for a long and sustainable future. Therefore, under MSABC its members are actively working to implement electrification across their services. This includes the electrification of machinery and mining processes to move away from the need for diesel-powered equipment alone. One way this is being implemented is through the availability of trolly-assisted trucks which would see mining trucks operate using overhead powerlines making their previous diesel engines no longer necessary which reduces the carbon dioxide output.
However, where electrification is not possible due to the lack of battery-powered technology for large-tonnage vehicles, some members are opting to use tracking systems to help drivers maintain the most carbon-efficient solution possible. These systems use smarter technology to help tackle the emissions of the transporting of mine products across British Columbia and into international markets. This is especially crucial when transportation makes up 50% of carbon emissions in British Columbia, with heavy-duty trucking (which is used in the mining industry) accounting for 10% of this. In addition, some members are increasing
Mining Supplier Association of B.C.
the truck’s haul size by adding extra axles meaning they can reduce the number of trucks needed to haul products from mines. All of these initiatives allow the members of MSABC to reduce carbon emissions, whilst helping mining companies remain more competitive.
Another way the MSABC is helping to improve the environmental impacts of the mining industry is by implementing initiatives to reduce material intensity to help reduce the amount of products, machinery and shipping needed to fix or repair products at mine sites. This is crucial as replacing components at mines would using use an excessive amount of CO2 to manufacture, and ship products to mines. However, with suppliers making repairs and fixes more readily available on-site and in closely linked supplies, it can significantly reduce the amount of CO2 production from materials in the mine site. The focus on reducing material intensity is just one of the ways the MSABC is working with
Mining for A Better Future
its members to implement crucial changes towards reducing the mining industry’s carbon footprint in British Columbia.
MSABC is working to build a more reliable and sustainable future for the mining industry in British Columbia. As a key employer, the stability of the industry is essential for longterm economic success. Therefore, supplier members under MSABC are working to ensure that throughout the industry sustainability is upheld, and so all of its members are working to build a better future for British Columbia and the rest of the industry by example. In working towards a more sustainable future, the members are implementing electric machinery, autonomous control, power systems, education and alternative fuels throughout their operations. These changes highlight the key investments that companies across British Columbia continue to make to develop the region and its world-class mining industry.
Ultimately, MSABC is a giant overseeing organisation which brings together key mining suppliers in British Columbia and actively is working to move the industry towards greater sustainable development. As the area is a key hub for mining, this movement towards suitability is essential as it shows other respective mining hubs that through the implementation and support of sustainable practices throughout supply chains, mining can be in an industry which is respectful of the planet whilst delivering the vital critical metals that so much of our everyday products are made from. Therefore, British Columbia is the place to mine, and with MSABC its suppliers are given a more prominent role across the industry to see critical change in every aspect of its operations.
The proud guardian of Sudan’s substantial gold resources, Ariab Mining Company Ltd is targeting portfolio diversification in conjunction with international investors.
As the mineral-rich republic’s leading operator in gold exploration and exploitation, the ambitious company is seeking to dig deeper and unlock additional value in several existing mines and highly prospective exploration tenements.
With the goal of achieving long-term value that is strategic, significant, and sustainable, the state-owned firm is on a quest to increase technology acquisition to develop a world-class project pipeline. The forward-thinking enterprise is adopting winning strategies, transforming operational performance and delivering step-change improvements throughout the value chain – from strategy to capital productivity and to developing skills in local communities. With Sudan introducing investment laws that match international standards, now is the ideal time for intelligent investors to bring knowledge and technology to achieve lucrative rewards.
