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It’s November and that means we are just one month away from the end of 2024 – where has the year gone? As we wind down to the end of the year, we’ve started looking back at all the great stories we’ve brought you this year from some of the biggest companies spanning such a vast array of industries across the world. For each company, striving for excellence was evident, and we look forward to bringing you yet another year of top stories from the world’s leading companies in 2025.
This month we kick things off with an in-depth look at one of the leading global shipping companies across the globe with Tropical Shipping. We got to see the expansive role Tropical Shipping plays as one of the most trusted shipping providers to the Caribbean, which is underpinned by its commitment to putting its customer’s needs at the forefront of every shipping solution.
We then turn to vital mining options such as Agnico Eagle Mines Limited and Nordgold who are developing the vital resources for life more sustainably. These companies are then joined by a great article on Kamloops Exploration Group which is empowering the mining industry towards the future of sustainability through education and networking.
One of my favourite feature companies this month is Sandals Resorts Jamaica, a luxury resort company that provides the best of the best vacation resorts across Jamaica. Offering secluded escapes that make the most of the beautiful scenery and culture that the Caribbean has to offer, Sandals Resorts Jamaica leads the market and has positioned Jamaica as a vital destination for both honeymoons and weddings. We hope you enjoy this edition of Endeavour Magazine, and we look forward to catching up with you all again in the new year!
by Carley Fallows
Business Headlines
Asia/Oceania
Han Kang Wins
Nobel Literature Prize
South Korean Author Han Kang has taken home the Nobel Prize for literature for her ‘intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life”. Her previous novels include The Vegetarian, which was first released in 2007 but saw a resurgence 2016 after it won the Man Booker Prize following its translation to English by Deborah Smith. The novel explores the story of Yeong-hye, who decides to stop eating meat. The novel spans the violent consequences of this refusal to submit to norms, dealing with themes of power, obsession and women’s autonomy. Throughout her work, these themes are common and often found alongside ideas of violence, grief and patriarchy.
It is the first time a South Korean author has won the prize and is the first time the award has been given to a female recipient since 2022 when French writer Annie Ernaux was awarded the prize. The Nobel Literature Prize has been awarded early since 1901 and is often given to an author for a body of work rather than a single item.
Flooding in Thailand’s Chiang Mai
Following torrential rain in the north city of Chiang Mai in Thailand, the Ping River swelled 17.4 feet leading to vast flooding across the area. Locals were faced with deep floodwaters, that shut the central train station and caused extensive damage to the city and homes. The local public health official confirmed that three people have died because of the flooding, with two of these being as a result of mudslides.
As evacuations took place across the city many of which were aided by elephants, resulting in 80 people moved to shelters away from the high waters. In addition to homes being flooded, a dozen medical centres across the city were also forced to close due to flooding. The region has seen increased rainfall over recent months and has raised concerns that more flooding may be possible over the coming weeks as water levels are already at an all-time high.
Mysterious Tar-like Balls on Sydney beaches
Beaches across the Sydney coastline in Australia were forced to briefly close after mysterious tarlike balls washed ashore. The balls were quickly tested by officials and determined to be non-toxic to humans and were formed from similar chemicals to those used in cosmetics and cleaning products. 8 beaches, including Bondi Beach, were closed as the city carried out a clean-up effort to remove the balls from the beach.
Whilst the balls are not thought to be harmful to humans, Sydney’s maritime authority has confirmed that the balls should not be touched or picked up, and instead removed by officials.
Currently, investigations are underway to establish the source of the tar-like balls and understand how they came to be in the waters surrounding Sydney.
Africa
First Mpox Test Approved by WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed a new PCR test that will enable doctors to detect the mpox virus in DNA. The tests are swabbed on skin lesions, which could quickly identify if the virus is the cause. This year alone there have already been more than 30,000 suspected causes, with the new tests confirming at least 40% of this figure. By rolling out this test, it can help countries contain the spread of the virus and treat people more quickly to prevent serious illness from it.
Currently, 635 people are thought to have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) just this year, as the number of cases being reported has continued to grow. The DRC has now begun a mpox vaccination programme designed to target priority groups, including those with existing health issues and health workers.
Electricity Blackouts in Zambia
In recent years, Zambia has been struggling with the worst electricity blackouts in living memory with many cities and towns often left without electricity for multiple days. 84% of the electrical power of Zambia stems from its water reservoirs, with a large portion of this coming from the Zambezi River home to the country’s massive hydro-powered Kariba Dam. However with the country experiencing major droughts in recent months, only one of the 6 turbines at the power station was in operation, producing only 7% of the typical power output of Kariba.
With electricity already limited, many companies are moving to reduced operations, and many locals are being forced to go into public spaces to make use of electricity when their own has been out of action. In an effort to help mitigate this in the future, the government has been pushing the adoption of solar panels for homes, something it has made easier by scrapping all import taxes on solar equipment to make it cheaper for locals to buy and produce their own energy.
Kenyan Runner Breaks Marathon World Record
Ruth Chepngetich from Kenya completed the Chicago Marathon in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 56 seconds beating the previous record of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds time set just last year by Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia. Chepngetich came out of the gates strong and completed the first 3.1 miles in only 15 minutes, leaving her with a 14-second gap between her and second place by the halfway point. She has previously won the marathon in Chicago twice in 2021 and 2022. However, the event was shrouded in respect and dedication to Kelvin Kiptum who set the men’s world record just last year but sadly died in a car accident only 4 months later. Chepngetich dedicated her win to Kiptum, and all runners observed a moment of silence on the starting line in his honour.
Hurricane Milton Hits Florida
Florida was hit with a Category 3 Hurricane just weeks after Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, battered the region. Hurricane Helene destroyed roads, caused widespread flooding and cut millions off from power across the south-east of the US. Officials have reported that at least 135 people have died from the flooding and associated damage. This led to a massive clean-up effort, however, just weeks later the same area was hit by Hurricane Milton.
The Hurricane was closely monitored as it moved across the Gulf Coast and towards Tampa in Florida. Before making land, the hurricane was downgraded from a Category 5 storm to a Category 3. However, in preparation for Hurricane Milton hitting land, millions of Florida locals had evacuated away from the centre of the hurricane. The effects of Hurricane Milton were less destructive than the previous Hurricane Helen just a few weeks before, however over 3.4 million people were left without power after it hit.
US Scientists Awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkin have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in discovering how microRNAs influence how genes operate inside organisms. Their work will help to better understand how complex life emerged on Earth and the different tissues that make up the human body. The scientists were the first to discover how the microRNAs control genes and are expressed differently in different tissues.
The previous winner of the Nobel Price for Medicine was awarded to Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman in 2023, for their work in developing the mRNA utilised in the creation of Covid-19 vaccines.
Forest Fires Destroying The Amazon
In 2024, 62,000 square kilometres of The Amazon rainforest were destroyed by fires, many of which were caused by illegal mining and logging operations that exploit the land. These fires are not common to occur alone due to the tropical humid climate, and so the destruction is down to humanmade fire. Many illegal operations continue across The Amazon, with many encroaching on protected reserves and indigenous lands.
The Amazon is vital for the reduction of carbon across, however when large sections are being burnt it significantly reduces the size to absorb carbon, and in the burning process, more carbon is actually released. Local authorities have been working to crack down on illegal operations, however, with such a vast area to cover it is hard for them to stop all operations or blazes before a lot of the destruction has begun.
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Middle East
Women’s Cricket World Cup Kicks Off in UAE
New Zealand’s Women’s cricket team beat out rivals South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. It was expected that 6-time champions Australia may have won for a 7th time, however, they were beat out by 8 wickets to South Africa, who went on to play New Zealand in the final. The final match saw New Zealand win by 32 runs, after their narrow win over West Indies in the semi-final by just 8 runs.
The prize fund for the women’s game has also been increased with the tournament by 225%, in order to make the prize money equal between the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Asbestos Fears in Gaza
The United Nations has released estimates that some of the 800,000 tonnes of bombed-out debris in Gaza could be releasing asbestos particles into the air. These toxic chemicals pose a particularly harmful disk to humans as they can cause various cancers throughout the body. The particles primarily affect the lungs and larynx and commonly cause cancer in these places as well as the ovaries. Therefore, officials fear that the long-term effects of the destruction of Gaza could lead to widespread asbestos-related illness.
This kind of exposure was seen when the World Trade Centre collapsed on September 11th 2001, as it became apparent many years after the event that asbestos was present in the dust clouds. In the years following, thousands of asbestos-related deaths were reported as a result of inhaling the particles during the collapse.
Akram Afif Wins AFC Player of the Year Award
Akram Afif a forward for Al Sadd and the Qatar national team has won the AFC Player of the Year title for a second time. He won the award for his role in leading his national team Qatar to the AFC Asian Cup title in 2023. Alongside him was Kiko Seike, who also won Player of the Year for breaking the record for the most goals scored in a Japanese top-flight season and helping the Urawa Red Diamonds to the first two consecutive WE leagues in their history.
Afif previously won the award in 2019 after his vital role in defending Qatar’s Asian Cup title in the previous year. He was also the first player to score a hat-trick in the Asian Cup final.
Europe
Tributes Paid to Liam Payne of One Direction
Liam Payne from the famed One Direction boyband has received an outpouring of love from friends and fans alike sharing their sadness with the news of his passing. The singer died following a fall from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Payne was in Argentina after attending a show for his fellow One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.
One Direction went their separate ways many years ago after finding global fame on the X-Factor TV series. However, fans had always hoped a reunion was possible, even as each one began their own solo careers. Payne’s fellow band members have come together to share their memories with him, and their devastation of his passing. Fans gathered outside the hotel in Argentina to sing One Direction songs and pay respects to the singer.
Moth Travels from South America to South Wales
Two clearwing months from the topical jungle of Guyana appear to have snuck into a bag when they were larvae and have ended up on a windowsill in Port Talbot. The moths were spotted by an ecologist, and, after DNA analysis, have been confirmed to not only be a species not native to the UK but were a species not previously known to scientists.
The moths are Carmenta brachyclados and have transparent wings with black veins and black tips. Across its body there are iridescent blue stripes edged in tallow, whilst the underside is bright yellow. They are usually found in warm and humid climates. Therefore, when arriving in Wales with a much colder climate they did not survive well.
Wimbledon to Scrap Line Judges
One of the popular sights at any Wimbledon match is the line judges in their striped shirts and white trousers. However, as the Australian Open and US Open have begun adopting electronic line calling, Wimbledon has finally made the jump and will now also adopt electronic line calling in 2025. Currently, the French Open is the only competition that currently has not adopted electronic line calling. It is hoped that with electronic line calling there will be little room for discrepancy as it is deemed to be more consistent than a human judge. With the removal of line judges, match assistance will now be required on the court to escort players and help with taking racquets to the stringer.
Tropical Shipping
As the most trusted cargo and freight shipper in the Caribbean, Tropical Shipping has spent the last 53 years providing leading shipping services from the Caribbean to Canada. Each shipping operation is underpinned by Tropical Shipping’s commitment to excellence, which has built its reputation as a customer service-first company that values responsiveness, trust, and accountability across every aspect of its operations.
Tropical Shipping’s heritage extends back to 1963 when it first sailed from Freeport in The Bahamas, carrying machinery and building supplies. This began the company’s strong relationship with The Bahamas as a key porting location, and now its network has expanded across the region. Today, Tropical Shipping operates ships from Canada and South Florida to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, as well as inter-island transportation services across the whole region. Throughout its operations, Tropical Shipping remains focused on providing the best possible shipping solutions handling every type of cargo from grocery products to building materials.
Across all of Tropical Shipping’s operations, it is committed to ensuring that it can deliver any cargo type no matter the size, frequency or location through its integrated networks. Throughout these networks, Tropical Shipping specialises in refrigerated cargo delivering millions of tons of groceries annually. For refrigerated cargo, the company has precise monitoring and computerized refrigeration equipment which ensures that all frozen and chilled cargo reaches its destinations
Delivering Excellence Across The Caribbean
(649) 941-3662
www.ports.tc
in perfect condition and at the appropriate temperature every time.
Then for dry goods, Tropical Shipping’s network allows cargo to be shipped directly to the company by any supplier or shipper in Canada and the US via road or railway, which will then be picked up by its vessels at ports across the country for delivery to The Bahamas and across the Caribbean. Through its complete cargo transfer operations, Tropical Shipping is ready to utilise its full-load cross-dock operations to get cargo off any truck, rail car or container and onto its end destinations.
However, Tropical Shipping’s ability to move cargo also extends into its inland transportation service which is committed to providing reliable and timely delivery of goods. This has become one of the company’s primary services which helps Tropical Shipping to meet the needs of its customers in often specific and customisable formats. This is one of the main draws of Tropical Shipping’s operation on both a local and international scale, as it is committed to providing complete solutions to take the stress away from its customers.
CHARTING MARITIME EXCELLENCE FOR OVER SIX DECADES
REYNOLD’S PIER IS A MIXED-USE PORT IN OCHO RIOS OWNED AND OPERATED BY JBM.
JBM’S GREEN PORT REVOLUTION AT REYNOLD’S PIER!
JBM is transforming Reynold’s Pier into Jamaica’s first multi- functional “green port,” powered by sustainable energy. The port will soon run on an 84% solar-powered system, cutting CO2 emissions by 220,500 kg. This upgrade provides shore-to-ship power, allowing cruise and cargo vessels to plug into clean energy instead of diesel, boosting efficiency and reducing pollution.
Positioned strategically for limestone export and cruise tourism, the new Reynold’s Pier is paving the way for enhanced trade, eco-friendly tourism, and continues to be the primary exporter of sugar internationally. JBM is helping to provide a sustainable future for Jamaica.
Discover Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) – Your Gateway to Caribbean Business
Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) is a government entity managing over 4,000 acres of government property, providing essential services to both local and international businesses. With four strategic units— Commercial Property, Port Management, Land Development, and Custodial Management — JBM monitors the operations of Discovery Bauxite Partners - a bauxite mining operation based in Discovery Bay.
As proud operators of Reynolds Pier in Ocho Rios, JBM offers top-tier dry dock services for small to medium-sized crafts, bunkering, and berthing for large vessels. Logistics and cargo partners can benefit from short-term leasing options and dockside equipment, making JBM a one-stop shop for all vessel and cargo needs in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Our Services Include:
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Mrs. Donna Marie Howe JBM’s Managing Director
Tropical Shipping
A key aspect of this is consolidation, in which Tropical Shipping continually works to find ways to maximise its customers’ inventory costs and maximise the effectiveness of its supply chains. It delivers this primarily across its less-than-container-load (LCL) and full-container-load (FCL) shipments to help its customers get the best deal with a completely integrated system. Through this system, customers benefit from more costeffective supply chain solutions supported by Tropical Shipping’s reputation for excellence throughout every single shipping operation.
Aside from direct shipping and transportation operations, Tropical Shipping is also a vital marine cargo insurance provider. The company’s marine insurance division is underwritten by Seven Seas Insurance Company and provides shippers across its operations competitive rates for protecting their cargo throughout shipping operations. It ensures that customers are met with top-quality pricing supported by its dynamic workforce operating across 32 locations spanning many ports across the region. This has been a vital aspect of the
company since its early days of operation in 1967 and continues to play a key role in ensuring that all cargo transported across the region is supported by a company that cares about every cargo operation and claim.
As Tropical Shipping has continued to grow, it has expanded its global logistics offerings through vital partnerships with global carriers. Through these strategic partnerships, Tropical Shipping has been able to move freight from ports across the world to destinations across The Bahamas and the Caribbean. As it continues to build up this international network, it has grown its reputation as the shipper of choice for cargo heading into and out of this region, and onto global markets. Tropical Shipping announced in September that it was enhancing its LCL services to Suriname and will now offer a weekly service from the Port of Palm Bean to Paramaribo. This new link further extends the company’s network across South America and provides yet another vital port that Tropical Shipping utilise to make cargo shipments even more effective, economical, and reliable.
Tropical Shipping also announced in September that it was beginning a strategic partnership with
Delivering Excellence Across The Caribbean
Tibbetts Logistics in the Cayman Islands. Tibbetts Logistics has been appointed by Tropical Shipping to lead the logistics services for customers and further extend the supply chain offerings to customers in this region. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening Tropical Shipping’s long-term commitment to the region by simplifying its business operations in the Cayman Islands and optimising supply chain management by utilising Tibbetts Logistics’ understanding of local distribution networks. By utilising Tibbetts Logistics’ expertise across the Cayman Islands, Tropical Shipping can then adopt its network in partnership with it to deliver even more shipping solutions further across its network in South America.
What we have seen across Tropical Shipping’s operations is a commitment to put its customers
first and deliver shipping solutions that are integrated, comprehensive and efficient. Through its vast networks both by land and sea, the company is committed to ensuring that cargo travelling from Canada and South Florida can reach vital markets in The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Its expertise in customised shipping solutions and dedication to partnering with local logistics providers across the region has enhanced its position and provided it with a firm reputation as the most trusted cargo and freight shipper across the region for over 5 decades. We look forward to seeing how Tropical Shipping continues to expand its operations over the coming years to further develop its networks across the region, and access even more vital markets across the America, Caribbean and The Bahamas.
Bapco Refining
Bahrain is a vital country in the development of oil across the Arabian Gulf. The country was home to the first oil well developed across the region, and so has long played a strategic role in developing Bahrain’s oil industry on both local and international scales. To oversee this expanding industry, Bapco Refining was established by the government of Bahrain to oversee the country’s oil and gas sector and deliver significant economic benefits for the country for many years to come.
Established in 1929, Bapco Refining began its operations with the discovery of vast oil potential in the region. From this first vital discovery, Bapco Refining, originally owned by the Standard Oil Company of California and now under the ownership of the Government of Bahrain, quickly took the lead in pioneering the country’s oil and gas sector. Today, the company is responsible for refining 267,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil, and through this work, it strategically empowers and ensures the success of Bahrain’s energy industry. Throughout every aspect of its operations, Bapco Refining remains focused on leveraging its best practices to deliver significant value for its shareholders, customers and employees in the process.
Bapco Refining’s operations centre around the refining, storage and marketing of oil, with a 6th of the company’s total oil operations stemming from the rich oil deposits found in Bahrain alone. The rest of the oil refined by Bapco Refining is sourced from Saudi Arabia and is pumped through Bapco Refining’s facilities before it is stored in 170 storage tanks located across Bahrain. All of the oils delivered by Bapco Refining are marketed towards local and international downstream markets in the form of petroleum and exported on behalf of the Government of Bahrain. The entire operation of Bapco Refining aims to support Bahrain’s role in the development of its crude oil markets across the world.
Now almost a century since it began, Bapco Refining has set out on the Bapco Modernisation Programme (BMP) which will see the multi-billion-dollar venture significantly shake up the country’s oil industry to meet the needs of today and set up the foundations so that Bahrain can remain a key oil producer for many years to come. BMP aims firstly to increase Bahrain’s refining capacity to produce more products that can be sold both in and outside of the country. A key part of this is to ensure that Bapco Refining’s operations can meet an increasing oil demand, whilst also improving the energy efficiency of its operations to enhance its oil output. This aims to help maintain Bahrain’s competitive edge in international markets.
The project aims to set up 21 new operating units, 15 new substations as well as hydrocracking units, a new crude and vacuum unit and a sulphur plant. A key part of the development is the construction
Leading Bahrain’s
of the Resid Hydrocracking Unity (1RHCU), which will be powered by a technology license from Chevron Lummus Global. The unit will be among one of the largest on the planet, encompassing a two-train capacity of 65,000 bpd, which will convert 78% of vacuum resid feed into intermediate production which will be processed to produce kerosene and diesel. In addition to the RHCU, a second VGO Hydrocracking Unit is planned which will receive raw feed from the new and existing crude distillation units and covert the product in the higher margin final products.
In addition to the hydrocracking units, the BMP will implement a vital upgrade to Bapco Refining’s facilities including a Crude Distillation Unit and a Vacuum Distillation Unit. These will replace the existing crude and vacuum distillation units that have been in operation for almost 80 years. The new units are designed to provide the required feedstock for further downstream processing supported by their new maximised output capacity that aims to optimise yield performance which
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Bapco Refining
reduces the amount of energy used to operate. The units will transform crude oil into valuable petroleum products such as LPG, naphtha, kerosene and diesel. The remaining oil not used to produce the petroleum products, will then be fed into the hydrocracking units for further processing.
The final vital part of the BP is the development of the #3 Sulphur Plant, which will treat sulphur recovery, amine and sour water. It will encompass 11 separate integrated process units and will recover hydrogen sulphide from the BMP Units’ process and turn it into liquid sulphur. This liquid sulphur is then converted into solid pastilles which can then be exported to other countries. The plant will cover three Sulphur Recovery Units (SRUs), two Tail Gas Treating Units (TGTUs), two Bulk Acid Gas Removal Units (BAGRUs), two Amine Regeneration Units (ARUs) and two Sour Water Stripping Units (SWSs), leading
to a total sulphur production installed capacity of 1,535 metric tons a day.
As we have seen, the BMP aims to significantly step up Bahrain’s oil production capacity to bring vital petroleum products to market and solidify its place within the international energy marketplace. This vital investment into the country’s energy industry underlines the government of Bahrain’s commitment to delivering vital economic development across the Kingdom, whilst establishing itself as a key contributor towards the country’s GDP for the benefit of all those living in Bahrain.
This commitment to developing the future of global energy industries was reinforced with the announcement of a vital partnership between Bapco Refining and TotalEnergies in July. The global Bapco Energies recently signed an agreement with
TotalEnergies announcing a strategic partnership agreement between the two companies for the trading of petroleum products. The agreement marks a vital milestone between the two companies, as well as with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and aims to cement Bapco Refining’s place within the international energy markets.
The partnerships hope to create substantial value for both companies, bringing together Bapco Refining’s oil networks, with TotalEnergies’ expertise in the petroleum trading market. Together, both companies aim to utilise each other’s networks to expand their reach and influence across the global market. Furthermore, the partnership will also aim to bring social and economic development across the partnership to deliver significant economic benefits for locals in the process.
This agreement comes following the two companies announcing in March that TotalEnergies would support Bapco Energies in the optimisation of its Sitra refinery. The refinery is currently undergoing an expansive upgrading project, and once completed will be future optimized across the partnership for the trading of its petroleum products. TotalEnergies will utilise its global oil and feedstock networks, as well as expertise across the refining and trading oil market to help Bapco Refining maximise its value from the Sitra refinery for Bahrain.
Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies outlined that the collaboration between the two companies will “bring incremental value to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Bapco energies through the application of TotalEnergies’ global expertise in product trading and feedstock optimization.”. Thomas continues, “We are looking forward to
Leading Bahrain’s Oil Industry
partnering with TotalEnergies to building the Bapco Energies brand as a reliable and trusted global supplier of quality products”. We can see from Thomas’ comments that this strategic partnership is one that aims to deliver significant value for Bahrain’s oil industry, and so meets the commitments laid out by Bapco Refining in positioning Bahrain’s oil as a key player in the global oil and energy markets. Overall, we have seen how Bapco Refining remains a vital company set on delivering significant economic and social value for the Kingdom of Bahrain through its strategic partnership with global players in the energy industry such as TotalEnergies, as well as in its current modernisation programme which looks set on bringing the vital infrastructure needed to supper the country’s energy demand of today, whilst actively working to protect the world of tomorrow.
To help bring vital resources for building a better world, BHP Group Limited operates a number of mining and metals development operations to produce the essential commodities that push the world towards a better and clearer future. The global company has assets spanning the copper, metallurgical coal and iron industries. Across all of these sectors, BHP works to develop sustainable farming and the development of steel which is playing a vital role in the shift towards renewable energy. BHP’s operations strike a careful balance between its mission to drive the world towards a more sustainable future, whilst also carrying out the necessary mining activities to source the vital metals needed to bring this future into the present.
BHP is an Australian multi-national mining and metals public company with current assets in iron ore, copper, metallurgical coal, nickel and potash mining. All of these metals are vital for the future because they make up many of the key components used in the renewable energy sector. These components are used in the renewable energy sector with solar fields and wind turbines, as well as in electric vehicle production and sustainable farming operations. Therefore, BHP is committed to delivering vital resources for the benefit of the future whilst ensuring its strict values of sustainability, integrity, respect, performance, simplicity and accountability are met throughout every operation.
A key area for development for BHP is in Queensland where it is carrying out vital metallurgical coal mining. Metallurgical coal is primarily used in making steel due to its high amount of carbon, yet low level of moisture. There are multiple quality grades of metallurgical coal spanning from various coking harnesses to pulverized coal for injection. All of these types are vital for steel production as they produce less ash and moisture, than thermal coal which is primarily used for energy generation. Roughly, 770kg of metallurgical coal is used to make one ton of steel, and it is this steel that is so vital for the development of the future.
Today, steel plays a key role across the construction industry with most buildings, bridges and infrastructure made using steel. In addition to this, the transport industry relies heavily on the production of steel for the development of electric vehicles. Therefore, steel, and so metallurgical coal, is vital for helping push the shift towards electric car availability and adoption on a global scale. Aside from infrastructure and transport, steel is also used across many household appliances and bits of technology that are vital in keeping businesses and households running.
In Queensland, BHP has 5 key metallurgical coal mines located in the Bowen Basin. The 5 assets are part of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) owned 50:50 by BHP and Mitsubishi Development. Today, BMA is one of Australia’s largest producers and suppliers of seaborne metallurgical coal across the Bowen Basin. BMA mines include Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Peak Downs, Saraji, and Caval Ridge,
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BHP Group Limited
as well as its ownership and operation of Hay Point Coal Terminal.
The first mine opened by BMA was Peak Downs in 1972, which targets coal seams within the terrestrial Moranbah Coal Measures. The area is comprised of sandstones, siltstones, claystone and coal, extending more than 300 metres below the surface. In the 2023 fiscal year, Peak Downs produces around 29 million tonnes of metallurgical coal under BHP, and so continues to play a vital role as part of BMA’s assets. The opening of Peak Downs was closely followed by the Saraji mine in 1974, an open-cut coal mine, which is one of the country’s largest mines by recoverable coal reserves. The mine focused further on the Moranbah Coal Measures, collectively blending up to 11 coal seams and continuing to expand BHP’s operations across Queensland’s metallurgical coal industry.
Goonyella Riverside encompasses the Goonyella Mine which began operations in 1971 and merged
Gooneyella Riverside mine is a large mine complex utilising open-cut mining. In 2020, Gooneyella Mine was responsible for mining enough metallurgical coal to produce enough steel equivalent to the amount needed to build the Burj Khalifa 1,600 times over. A key part of BHP’s operations at Gooneyella Riverside includes the delivery of coal from the mine via the Gooneyella railway line to Hay Point Coal Terminal. The terminal is responsible for the exporting of metallurgical coal to markets worldwide.
The role of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal is vital to BHP, and BMA’s continued development in the metallurgical coal market. The terminal is responsible for handling over 55 million tonnes of coal every year, which is exported to international markets from its base in the Port of Hay Point. As the terminal is vital for the development of the company’s international coal exporting operations, BMA has continued to develop the terminal to increase its capacity and encourage more exporting in the future.
In 2015, a third offshore berth was added to Hay Point vastly increasing the terminal’s capacity, which began with only a single coal loading berth in 1971 and a second in 1975. However, the port has seen plenty of expansion over the years with a twophase $256 million expansion project in 2006 and 2007 to increase Hay Point’s capacity. Then in 2010, further expansion was carried out to improve the terminal structurally to improve its resilience to
The final two mine operations are Broadmeadow and Caval Ridge, which were opened in 2005 and 2014 respectively. Broadmeadow is a longwall underground coal operation, which sees its coal processed alongside coal from the Goonyella Riverside open-cut operation. Caval Ridge, then also processes coals from the adjacent Peak Downs. It achieves this thanks to the overland conveyor, which was completed in 2018, and produced an annual production of 9.36 Megatons (Mt) in the 2023 fiscal year.
Across all of BHP’s mine operations in Queensland, the production and delivery of metallurgical coal provide significant economic benefits for the region. All of BHP’s operations in Australia have contributed AUD$50 billion to the Australian economy. This
Resources for a Better Future
figure includes wages, dividends, payments to suppliers, taxes, royalties and investment its local communities. In Queensland alone, 9% of this total figure came from its operations, and 11% in Western Australia, excluding grants. These figures were announced by BHP in September and highlight that all of BHP’s operations are designed to deliver significant economic benefits to the regions in which they operate.
These sentiments were noticeable in comments from Geraldine Slattery, BHP President Australia on the press release: “We believe in making a difference in the communities where we live and work. We are on track to meet our goal of procuring $1.5 billion of goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Traditional Owner business by the end of FY27”. Slattery continues, “As well as continuing to invest in Indigenous businesses, we know it’s important to also invest in the skills and capabilities of current and future Indigenous business leaders and the ecosystem which enables
them. We are proud of our contribution to the Australian economy and the role we play in helping fund the essential services on which Australians rely”. Slattery’s comments highlight the committed role that BHP continues to play in supporting local communities, and so focused on its ability to meet the global needs for metals and minerals, including metallurgical coal, whilst also ensuring that its operations are giving back to the local communities in which it operates.
As we have seen across BHP’s operations across Queensland, metallurgical coal is a vital resource that is fundamental towards developing a more sustainable future. It is this responsibility that BHP carefully manages to meet the needs of the future, whilst also protecting the communities in which its operation interacts today. Across Australia, the mining industry is a vital economic driver, and, throughout its 5 mine sites, BHP continues to be a leading metallurgical coal producer within both local and global markets.
Written by Carley Fallows
THE WORLD OF Mad Bee Honey
For centuries, honey cultivated by beekeepers in the Black Sea region and the Himalayas has been used to treat a range of medical ailments from hypertension, diabetes, arthritis or even a sore throat. In small doses, the honey produced in this region is said to have a profound effect on the human body, but what is this effect, how is it produced and why does the honey sell for such a high price?
The bees in places such as Nepal are pollinating plants across the landscapes to produce honey which has a slight hallucinogenic effect on the human body. This honey is produced in areas where there are a high number of rhododendron plants. Rhododendrons contain a group of neurotoxic compounds called grayanotoxins, and so when bees pollinate these plants their resulting honey contains traces of grayanotoxin. Therefore, in places where there are widespread rhododendron plants, for example in the mountainous regions of Nepal, the bee’s honey contains much higher levels of this toxin. The resulting honey containing these toxins is reported to be redder in colour, with a slightly more bitter taste than the honey many of us know.
The most notable effect of the honey is euphoria, light-headedness, and dizziness – causing it to be called ‘mad’ honey by many. In low doses, the honey is said to have a slight hallucinogenic effect on the human body, however, if we were to consume it in high quantities the honey can cause serious complications including vomiting, loss of consciousness and even death. Therefore, in low doses, it has been used for centuries to treat
a range of medical issues in countries across the world where this type of honey can be found. Although, as there is no way to control the amount of rhododendron pollen consumed by the bees, cultivators can never be sure of the potency of the resulting honey, so the effects can vary from season to season depending on the flowering of the rhododendron plants. Therefore, while the medical benefits of the honey cannot be guaranteed, the honey is, however, still used and sold across the world in very low doses for a variety of uses.
The ‘mad’ honey is known to be one of the most expensive types on the market, initially due to its hallucinogenic effect but also due to the extremely demanding conditions to retrieve the bee’s raw honey. Rhododendrons typically grow in high altitudes and so the hives of bees which produce the honey with high amounts of neurotoxic compounds are also found high in the mountains.
Therefore, it is both difficult and dangerous to retrieve the honey, as hunters must climb down the side of the mountains amid swarms of bees to get to the hives. The hunting for the hallucinogenic
honey extends back for centuries and so gathering and cultivating it has become a tradition. For many locals their communities have been sustained by agriculture for generations, however, many people have left their rural villages to work abroad, so hunting for honey remains a way that many villagers near these hives can reconnect with their ancestors.
Overall, the production and cultivation of ‘mad’ honey is a natural phenomenon which is both intriguing and dangerous. Whilst, the potential mood and pain effects are desired and effective for many, the retrieval and potential risks that it comes with makes it a dangerous game - but one that many locals are willing to take. Consequently, many tourists travel across the world to experience the effects of the honey, and many more seek it out to purchase it online. However, we can’t help but wonder whether the bees feel the hallucinogenic effects of the pollen too…
Florida is one of the largest and fastestgrowing markets in the United States, and with this has come a massive focus on the shipping and maritime sector to handle the cargo demands of the region, whilst also supporting the state’s thriving tourism market. To handle this growing sector, Port Tampa Bay today is one of the largest and most diverse cargo ports across the nation, delivering customer-driven port operations, to support the regional economy.
Port Tamps Bay is responsible for handling 33 million tons of cargo a year and has generated over $17 billion in economic impact across Florida through its operations and employment opportunities. With a shipyard, ship repair centre, major cruise homeport, fertiliser export port, and diverse cargo terminals, the port is strategically positioned to provide the vital infrastructure to vessels travelling along the Florida coast to develop the region’s export and import industry. A key aspect of this industry is due to the thriving industrial real estate markets that serve the port, establishing the port as a vital hub for distribution, logistics and manufacturing both in Florida and across its essential links with Mexico, Central America and Asia.
A vital aspect of Port Tampa Bay’s everyday operations is its cargo services, through which it aims to deliver vital supply chain solutions for its customers. The port is capable of handling high and heavy equipment, steel and project cargoes, as well as ro-ro, forest products and containers. The port has roughly 7,000 feet (ft) of berthing space,
supported by 5 gantry cranes and 3 100-ton Gottwald mobile harbour cranes available along the 43 ft deep water channel. Across these port operations, Port Tampa Bay provides integrated cargo operations, which serve more than 250 key importers and exporters located within 100 miles of Port Tampa Bay. These exporters and importers play a vital role in the more than 300,000 twenty-equivalent units (TEUs) a year of cargo that is moved in and out of the country via the port’s infrastructure.
In addition to its diverse cargo operations, the port is also strategically connected to the I-4 Corridor which links the port with the rest of the state. This integrated network makes the port a vital hub for cargo shipments that can then be moved along the I-4 to neighbouring regions, and even neighbouring states. Key sectors making the most of these vital connections are the food and beverage sector, citrus and juice products, furniture, general department store merchandise, as well as steel and fertilizer products. The I-4/Selmon Expressway Connector provides an essential interstate truck ramp which directly links Port Tampa with additional
Supporting Florida’s Maritime Industry
markets extending to the I-75 and beyond into neighbouring state’s networks.
The road network is also connected with the Tampa Gateway Rail and was the port’s first on-dock unit train capability. The rail network was developed as part of a public-private partnership between Port Tampa Bay, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. and CSX Corp. The railway line was completed in 2012 and provides an essential delivery system for cargo, as well as the nation’s first ethanol unit train across the rail system. The development was part of a $600 million project coordinated by the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida’s Turnpike and the Tampa Hillsborough Country Expressway Authority, with a $105 million boost from federal stimulus funds. Consequently, with such a vital network of transport supporting Port Tampa Bay, the port has been able to establish Florida as a leading state for merchandise exports to Latin America and the Caribbean, which is responsible for 36% of all US exports in the region.
In addition to its thriving cargo division, Port Tampa Bay also plays a vital role in the state’s
Port of Tampa Bay
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tourism industry as an ideal homeport for multiple international cruise lines. With Florida being home to multiple tourist attractions and a thriving food scene, it makes a key stopping point for many tourists travelling to the US on international cruise itineraries. Tampa, particularly, is perfect for tourism tanks to its popular beaches with crystal clear in cities such as Clearwater and St. Pete Beach, and so the city has developed a tight-knit network of forward-thinking tourism organisations that work together to make cruise itineraries popular for Port Tampa Bay.
In response to the popular cruise line industry that Port Tampa Bay continues to support, multiple international cruise lines have already made the port a vital stop in their itineraries. These cruise liners include Carnival Cruise Line’s Paradise and Carnival Pride, Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance, Enchantment, and Grandeur of the Seas vessels, Celebrity Cruises’ Constellation, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jade and Margaritaville, and Seas’ Islander vessel. All of these cruise liners frequent Port Tampa Bay, which has enabled the port to continue to develop its tourism infrastructure and offerings to encourage more tourists to pass through its ports when travelling across the Caribbean and along Central America. With an influx of tourists utilising the port’s facilities, Port Tampa Bay is now an ideal homeport for a growing number of cruise lines.
In fact, Port Tampa Bay’s role within the cruise market has continued to expand with the port and in early 2026 will see its first ultra-premium cruise liner from Oceania Cruises set sail. Oceania Cruises is known for offering cruise itineraries which are ideal for foodies and so stopped at many of the world’s leading culinary destinations, and so stopping at Tampa is essential to make the most of the region’s thriving culinary scene. The vessel, the Insignia, will be home to 670 guests travelling between 7 and 20 days exploring the Caribbean Islands who will be served by 400 crew members.
President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, Paul Anderson, outlined that “the arrival of Insignia makes a significant milestone, enhancing Tampa’s status as a premier cruise destination.” He continues, “We look forward to welcoming new guests to our beautiful city and gateways, as the increased tourism will create substantial economic
opportunities for our region, workers, and businesses”. Anderson’s comments highlight the growing and vital role Port Tampa Bay has continued to play across the tourism sector, and the launch of the Insignia vessel by Oceania Cruises encourages even more cruise lines to choose the port. This will bring significant investment into the port and the local tourism industry.
The announcement of Oceania Cruises’ Insignia vessel was followed in September, by Carnival Cruise Line celebrating 30 years of porting from Port Tampa Bay. The three-decade-long partnership highlights the long-standing position of Tampa within global cruise liner itineraries, and it is from this longstanding partnership that Port Tampa Bay continues to expand its cruise line operations. Paul Anderson outlined this in the celebration announcement “Carnival Cruise Lines is a special part of our port’s history and has welcomed millions of guests to our beautiful region. Carnival contributes greatly to the region’s tourism and economy, and we look forward to many years of partnership ahead”.
As Port Tampa Bay looks towards the future it has set out a Vision 2030 Masterplan which aims to rapidly expand and diversity the port’s operations in order to better execute supply chain operations, meet the growing cargo needs of Florida and continue to develop its cruise line offerings. The improvement program provides a roadmap from which Port Tampa Bay plans to rehabilitate, modernise and expand the current offerings of the port to support its longterm position as a vital cargo, cruise and shipping hub serving the United States coastline.
Ultimately, as Florida’s largest and most diverse cargo port, Port Tampa Bay serves the state with integrated maritime services spanning from cargo fulfilment, logistical movement and even cruise line operations. With vital links across the state through rail and road links the port has established its first reputation within the global shipping industry, and continues to work towards its 2030 masterplan to deliver even more significant benefits to the state for many years to come.
Nordgold
As an international diversified gold producer, Nordgold has spent the last 17 years developing its portfolio of gold assets across the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Nordgold’s assets aim to achieve significant growth and deliver value for the company’s various shareholders and local stakeholders. However, even as such a young company compared to many of its competitors in the global market, Nordgold knows that simply developing these assets is not enough, and instead, its operations must meet the challenges of the mining sector today, whilst delivering significant benefits for the future. For Nordgold this looks like social and economic development projects that ensure that throughout its development of assets, it is providing value in every aspect of its operations.
Established in 2007, Nordgold began under the Russian steel and mining company Severstal which acquired the Suzdal and Toborn mines in Kazakhstan and Russia respectively. Over the next few years, Nordgold began developing significantly, and after a series of successful global merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, the company took over assets including High River Gold and Crew Gold. By 2012, Nordgold had become its own splitoff company from Severstal and began operations as an independent gold producer reaching an attributable gold production of 717koz. However, the company’s expansion has only continued to grow with the launch of three mines between 2013 and 2018, including the Bissa and Bouly mines. Today, the assets under Nordgold have produced over 1 million ounces of gold a year, which includes 4 mines in the Russian Federation, 1 in Kazakhstan, 2 in Burkina Faso and 1 in Guinea.
One of the most significant mine projects under Nordgold is the Bissa-Bouly Mine complex located in Burkina Faso. The complex spans the two mine operations, with Bissa being the company’s
first mine site in Africa. The Bissa mine, located 100km north of the capital Ouagadougou, is one of the largest gold mines in Burkina Faso with an estimated gold reserve of 4.9 million ounces. At the mine site, Nordgold carries out modern open pit mine operations, which span drilling and blasting followed by load and haul transportation. One of the main successes of the Bissa Mine is that the entire complex was delivered in just 15 months, fitting firmly to Nordgold’s construction timelines and budget parameters. With the complex being a big success for Nordgold, the company moved to develop its facilities further and deliver a heap leach facility at the close Bouly deposit.
The Bouly deposit would then become Nordgold’s third operating asset in Burkina Faso, and continue the company’s development with the Bissa greenfield. The mine deposit was first built by Nordgold in 2013, and now delivers 400koz of gold per year. This figure has solidified Nordgold’s position as the second-largest producer of gold in Burkina Faso. Thanks to its close proximity to the Bissa development, Nordgold began the single
Developing the Bissa and Bouly Mines
open-cut operation that represents a large, lowgrade gold mineralisation utilising the existing heap leach treatment plant developed as part of the Bissa development.
Ore taken from both mines undergoes a similar process of being crushers before it is treated at its leaching facility to undergo desorption, electrowinning, and smelting. On average, the Bouly deposit alone has an expected 120koz annual production rate, over its 10-year life of mine (LOM) which would accumulate to almost 20,000 ounces of gold. As the two mine sites are so close in proximity, the Bissa-Bouly mine complex continues to work handin-hand to deliver cutting-edge mine operations, that deliver significant economic benefits for the company and the local region.
Nordgold is committed to giving back to the local community and the economy of Burkina Faso throughout the Bissa-Bouly mine complex, as it believes that its operations can provide significant economic and social development to the country. So far, Nordgold has delivered $1.3 billion in social and economic investment, which included $5,000
has consistently responded to the ever-increasing demand of the construction materials market through a varied range of products and the launch of new productions. The high production capacity of our units allows us to meet customer demand at all times. These capacities are built around the following production units which have been built over time: – The production unit: Reinforcing bars –The production unit: Sheet metal – The production unit: Wire drawing – The production unit: Profiling – The production unit: Nailing – The production unit: Wire mesh – The production unit: Structures – The production unit: Paints and glues – The production unit: Tiles – A bonded industrial warehouse – Our bonded industrial warehouse allows both the export of our production and local distribution, duty-free and tax-free. – A permanent stock. The points of sale in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso as well as storage areas made up of warehouses with a total surface area of 18,000 m² offer our customers the possibility of continuous supply. HAGE Industries – Your Reliable Partner in Construction Materials for 22 Years!
million to the government in the form of royalties and taxes. Also, $22 million was given to social development projects that have focused on delivering clean water and sanitation as well as the country’s sustainable development.
However, Nordgold is passionate about ensuring its operations benefit local communities, and so has invested in the infrastructural development at a community level to build houses, schools, roads, and health centres, whilst also working to
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HAGE MATERIAUX’s main activities are general trade, import and export of various goods and more specifically the distribution of construction materials, the representation of all trademarks or industries relating to various goods and more specifically to construction materials for building and public works, etc. Reference products. The materials, equipment and tools of impeccable quality distributed on the market allow our company to maintain its leadership in the promotion and distribution of major brands of world-renowned products such as: UNIONAIRE (Air conditioning) LIFTCO (Elevator) MAKITA (Electrical equipment) KIRLOSKAR (Motors) SETR (Waterproofing). A complete range of General trade, brokerage and representation of construction equipment and materials for the building industry represent the core business of our company. A varied range of products allows our customers to find everything they need.
support farmers and small businesses to thrive. This focused role in helping the community returns to Nordgold’s central strategy to find, develop and streamline its assets while creating value for the local stakeholders and communities in which the mine operations intersect.
As Nordgold moves towards the future it has begun focusing on ensuring the environmental impact of its operations is meeting its ongoing sustainability goals. In 2019, Nordgold implemented a solar power plant in partnership with Total Eren and the Africa Energy Management Platform (AEMP). Total Eren is an independent power producer specialising in the development of renewable energies across Africa. Together the partnership began plans to build a 12MV solar photovoltaic power plant that would supply energy to the Bissa and Bouly mines. In addition to the development of the solar field, the partnership also would build a battery energy storage system, aiming to store and conserve energy to reduce the mine’s ongoing fuel consumption by 6.4 million litres, and in turn, reduce
Developing the Bissa and Bouly Mines
the overall carbon emissions of the Bissa-Bouly mine complex.
CEO of Nordgold, Nikolai Zelenski commented on the development of the solar field stating that “by building this new solar power plant, not only will we improve the efficiency of our mines by creating a more secure power supply at a lower cost, but we are also helping to make our Burkina Faso mines far more sustainable while minimizing our carbon footprint”. Zelenski’s comments here highlight just how valuable the solar field is in reducing the mine’s overall carbon footprint, whilst also delivering more economical solutions for the mine site for energy generation.
Across Nordgold’s operations, its mission to deliver value for every stakeholder, supplier and local community can be felt throughout every development. From the expansion of its mining operations since it began only 17 years ago, to its current development towards a more sustainable future, Nordgold will continue to deliver value through respect, safety, efficiency and collaboration.
Tsogo Sun Limited
The casino tourism market in South Africa has continued to grow in recent years, with reports that in 2022 the industry was estimated to be worth US$2,947 million, with a projection that this figure could reach US$5,130 million by 2032. With such a vast industry that brings millions of tourists to South Africa every year, companies such as Tsogo Sun Limited are working to provide top-quality hotels, casinos and entertainment facilities to maintain the economic development of the country’s tourism and leisure sector and reinforce their reputation as the largest casino, hotel and entertainment company in the country.
Tsogo Sun Limited is a premier entertainment company, committed to ensuring that every visitor is met with top-quality customer service, luxury accommodation, and entertainment facilities suited to all the family. For its expansive role in South Africa’s entertainment sector, Tsogo Sun is now listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) with a market capital of roughly R14 billion, making it one of the top 80-ranked companies on the JSE today. The company, which is directly and indirectly owned 49.5% via shares by Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (HCL), currently has 14 casinos and entertainment venues and 19 hotels across South Africa. Within these facilities, the company offers a range of options spanning from leisure to business, perfect to suit visitors for both casino and resort stays, or even conferences and seminars.
A key part of Tsogo Sun’s operations is its casino offerings. Across its hotels and venues, Tsogo Sun offers a variety of casino games including VSlots in the Limited Payout Machine (LPM) markets, as well as multi-coin, multi-line and a choice of several progressive jackpot options. This is also seen across its tables, with games such as blackjack and roulette having minimum and maximum bet offerings to suit a wide variety of players from beginners to high-end players. However, for its high-end players, Tsogo Sun also provides dedicated areas away from the main gaming floor where high-end games can take place. This range of options is designed to suit every kind of player and ensure that throughout all experiences, customers are met with its topquality facilities.
This commitment to excellent customer experience extends into its hotel offerings. Tsogo Sun has long been a leader in the South African hospitality industry and is committed to offering hotel facilities that are comfortable, in great locations and filled to the brim with entertainment experiences for the whole family. Its hotels include the Palazzo Hotel Montecasino, Pivot Hotel Montecasino, Piazza Hotel Montecasino, Hotel Perte Montecasino, Gold Reef City Hotel, Emerald Hotel, Silverstar Hotel, Emerald Bush Lodge, and Emerald River Resorts. These hotels are strategically located in Gauteng and are joined by Tsogo Sun’s Gold Reef City Theme Park.
Leading South Africa’s Entertainment
The Gold Reef City Theme Park is the largest of its kind in South Africa and is a much-loved destination for tourists and locals alike. The park brings together 16 thrilling rides, 7 family rides, 21 kid-friendly rides, and a trampoline park. The park is completed with an underground mine tour, and 15 other attractions great for a family fun day out. Plus when customers are ready to eat or shop the park has 12 dining locations and multiple retail locations great for snacks and to shop for a souvenir to remember the day by. If a thrill-seeking adventure is not a preferred pastime, Tsogo Sun also has the Montecasino Bird Gardens, which offer a serene haven where families can see the rich biodiversity of birds, reptiles, fauna and flora.
Other hotels under Tsogo Sun are Golden Horse Hotel, Blackrock Hotel, Suncoast Towers, and Suncoast Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal, Garden Route Hotel, The Caledon Hotel and Spa, The Ride Hotel and The Ridge Point in Western Cape, and the final Hemmingway’s Hotel in the Eastern Cape. Across many of these hotels, guests can make the most of its extensive restaurants, casinos, laser tag,
W.L. COLE
Hospitality Excellence Across Africa
Established in 1963, W.L. COLE has established itself as the premier supplier to the hospitality industry in Southern Africa. With a proven track record of supplying the leading hospitality brands with superior quality products it is the go-to partner for hotels throughout Africa. W.L. COLE is a third-generation family business which operates with family values. Its unrivalled position in the market is built on long term relationships both internally, with an experienced staff complement, as well as with its loyal customers. It is through these successful partnerships that W.L COLE continues to create the synergies of success.
Tsogo Sun Limited
cinemas and even bowling alleys. Tsogo Sun is also proud to be home to some of South Africa’s best theatres including the Teatro at Montecasino, The Lyric at Gold Reef City, and Barnyard Theatres in Silverstar and Suncoast. These provide a vital insight into the country’s top up-and-coming performers and artists, lending its venues to host comedy, live music, festivals and concerns.
What we have seen across Tsogo Sun’s hotels, casinos, theme parks, and theatre venues is a commitment to delivering top-quality customer experiences, as Tsogo Sun prides itself on being a hub for entertainment in South Africa. It is this reputation for excellence, that has seen many larger brands partner with Tsogo Sun for sponsorships and product adoption across its hotels. A notable partnership was announced earlier this year between Tsogo Sun and Van Loveren. Van Loveren is one of South Africa’s foremost family-owned and operated wine businesses, which prides itself on offering a variety of quality wines. In its partnership with Tsogo Sun, Van Loveren’s wine will now be utilised as the house wine across all of Tsogo Sun’s properties. The huge collaboration will put Van Lovren’s wines, which are known for their innovation and commitment to excellence, before Tsogo
Sun’s expansive customer base to bring continued success for both companies. For Tsogo Sun, the partnership also supports its commitment to utilising and promoting local brands among guests to keep economic growth within the region and show people from across the world the great local brands that South Africa has to offer.
In July, Tsogo Sun also announced that it has begun a partnership with the DSTV Premiership Club, Stellenbosch Football Club. The club has risen to success in the last 8 years and has even gained promotion in 2019. The partnership announcement was welcomed by Chief Executive of Tsogo Sun Chris du Toit, who outlines “We are delighted to partner with Stellenbosch F.C. – a club with great potential and one that epitomises the spirit of football in the western cape. He continues “Sporting is an integral part of Tsogo Sun’s vision, from hosting and accommodating various sporting teams and their supports at our complexes with world-class entertainment facilities to the excitement of our own online betting offerings”. Chris du Toit’s comments highlight the growing role Tsogo Sun’s facilities play in the tourism sector, and it is its venues that many teams choose to stay at when playing games in South Africa. Therefore, by supporting the local
Leading South Africa’s Entertainment
team, Tsogo Sun can tap further into the sporting market, and further enhance its presence in the sports betting scene.
Ultimately, Tsogo Sun Limited is a company at the heart of South Africa’s entertainment industry. With each aspect of its operation from casinos and hotels to theme parks, theatres, cinemas and even bowling, its reputation for excellence and ensuring that its guests are getting the best experience possible cannot be understated. The company is in a pivotal position to take the country’s entertainment opportunities to the next level, whilst underpinning every strategic partnership with a commitment to supporting local and homegrown talent and brands. We look forward to seeing how Tsogo Sun continues to enhance the leisure and tourism sector and bring continued economic growth to South Africa’s economy in the process.
A.P. Møller – Mærsk (Maersk)’s operations span the entire globe as it delivers integrated logistics services supported by its commitment to deliver solutions that keep its customer’s supply chains running smoothly. This vast logistical footprint is currently present in 130 countries worldwide and is operated by its network of 100,00 employees. Each one is focused on delivering effective logistics solutions every day that are supported by its international network. A key area of development for Maersk currently is Bangladesh, where the company has been in operation since 1996. In Bangladesh, Maersk continues to expand its network and provides even more shipping services to its network to serve a growing customer base in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and across its Asia-Europe Network.
Maersk has established a significant presence in Bangladesh for almost 30 years where it has provided customers shipping to and from Bangladesh with vital logistical solutions. Through these regular shipping services across Bangladesh, Maersk takes advantage of the country’s pivotal position in serving shipping routes traversing the Bay of Bengal. This route is used largely with tankers travelling the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Malacca, and so positions the ports across Bangladesh as a vital hub for entering the South Asian market. Across the Bay of Bengal, many local and regional operations help enhance its network to maintain its ever-growing network to bring even greater logistical services to customers across the region.
Throughout all of Maersk’s operations, both in Bangladesh and across the globe is a commitment to ensuring that no matter the cargo type, the company will ensure that an efficient and reliable logistical solution is developed to meet the needs of its customers every day. In Bangladesh,
Logistics Across the Globe
this is made possible through its transhipment hubs, which it has strategically located across its network in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. These networks allow Maersk to deliver the best possible shipping solutions on a more regional scale by interconnecting its shipping solutions with those of neighbouring countries. Maersk knows that every logistical need must be catered to the customer and the cargo’s requirements, therefore Maersk works closely with every customer to facilitate unique logistical solutions to meet every customer’s logistical and shipment needs.
On a global scale, Maersk works with its teams across the globe to communicate with local suppliers to provide complete and integrated supply chain logistical solutions which cover cargo from the start to the end of its journey. This end-to-end logistical service offering is backed by Maersk’s digital solutions system which ensures that its customers can achieve their goals with systems uniquely designed and implemented by its teams.
These supply chain solutions also include warehousing to help businesses strengthen their reach with strategically located storage facilities from which Maersk ensures the timely delivery of its customers’ goods to its supply chains. Across Maersk’s operations, the planning, orchestration and management of all transport and logistics services are met with the company’s stellar reputation and industry-leading expertise in the shipping industry to ensure that every single customer can find a logistics solution that works to help them, and their business thrive.
With such an array of expertise behind its operations, Maersk continues to build up its network across Asia, which it can then connect with its AsiaEurope shipping lines. Maersk announced in July the introduction of the SH3 Ocean Service between China and Bangladesh. This new ocean service will strengthen the country’s shipping lines with China and meet the growing trade demand which continues to grow across the retail industry. SH3 will operate from Shanghai Port in China and make calls to vital ports in Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Nansha, and Tanjung Pelepas whilst on its way to Chittagong in
Bangladesh. SH3 will add to the current SH1, SH2 and IA7 ocean services and further optimise Maersk’s shipping coverage of China. With the introduction of the shipping line, Maersk can provide greater flexibility for its customers to more consistent services with a growing capacity.
Wen Bing Lim, the regional head of Maersk’s Intra-Asia Market highlighted in the press release announcement of the SH” service that, “In this timesensitive industry, retailers demand timely delivery across the entire supply chain to meet their customers’ fast-changing expectations. The new network accelerates the supply chain and benefits Chinese textile raw materials exporters and garment manufacturers in Bangladesh”. Lim’s comments were backed by Nikil D’Lima’s (Head of Maersk in Bangladesh), that “The demand for textiles and garments from Bangladesh in the Western markets is constantly growing. Our customers have been demanding more capacity for raw materials coming
into Bangladesh and readymade garments getting exported. The redesigned network allows textile manufacturers in Bangladesh to gain flexibility and speed for imports of raw materials as well as exports of finished goods, supporting Bangladesh’s fastdeveloping Readymade garment (RMG) industry”.
As we can see from both D’Lima and Lim’s comments, the development of the new SH3 line will enhance Bangladesh’s reputation, particularly in helping to bring vital materials used throughout its large manufacturing and garment industry onto the market much faster. Currently Bangladesh exports to more than 150 countries worldwide, with the primary focus of these shipments being on textile garments. Therefore, by enhancing these businesses, Maersk is directly helping to drive economic growth in Bangladesh by positioning it as a key hub for importing and exporting such goods.
To oversee the development of Maersk’s future across Bangladesh, the company announced in
September the appointment of a new Managing Director for Maersk India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Christopher Cook was appointed as the Managing Director, bringing with him his experience across major senior leadership positions at Maersk. Cook previously was the managing director of Maersk’s United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar divisions, and now brings his expertise into his new role spanning India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In the press release announcing his appointment, Cook commented that “this region presents immense growth opportunities, and I look forward to working closely with our talented teams here. Together we will strengthen Maersk’s position as a trusted logistics partner for our customers while driving solutions that create value for them and our stakeholders”.
Cook’s comments highlight the vital and growing role the region plays as part of Maersk’s growing network, and how local stakeholders are the key to delivering success here.
Logistics Across the Globe
Overall, Maersk’s operations across the globe are underpinned by its goals to deliver customerfocused shipping solutions. Throughout these operations, Maersk has continued to grow its network, and in recent months this expansion has been focused on developing its network across Bangladesh. With Bangladesh’s growing textile industry, and importing and exporting relationship with China, and Maersk’s introduction of a new ocean service, Maersk looks set on enhancing the region’s network to bring continued investment into Bangladesh. We look forward to seeing how Christopher Cook continues to expand the development of the region and bring even more connections across its global network.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
As the third largest gold producer in the world, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (Agnico Eagle) is a senior gold mining company, developing precious metal mining assets in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico. With this reputation, Agnico Eagle has become a partner of choice across the mining industry that is committed to developing vital mining projects to build a high-quality, yet low-risk and sustainable portfolio of mining assets. However, throughout every aspect of its operations, Agnico Eagle’s commitment to environmental, social and governance practices can be felt to deliver assets which meet the needs of today whilst protecting the communities and resources for future generations.
Founded in 1957, Agnico Eagle has consistently created value for its shareholders, and with this has seen significant cash dividends every year since 1983. This continuous growth has been underpinned by Agnico Eagles’ strategy to deliver the best possible mining assets and exploration projects across the globe. Key ways Agnico Eagle is achieving this is through steadily growing its portfolio by focusing on delivering on performance and growth expectations, building and maintaining a high-quality project pipeline, utilising the skills and expertise across its network, and delivering results in a socially responsible manner. Agnico Eagle’s commitment to operating in a socially responsible manner ensures that it can continue to create value for its stakeholders and shareholders, whilst ensuring that its mining operations are contributing to the prosperity of its people, their families and the communities in which it operates.
Under Agnico Eagle is the Detour Lake which is the largest gold-producing mine in Canada, with a total gold reserve of 19.9 million ounces. The deposit, located in northeastern Ontario, was first discovered in 1974 and produced 1.8 million ounces of golf between 1983 and 1999 through open-pit and underground mining operations. Agnico Eagle acquired 100% of the mine in 2022, following a merger with Kirkland Lake Gold, and it celebrated its 5 millionth ounce of gold poured since 2013. One of the unique aspects of the Detour Lake mine is that it is now served by an airfield which delivers flights to and from Timmins and Moosonee, and so it is vitally connected to deliver its resources across the country more efficiently. Currently evaluation plans are underway to evaluate the potential of further underground mining operations to access the inferred mineral reserved below and to the west of the existing pit.
The second largest gold mine in Canada, the Canadian Malartic Complex is also under the operations of Agnico Eagle and is one of the world’s largest gold mining operations. The Canadian Malartic Complex is comprised of the open pit mine, the Odyssey underground mine and a processing facility. The first gold was discovered in the Malartic areas in 1923; however, modern drilling of the site didn’t begin until 2005, with commercial production taking over in 2011. The pit and mine were built by
Osisko Mining Corp, however, Agnico Eagle and Yamana Gold acquired Osisko and formed the Canadian Malartic GP in which Agnico Eagle and Yamama each have 50% ownership interest. Just last year, Agnico Eagle acquired Yamana Gold’s Canadian assets, and now Agnico Eagle owns 100% of the complex. By the second half of 2023, the Canadian Malartic mine had poured its 7 millionth ounces of gold since 2011.
In addition to the Canadian Malartic Complex and Detour Lake mine, Agnico Eagle also has the Goldex Complex, LaRonde, Meadowbank Complex, and Meliadine mining assets. Throughout all of these operations, Agnico Mines is delivering significant economic potential throughout its mining operations, and so continues to expand its portfolio across Canada. However, one of the most interesting sites for Agnico Eagle is the Macassa complex which is home to one of the highestgrade gold mines in the world. The mine was first discovered in 1911 and has been vital to the town of Kikland’s history ever since. Between 1905 and 1935, the area saw significant mining operations, which
Established in 1983, Levert specializes in providing skilled personnel and staffing solutions for the mining sector in Canada. With one of the most extensive databases of skilled labourers, Levert’s approach ensures faster talent identification, cost-effective onboarding and better job fits. Whether you are seeking recruitment support in Mining, Construction or Industrial operations, our expertise will equip you with seasoned professionals that align with your business requirements.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
collectively produced 23 million ounces of gold in the 20th century.
The mine has continued to be developed under Agnico Eagle, and in 2023 the company incorporated the sourcing of additional production from Macassa with the Amalgamated Kirkland (AK) deposit. The mine’s reputation with the global economy is significant, particularly in the world of sustainability in mining, as the mine was one of the first to introduce battery-electric vehicles for mining operations. By adopting electric vehicles across the mine, Agnico Eagle remains committed to its goal to mine in a responsible manner whilst protecting the people and the planet in the process as much as possible.
By January 2023, Macassa celebrated its 6 millionth ounce of gold poured, and with this Agnico Eagle announced that a new shaft was set to be put into production, which would lower unit costs, improve working conditions and increase the company’s exploration capacity in Macassa. Across the mining operations at Macassa, Agnico Eagle’s
commitment to positive development of the future, whilst protecting the people and places of today is incredibly evident.
Agnico Eagle also has operations outside of Canada, with the Kittila Mine in Finland, Fosterville in Australia and the La India and Pinos Altos in Mexico. The Kitilla Mine is one of the largest primary gold producers in Europe and was Agnico Eagle’s first mining operation outside of Canada. The open pit of the mine was completed in 2012, with only underground mining activities taking place. The mine first began as two separate mine sites; the Suuri and the Roura which were underground mining operations. However, these were joined together to enhance the mining operations in Finland. By the third quarter of 2022, shaft sinking was carried out on the site, and the construction and commission of a nitrogen removal plant was completed in late 2022.
As the Kittila Mine looks towards the future, it has recently signed an agreement for clean electricity which would see 100% of the electricity used across the mine site stem from wind or nuclear power over
fossil fuels. This shift towards renewable energy resources across its operations highlights Agnico Eagle’s push towards more sustainable practices throughout the mining process to make the most of such finite resources, whilst not contributing more emissions through its operations. Agnico Eagle’s commitment to sustainability can be seen in every single one of its assets or exploration operations, as its primary goal is to not only meet but go beyond the regulatory standard for environmental, safety, social and governance matters. The company achieves this by ensuring that every member of the Agnico Eagle team is committed to being a responsible gold miner.
In June, Agnico Eagle announced that it had acquired 33,821,842 common shares of Maple Gold Mines Ltd, at the price of $0.085 per Common Share for a total consideration of approximately $2,874,856.57. These were acquired from several sellers in connection with an offering of flowthrough Common Shares Issues. After the acquisition, Agnico Eagle now owns 74,674,257 common shares, which equates to 19.9% of the issued and outstanding Common shares on a non-diluted basis. The two companies have now entered into a conveyance and option agreement, and subject to the satisfaction of the agreement closing conditions, Maple will grant Agnico Eagle a 1.0% net smelter return royalty in respect of the projects, and Agnico Eagle will retain certain options to acquire a 50% ownership interest in the projects.
Agnico Eagle’s strategic share purchasing has allowed it to remain a leader within the global market. The acquisition of the Maple Gold Mines shares follows more share purchasing earlier this year with Prism Resources Inc. Here, Agnico Eagle acquired 5,750,000 common shares of Prism from Trevali Mining Corporation further expanding its ownership of global mining assets. What we have seen throughout this acquisition framework is that Agnico Eagle is set on building up its portfolio, to deliver significant mining potential across the world as a leading precious metals producer.
Ultimately, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is a vast mining and exploration company that is set to optimise and produce significant returns for its stakeholders across its gold mining operations. With
Canadian Mining Excellence
vital developments and assets in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Finland and even the US, Agnico Eagle has established itself as the partner of choice for many mining operations to develop their operations towards the future. However, what remains important to Agnico Eagle’s operations is its focus on giving back and supporting the communities in which it operates to ensure that the mining operations bring both economic and social development to regions. Thanks to its socially responsible mining culture, Agnico Eagle looks set on expanding its portfolio further and maintaining its role as one of the leading gold producers on the globe.
Environmental Article: Jones Food Company
EUROPE’S LARGEST VERTICAL FARM:
Written by Carley Fallows
When you think of farming you probably picture fields or large greenhouses extending over miles using as much land space as possible. However, Jones Food Company (JFC) has been farming a little differently. JFC builds and operates some of the largest vertical farms in the world supplying huge quantities of fresh, local food 365 days a year to the people of the UK.
According to JFC food grown outdoors often requires extensive resources and the perfect climate to ensure crops can grow to their full potential. These can be costly and with British weather, you can never be quite sure whether it’s going to be raining or sunny from minute to minute. Therefore, the company has developed a vertical farming facility which reduces the need for extensive resources and adapts to each plant’s needs. The farming method also does not use the same chemicals which are often associated with field agriculture, so you know every bit of produce from the vertical farms is top-notch.
So how does ‘vertical farming’ work?
JFC’s facility in North Lincolnshire, JFC1, covers approximately 5000 square metres and can grow 150 tonnes of produce per year. Each facility has multiple vertical layers of stacked crops. To access each layer the facilities are fully automated taking advantage of state-of-the-art robotics and technology from its partner The Ocado Group to deliver high yields of crops in a compact vertical unit.
Crops at JFC facilities can be grown year-round to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of the farming industry. Traditional field agriculture
JONES FOOD COMPANY
faces constantly changing climate conditions with temperature, rain, wind, and snow all affecting how crops can be grown. However, using the housed vertical facilities, JFC has removed all of these factors which could disrupt growth and can provide each crop with the perfect constant environment it needs to thrive. This leads to fresher produce which has a much longer shelf life – perfect for supplying to shops and businesses across the country.
For JFC’s facilities, they also focus on sustainability and utilise renewable energy to grow crops. This is facilitated through solar energy which provides roughly 15% of its power requirements. In addition, the vertical farms are set up to capture and recirculate water on a huge scale. Each litre captured is cleaned and reused for the crops. This reduces the water usage of the facility by 90% for each kilogram of produce grown.
JFC has an exciting new development in the works with its JFC2 Facility which once completed will be the largest and most advanced vertical farm in the world located in Gloucestershire. The facility is expected to cover 15,000 square metres and will produce herbs and salads. JFC2 will also operate with 100% renewable energy and will bring people across the UK and beyond fresh produce year-round.
For JFC it is trying to limit the food miles that many of the crops we eat in the UK undergo. By providing a high-yield, temperature-controlled and sustainable facility it can continue to provide leafy greens all year limiting the need for produce imports from overseas. By growing more food locally, JFC hopes to reduce food miles by up to 95% on certain crops. As global temperatures continue to rise resulting in even more unstable environmental changes and weather phenomena, facilities like JFC’s vertical farms are going to be essential for the future. Using a lot less land space, cutting down on water usage and increasing their renewable energy production, JFC’s vertical farms are closing the much-needed gap in global markets and making essential produce available year-round.
www.jonesfoodcompany.co.uk/vertical-farming
Nuuk Port and Harbour
Serving the largest and most populous city in Greenland, The Nuuk Port and Harbour support the country’s maritime and shipping industry. Throughout these operations, Nuuk Port and Harbour welcome increasing numbers of cargo shipments in addition to cruise liners. Collectively, these port operations, in collaboration with Sikuki Nuuk Harbours A/S, continue to develop the port into a vital hub not just for Greenland but for its international network. However, as the demand for cargo continues to grow, the Nuuk Port and Harbour will continue to play a vital role in supporting Greenland’s economy.
Across Greenland, the government acts as the central port and ISPS authority, that is committed to ensuring the development of the country’s maritime sector and enhancing its position within international markets. However, the ownership of Nuuk Port and Harbour has been transferred to Sikuki Nuuk Harbours A/S who now acts as the local port authority which oversees the port and is responsible for ISPS across Nuuk. Sikuki Nuuk Harbours A/S’s role is to establish Nuuk as a vital hub for the country’s maritime industry and a part of the critical infrastructure in Greenland.
Sikuki Nuuk Harbours A/S remains committed to continuing development with a flexible approach in mind, as this is what it believes to be the vital aspect of ensuring that the port can meet the needs of the Greenland maritime industry. This flexibility can be seen throughout its operations, planning and development initiatives to make Nuuk Port and Harbour deliver efficient results today, whilst building its infrastructure to meet the growing cargo demands of the future.
One of the main facilities of Nuuk Port and Harbour is its container terminal, which has been in operation since 2017 and is under the operation of Royal Arctic Line. The company oversees the terminal, buildings and cranes of the container terminal. The terminal has a 310 plus 50 additional meters quay, two mobile harbour cranes and over 40,000 square metres of container space. This vast infrastructure ensures that vessels arriving at the port can quickly and efficiently offload and reload cargo.
One of the main challenges of the port is its varying tidal levels, which means that the entrance to the harbour can be restricted periodically, as well as in winter months with excess of ice in the way. Therefore, ensuring that the port can continue to expand to provide solutions to these challenges, and ensure that when tides are suitable for berthing, all port operations are efficient, reliable and costeffective.
We can see the expansion of the port since the late 1960’s with Atlantkaj which was the original container terminal, and the main port facility across Nuuk. The original port terminal joint with the GI. Atlantkaj berth facility in the Inner port, Montegakaj, Kutterkaj, Trawlerkaj, Fisherkaj, Sandlosningskaj and Nuup Saava ports which offer a range of maritime
A Hub For Greenland’s Maritime
operations from docking vessels needing repairs and maintenance to ports that are not used for smaller fishing vessels or even tourism activities and tours throughout the summer. Many of these ports have had a long history in Greenland, and today offer more localised or smaller operations compared to the main container terminal ideal for the people and businesses of Nuuk to make the most of the port.
With such a vast array of local and international maritime operations utilising the port and harbour infrastructure, it has remained committed to continually improving its facility and expanding its operations to reach an even larger capacity for maritime harbour-related industries. This was announced by Sikuki Nuuk Harbour A/S, who are leading the development with a particular focus on the fishing, transport, and cruise industries. These sectors have become vital to Greenland’s economy, and with this development, it hopes to only grow these industries to form Nuuk Port and Harbour as an international hub for shipping operations that are connected with international markets.
Nuuk Port and Harbour
A particular focus for the port authority is to develop the port to serve ocean-going trawlers close to the terminal. This development is part of its Port Expansion 2027 plan which hopes to increase trawler capacity at the port, and then allow even more cruise, authority and bulk carrier ships to port more easily. With a growing capacity and the facilities to achieve this under the plan, Sikuki Harbours A/S hopes to grow its reputation, and in doing so make it an essential stopping point for both commercial and tourism opportunities. These sentiments were echoed by Steen Montgomery-Andersen, the Chairman of Sikuki Harbours A/S who outlines that “The port expansion is a significant investment that will ensure that the fishing and cruise industry will cover their needs for berth space and port facilities efficiently. From 2027, this will have a major impact on the port’s flexibility”. Montgomery-Andersen continues, “We on the board are proud of the efforts that are being made to ensure that operations and port development can go hand in hand”.
The development plans follow the announcement of Nuuk Port and Harbour expanding its offerings to
A Hub For Greenland’s Maritime Industry
provide power to ships in November last year. The announcement outlined that Sikuki Harbour A/S, Nukissiorfiit, and the Department of Agriculture, Self-Sufficiency, Energy and Environment were looking into how to establish shore power facilities to serve the ships porting at Nuuk. The announcement outlined that preliminary assessment and analysis will begin and is currently still being carried out across Nuuk Port and Harbour’s sites. The announcement highlights how the port wants to ensure that with the increasing expansion of capacity and so port operations, it remains committed to reducing carbon emissions across all of its operations. By offering energy to vessels, it hopes to reduce the reliance on fuel to power ships. However, this will take some in-depth analysis to determine how best to achieve this because every vessel will need different electrical transferring requirements. The analysis began in the first quarter of this year, working with stakeholders such as EA Energianalyse to carry out the analysis.
Overall, Nuuk Port and Harbour is a vital hub for maritime operations for Greenland, with shipping,
fishing and cruise line operations all leading to several vessels landing in The Port of Nuuk every year. With the support of the Government, Sikuki Nuuk Harbours A/S and local stakeholders, the port has continued to expand its offering and establish it as a key stopping point for many vessels. However, as we look to the future of the port, more expansion is on the horizon, and we look forward to seeing how its Port Expansion 2027 initiative will deliver even more economic potential for the region through its port operations.
Canada is a global leader in the world of mining, with the country home to a plethora of metal and mineral deposits. To access these reserves, mining companies across the country are working to bring the rich potential of Canada to market to solidify Canada’s place as a hub for mining, whilst also delivering significant economic benefits for the country in the process. To ensure that the mining industry of Canada remains world-class and is constantly working to improve its operations, companies such as Kamloops Exploration Group (KEG) are leading the way to protect and promote the interests of Canada’s mining and prospective minerals, metals and petroleum operations. KEG does this through the application, investment and accessibility of education across the mining sector to encourage more sustainable practices and continue to bring vast economic benefits across the country.
KEG is a registered non-profit society that works to promote and support the interests of the mining industry on a global scale. Led by an elected board of 9 volunteer members, KEG’s primary focus is on the sharing and application of education and knowledge, as it believes these are the cornerstones for overcoming the challenges and adversities that are faced daily across the mining industry. KEG believes that with the right education, the industry can overcome some of the more challenging aspects of mining particularly towards sustainability and deliver profitable operations that are committed to protecting and developing mining sites for many years to come.
The main ways that KEG connects its educational services and the industry, is through networking at its annual KEG Conference and Trade Show. The first inaugural KEG Conference took place 37 years ago and was led by a small group of dedicated individuals who were passionate about providing a necessary platform to discuss the industry and create space for positive networking opportunities. Today the conference has vastly expanded and sees numerous individuals and businesses across the industry come together to provide key information sharing. The most recent KEG Conference and Trade Show was held in April 2024 with 488 delegates in attendance. These were joined by 83 exhibitors, 16 delegates on the New Gold New Afton Field Trip, 208 students in the junior and senior delegate programs, and 200 guests across the industry. With such a vast network of current, upcoming and future mining leaders in the same room, KEG was able to share the best practices in the industry and promote the future of mining.
A key benefit of the conference is that it helps KEG generate profits that can be then reinvested back into its educational programs. Over the last decade, KEG has been able to deliver a very wellregarded outreach program due to this funding, and currently invests $35,000 per year, along with countless volunteer hours, to deliver educational activities. These activities include a public lecture series which since 2003 has delivered a range of lectures to promote the interests of mining, earth sciences and mineral exploration. The lectures were made virtual in 2021, allowing even greater accessibility to education across the mining industry. The lectures can also be tailored to age groups, making education on these topics accessible to everyone.
Developing Education Across the Mining Sector
In addition to its public lecture series, KEG also has Ask-A-Geologist, Geocaching, School Visits, Adopt a Geologist, Support for School Trips, Junior and Senior Delegate programs, Kamloops GEO Tours, Scholarships, Grants to other organisations, Introductory Prospective Courses, Liaison with other organisation and educational display events and programs to continue to develop and provide education across the industry for the benefit of the next generation of mining.
Therefore, KEG brings significant change through education and networking to develop the industry towards even greater success and build an even stronger future for Canada’s diverse mining industry. KEG plays a significant role in upholding the country’s supportive regulatory environment which includes agreements between mining companies, indigenous communities and governments to ensure that the mining industry is working to develop the economy, industry and local communities towards a future of success and sustainability.
For Kamloops Exploration Group, education is the future of the mining industry as it believes that through the right teaching, sharing of best practices, and unification of a supportive sustainable network, the mining industry can deliver the necessary resources for life whilst also mitigating as much environmental impact as possible. It’s clear that for KEG, the next generation of mining is key to this, and so by putting the necessary education and support in place the mining sector will be able to overcome any challenges and support the local communities in which it operates.
Through these values, combined with honouring the values of the mined mineral reserves, KEG is leading the way in providing education that truly promotes and protects the interest of the mining and prospecting of minerals, metals, and petroleum industries.
Sandals Resorts Jamaica
Sandy beaches, waterfalls, palmfringed beaches, authentic reggae music and flavourful dishes are just some of the things that come to mind when you think of a luxury escape with Sandals Resorts Jamaica. The company is committed to providing all-inclusive adult-only couple resorts across Jamaica that provide every customer with top-quality customer service to make every holiday a bucket list experience.
Sandals Resort Jamaica is the Jamaican operator of all-inclusive resorts in this part of the Caribbean, operating under the global Sandals Resort International (SRI). SRI, the owner of Beaches Resorts, Fowl Cay Resort and several other private villas, has 18 resorts across the Caribbean alone with 7 in Jamaica, 2 in Saint Lucia, 2 in The Bahamas and Barbados, and 1 in Antigua, Curaçao, Grenada, and Saint Vincent. Even with such an expansive role across the global SRI company, its family-owned and operated sensibility can be felt in every luxury stay, as the company is committed to ensuring each customer feels at home no matter the resort. It is this personal touch to every experience, that can be felt throughout the Jamaican division of its operations.
Across Jamaica, Sandal’s resorts provide an escape in luxury accommodations, surrounded by all the white sandy beaches, lush forests, and waterfalls that the country has to offer. This is notable in its Sandal Ochi Resort which is coined to be their ‘Garden of Eden in the heart of Jamaica’. The resort is split into two key sides, with one side focusing on the paradise of the beach with a beach club, and the other with a 100-acre garden full of private escapes and an elite Butler village. This
duality provides guests with the fun and energy of the beach clubs, and then relaxing serene views of the garden depending on their desires each day. Across the resort, each guest has access to 11 unique bars, including the first Caribbean speakeasy, and 16 popular eateries. However, should guests want more activities, the resort is situated close to the Upton Estate Gold and Country Club for a nice addition to its guests’ holiday itineraries.
The Sandal’s Dunn River Resort, located on the north coast, focuses on the rich biodiversity and nature at the island’s disposal. The resort provides pristine beaches that are close to the beautiful landscapes of rivers, forests and waterfalls. Its location was handpicked by the founder due to its natural wonder, and today remains a popular destination for couples looking for a more secluded experience of Jamaica close to nature. This focus on the natural beauty of the landscape is seen also at the Sandals Negril Resort, which is situated on the longest and best stretch of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. The property is closer to the water than any other and brings together a perfect blend of tropical luxury and barefoot elegance.
For couples wanting a stay where the party never stops, Sandal’s Montego is the best choice. The resort was one of the first allinclusive hotels developed by Sandals and features a modern open-air lobby and bar to experience the beautiful sea views from all around. The resort, home to 12 worldclass eateries, is known for its range of water sports, white sandy beaches, al fresco dining and swim-up Butler suites. This all-around experience is what made the resort such a key starting point for Sandals in Jamaica and remains a largely popular destination for the company today.
Also in Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean provides guests with two vacations in one making it one of the most alluring spots for tourists. The resort balances the British heritage with a Georgian Style Great House featuring manicured gardens, roaming peacocks and an authentic British pub. However, just a short trip by ferry takes guests to a private offshore island which is Bali-themed. The private island features Bali-inspired cabanas, a Balinese-style pool, and a swim-up bar. The Resort is also home to the Red Lane Spa providing relaxing treatments to make the most of the relaxing holiday.
Luxury Vacations across the Caribbean
Sandals Resorts Jamaica
What stands out about Sandals Royal Caribbean is the duality of experiences that the resort offers to meet any guest’s needs.
The Sandals Royal Plantation resort in Ocho Rios is an award-winning boutique resort featuring only 74 ocean-view suites. The resort is known for its casual elegance and authentic Jamaican vibe providing great water sports activities, as well as history and culture making it a popular destination among international jet set and literary elite. Due to this careful mix of luxury, scenery and various activities, the Royal Plantation resort is often regarded as the best luxury all-inclusive resort in Jamaica.
The final vital resort for Sandals in Jamaica is the South Coast Resort where water is the inspiration behind the whole complex. The entire property is set along 2 miles of pristine beaches, offering incredible sea views and a Rondoval Village where you can swim up to your own Rondoval. This is the first of its kind in Jamaica and brings the best of luxury experiences together for an unforgettable experience. The destination is so beautiful it is often used for weddings, with the complex even having its Overwater wedding chapel for a secluded ceremony.
As we have seen across all of Sandal’s resorts in Jamaica, luxury and comfortable stays surrounded by the wonders of Jamaica are a must. This commitment throughout every aspect of its stays has made Sandals Resorts Jamaica a leading luxury stay provider for many couples seeking secluded honeymoons and even grand weddings. Plus, getting to the resorts is super easy with 20 cities across the US and Canada providing direct non-stop flights to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Once guests land, they are transported to their resorts by the Sandals team so that the all-inclusive experience starts as soon as guests step foot in Jamaica.
To maintain its reputation across Jamaica, and with international audiences across the globe, Sandals Resorts International created a week-long ‘Sandals in Jamaica Love Tour 2024’. The tour brings together travel advisors and partners to celebrate all the beauty that its resorts and the island have to offer, and the diverse range of tours, excursions and activities that each resort provides. The event aims to foster stronger relationships between the public and private sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, to encourage tourism to Jamaica through the Sandals Resorts. The event was attended by governmental figures, executives from international airlines, travel leaders,
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association,
Advisors (ASTA) and the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA).
Sandals Resort Executive Chairman Adam Stewart commented “Jamaica’s tourism is everybody’s business, an intertwined ecosystem that brings farmers and taxicab drivers, travel advisors and prime ministers, fishers and pilots together as one”. Stewart’s comments highlight the expansive role that Jamaica’s tourist industry plays in supporting every aspect of life in the country. Therefore, as Sandals moves towards the future, it is continually working to enhance its destinations to give back to the local community and maintain Jamaica’s position as a luxury holiday destination.
This development is something that Adam Stewart comments on that, as Sandals moves towards a new future, it will be “built on innovation, deeper connectivity, and the same commitment to excellence that’s always set us apart. Together, with our incredible partners and the community that
Luxury Vacations across the Caribbean
inspires us, we’re continuing to build Brand Jamaica. This gathering is a testament to the connectivity between our organisation, government and our travel partners in the private sector, demonstrating that together, we can affect significant and meaningful change in our beloved destination, recognizing Jamaica for its beauty, convenient accessibility, affordability, safety and endless possibilities, Jamaica is here for you now.”
What we have seen across Sandals Resorts Jamaica is a commitment to delivering luxury holiday destinations where every trip is met with top-notch customer service that is encouraging more tourism to the country every year. With the investment into the Sandal’s Resorts in Jamaica, the company continues to bolster the local community and so across its network, it works together with key governmental and industry figures to position Jamaica as a hotspot for the best of the best holidays in the Caribbean.
Department of Culture and Tourism: Abu Dhabi
Every year millions of visitors arrive in Abu Dhabi to experience the culture, history and landscapes that this part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has to offer. In 2023, the number of tourists visiting the capital topped 24 million, and so with such a vast tourism industry, the government established a dedicated Department of Culture and Tourism which operates as a hub for promoting, protecting and progressing the tourism sector of Abu Dhabi. Therefore, the Department of Culture and Tourism: Abu Dhabi (DCT: Abu Dhabi) plays a valuable role in continuing to position the Emirate as a leading global hub for tourism.
Abu Dhabi is a place of rich heritage and culture, known for its authenticity and innovation, as well as its world-class shopping facilities. It is this reputation for excellence that has driven tourism to the Emirate for many years, and specifically to Abu Dhabi to experience everything the capital has to offer. The city is a vibrant mix of history, culture, nature, beaches, high-end luxury and renowned golf courses. For this reason, DCT: Abu Dhabi’s operations are split into two main divisions; culture and tourism. In addition to this, a key part of DCT: Abu Dhabi’s operations also span the National Library which is host to a whole division of research, history and education for the city.
Across these vital aspects of Abu Dhabi’s identity, DCT: Abu Dhabi is committed to encouraging investment into local enterprises whilst also working to develop and protect cultural sites for the future. Under the operation of DCT: Abu Dhabi, the capital is now a leading tourist destination for both leisure and business tourism, supported by a vital infrastructure that promotes whilst regulating the dynamic nature of tourism in Abu Dhabi. One of the most vital sectors concerning Abi Dhabi’s tourism is the leisure sector responsible for providing tourists with hotels, restaurants and conference centres. To ensure that every tourist travelling into the UAE is met with exceptional places to stay, eat and work, DCT: Abu Dhabi closely partners with many local businesses and suppliers to keep occupancy and footfall rates across the capital high.
A key part of this work happens overseas at trade conferences, where DCT: Abu Dhabi is working to promote Abu Dhabi as a great location for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). This promotion as a great hub for business trips highlights not only the valuable role the UAE plays in international business operations but also the role Abu Dhabi continues to play as a valuable business trip location at the heart of the Middle East. By focusing on delivering a popular and thriving place for tourism, DCT: Abu Dhabi strategically analyses trends seen across the city’s tourism sector, to ensure that all development work is meeting these needs to bring even greater business through things such as local business, exhibitions, and cultural centres that provide a well-rounded experience of Abu Dhabi’s culture today.
Department of Culture and Tourism: Abu Dhabi
DCT: Abu Dhabi has already set out a strategic marketing initiative which aims to position the city as a top tourist location, offering some of the best experiences and services in the world. This marketing initiative is carried out across the Department’s 10 offices across the city. The main goal of this marketing initiative is to encourage tourism into the area and highlight development opportunities to maintain a steady stream of tourism for many years to come. However, to regulate and ensure excellence across the tourism industry’s development, DCT: Abu Dhabi is responsible for issuing licences to hotels, tourism organisations, events, and conferences. These licenses ensure that every operation involving people visiting Abu Dhabi is supported by the same level of international standards which ensure that Abu Dhabi’s tourism remains competitive with other popular tourism locations across the world. By meeting, and often exceeding these standards, DCT: Abu Dhabi can ensure that the capital is s must-see destination for both corporate and leisure tourism.
For many tourists, the rich culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi is a big draw to the capital. DCT: Abu Dhabi has developed programmes which support the growth and representation of the capital’s culture across the city with events, exhibitions and museums that celebrate everything Abu Dhabi and the UAE has to offer. Across Abu Dhabi, there is a range of UNESCO heritage sites, which are protected by DCT: Abu Dhabi to preserve and promote the significance of prominent archaeological and historical heritage of the capital which draws tourists from across the world. This responsibility
to promote the dynamic culture of Abi Dhabi is something DCT: Abu Dhabi is very focused on as these are not only cornerstones of the region’s historical significance, but they play a vital role in developing the cultural tourism of the region.
Education and creativity are also key facets of DCT: Abu Dhabi’s operations as it has made big strides to broaden its audience for artistic and cultural undertakings with exhibitions, outreach programmes and academic courses. These are designed to inspire creativity and development of the region’s tourism sector for future generations to come. The foundation of this focus on education was seen in 1981 when the Dar Al Kutub for formed which is one of UAE’s largest knowledge repositories and a vital resource for academics across the globe. Dar Al Kutub acts as a publisher, translator, and promoter of major literary works with a particular focus on Emirati writers and researchers. This focus on knowledge through the Dar Al Kutub has solidified Abu Dhabi’s role as a vital hub of research and educational development for researchers across the world – once again providing yet another valuable asset to Abu Dhabi’s portfolio as a key international hub for tourism.
DCT: Abu Dhabi’s commitment to crosspartnership educational and cultural heritage development was focused on in July with the announcement that the Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi came together to reproduce an 18-metre-long Magan Boat hoping to shed light on the UAE’s rich maritime heritage and role in Bronze Age trade. The project aimed to deepen understanding of how people lived in the
Fuelling Economic Progress in Abu Dhabi
regions 4,000 years ago and so brough together people from across multiple disciplines including archaeology, anthropology, digital humanities, engineering, and sciences. By unifying these disciplines, the project feeds into DCT: Abu Dhabi’s vital development towards culture to further enhance the capital’s position as a leading hub of culture and education, which brings vital research tourism to the region too.
In bringing together the culture, research and educational aspects of the Magan Boat reconstruction, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT: Abu Dhabi, outlines that “Appreciating the maritime history of the Arabian Gulf is key to understanding the importance of Abu Dhabi in the ancient world. From ancient shipbuilders to today’s archaeologists, the launch of this impressive Magan boat reconstruction represents thousands of years of Emirati innovation and exploration and a long legacy of forging regional and international connections. It is an excellent example of Abu Dhabi’s education institutions coming together to deepen our knowledge of the past and bring it to life for everyone to learn from and enjoy”. His comments highlight how through education and the representation of UAE’s history,
the project enhances the region’s position as a leading place for research, which brings tourism to see the boat, and further tourism across the region for research across multiple disciplines.
As DCT: Abu Dhabi moves towards the future, the department continues to spearhead its Tourism Strategy 2030. The strategy hopes to boost visitor numbers arriving in the UAE to 39.3 million by 2030 and with this see a significant benefit to the annual GDP. By 2030, DCT: Abu Dhabi hopes that tourism accounts for nearly AED 90 billion of the country’s annual GDP from tourism alone.
In its mission to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for tourism across the UAE, DCT: Abu Dhabi has been largely successful as we see the number of tourists visiting the capital continue to grow year on year. With such a vital industry for Abu Dhabi’s development, DCT: Abu Dhabi remains committed to developing every aspect of the tourism sector to ensure that it continues to deliver significant economic benefits to the region. With the continued implementation of its Tourism Strategy 2030, we look forward to seeing how DCT: Abu Dhabi will continue to develop the sector to position Abu Dhabi as a leading tourist destination across the Middle East.
CCL Products
For many of us, coffee has become somewhat of a morning ritual, and so the demand for coffee products over recent years has rapidly expanded. However, this is a market that the Indian company CCL Products (CCL) tapped into 30 years ago with a vision to create the finest and richest coffee products in the world. Today, the company is one of the most trusted brands in the industry that delivers superior coffee manufacturing with unparalleled quality across a variety of blends suited to every customer’s specific taste and needs. As the company moves towards the future, it looks set on enhancing its operations to maintain its role as the world’s largest private-label coffee manufacturer.
CLL began from humble beginnings in 1994 with only a small coffee processing unit at Duggirala in Andhra Pradesh. The company, formerly known as Continental Coffee Limited, was founded by Mr. Challa Rajendra Prasad who was a visionary tapping into the underexplored potential of the Indiangrown coffee that was being exported without any value addition. Therefore, he worked to establish the original coffee processing plant, which would add value by turning green coffee beans into highquality instant coffee and in the process generating significant earnings from a global network of customers. The processing unit could only process 3,000 tonnes per annum (TPA), however following an aggressive expansion project, CCL continued to expand its facilities and now produces 55,000 TPA across its 4 manufacturing plants. Two of these plants are located in India, with one in Vietnam and another in Switzerland.
Part of the success of CCL production over the last 30 years has been its ability to tap into the up-
and-coming markets with innovation and creativity, often before many of its competitors. This constant striving towards development to remain ahead of the game, along with its commitment to excellence, is the backbone of CCL’s success across its global client portfolio. Therefore, CCL Products today plays a vital role in the global coffee market.
CCL’s products are now present across more than 100 countries, which are served with over 900 different blends. Its products aim to deliver coffee in a plethora of forms to suit the needs and tastes of each customer. Its coffee products start their manufacturing being handpicked across the world, where they are then roasted, blended and processed. Once processed the products are delivered in various forms including spray-dried coffee powder, spray-dried agglomerated coffee, freeze-dried coffee, freeze concentrate liquid coffee, roast and ground coffee, roasted coffee beans and premix coffee options. Each variety uses only the best Arabica and Robusta green coffee
Committed to Top Quality Brewing
beans, which it is committed to delivering to the exact taste and needs of its customers.
Once the coffee has been produced, CCL then provides further value-added services to package each variety based on its customers’ specific requirements. These include customised jars, cans and pouches of varying sizes and quantities. Each one can be personalised with a customer’s specific branding or labelling ready to put on shelves straight away. For bulk orders, CCL is committed to delivering larger orders more economically and costeffectively. For this, it offers big bags, bulk boxes, corrugated boxes, and drums which are perfect for a whole range of its products from freeze-dried and spray-dried coffee to freeze concentrates liquid coffee in drums.
Continual expansion and development have always been at the heart of what CCL does, and as it looks to the future is it set on continuing to invest across its operations to make supply chain management, packing and its sales and marketing
CCL Products
teams more effective and expansive. As part of this, CCL aims to continually expand its network of distributors across the globe to expand its B2C market segment. The development of its network was enhanced last year following the acquisitions of 6 coffee brands from the Sweden-based coffee roasters Löfbergs Group. By acquiring these, CCL aims to continue to strengthen its B2C business and accelerate growth across even more international markets. In fact, a key development for CCL’s future plans is in the United Kingdom which there one of the largest instant coffee markets in Europe.
In June, CCL announced an Rs 4000 crore investment into a new manufacturing plant at the Continental Coffee Park in Andhra Pradesh. The plant will include 22 acres of land and aims to provide an annual capacity of 16,000 metric tons of spraydried instant coffee. The production of the plant is expected to start in the fourth quarter of the 2024 financial year. The plant will not only expand CCL’s product capacity offering, but it will also invest back into the community by producing 100 direct jobs across the plant to position CCL as a key coffee company and manufacturer that is vital to the local economy.
What stands out about CCL’s operations is its commitment to innovation and growth. Throughout every aspect of its operations, CCL is striving to produce the best possible coffee products that meet and exceed the needs of the international coffee market. With a plethora of varieties and packaging options, it’s clear to see why CCL is now the world’s largest private-label coffee manufacturer. We look forward to seeing how the new manufacturing plant will step up CCL’s operations and continue to deliver top-quality production across its network every day.
Flavourtech
Flavourtech is a world leader in the development, design and manufacture of thin film, spinning cone technologies for the food and beverage industry. Their expertise covers turn-key solutions for the production of high-quality Instant and RTD Tea and Coffee. The Australian company’s flagship technology, the Spinning Cone Column (SCC), is just released in a small-scale model that is ideal for R&D, universities and/or small-scale production. Contact their team on sales@flavourtech.com to learn more or to book a trial.
Flavourtech are proud to be working with CCL Products to produce premium, fullflavoured instant coffee utilising their unique processing technologies!
Caribbean Association of Banks Inc.
Banks and financial institutions play a vital role in all of our lives every day; from personal savings and loan applications to giant global conglomerates utilising banking services to carry out all of their transactions. No matter the person or business a regulated, developed and supported financial sector is crucial to ensuring continued economic success on every level. This was a key concern in the Caribbean where it previously relied on external providers for financial services. Therefore, the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) was established in 1974 to provide a unified voice that would protect, promote and strengthen the region’s financial institutions by focusing on regulation, education and advocacy. Now 50 years after its establishment, CAB leads the Caribbean financial sector with its commitment to ensuring that Caribbean banks and financial institutions are given the necessary network to achieve success every day for their customers.
CAB’s legacy has extended across the Caribbean Region for the last 50 years but was first formed as the Caribbean Association of Indigenous Banks. This establishment came following a decision at the Head of Government Conference in 1973, and the Inaugural Meeting of the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for the finance sector. They noticed the need for a governing body that would oversee the industry and move away from the region’s reliance on external providers for financial services. With the ability to take more direct control over the Caribbean financial market, the company, which would later change its name to CAB, could then have more influence over the industry on issues impacting the region and implement its own regulatory frameworks to support the region’s economic future.
Today, the company brings together a community of 56 banks and financial institutions, 17 service members comprising regional and international technological and professional institutions as its members, with the addition of 6 associate members. Also under its membership are three honorary members, which include the Caribbean Development Bank, CARICOM, and the Caribbean Centre for Money and Finance. CAB’s members operate across 20 countries, the majority of which are in the Caribbean and South America, with a few members based strategically in Canada and the USA. The main function of CAB is to promote and strengthen the Caribbean sector which it achieves through lobbying and negotiation with local and international industry and governmental figures, along with CARICOM’s Council of Finance and Planning (COFAP) which allows its members to have more influence on policy decision making to impact the industry.
To continue to expand its network, CAB focuses on marketing across conferences, online and with the delivery of its mailing lists/newsletter to share its role in the industry and promote Caribbean financial services across international markets. CAB’s annual conference is its fundamental networking event which brings together heads of financial institutions, government officials and governing bodies to share in discussions around the Caribbean’s banking industry. This year the conference, hosted in October, celebrated 50 years of operations for CAB and allowed for vital talks into the development of banking for the future of the industry.
However, the annual conference is not CAB’s only vital meeting of industry heads to discuss
Celebrating 50 Year of Financial Development
the financial sector, CAB also leads the CEO and Director Forum which focuses on tackling issues and challenges facing the Caribbean’s banks. The forum began in 2016 to tackle the growing issue of de-risking across the region’s financial sector. De-risking refers to the constraints and potential termination of banking relationships with clients across the world to mitigate risk, which results in international banking institutions being prevented from providing services in many regions. The meeting was attended by CEOs, directors, compliance professionals, technical service providers, a US legal representative and a potential provider of correspondent banking services. The first meeting looked into the issue of de-risking explored potential solutions and developed a set of actions in response to this threat.
The CEO and Director Forum has remained a vital part of CAB’s operations, with the company holding their 8th conference in June focused on fortifying resilience against challenges endangering the financial services sector. The themes of the meeting focused on ‘Building Resilience Today: Securing
Caribbean Association of Banks Inc.
Tomorrow’ and working towards a unified goal of moving the developing the Caribbean financial sector for the future. Speaking at the recent CEO and Director Forum, Ms Leesa Kow, Chairperson of CAB, said “As an Association we must continue to confront the challenges and prepare for opportunities, including the clear trade opportunities emerging in countries such as Guyana, so that we can stimulate and facilitate increased trade between our CARICOM nations. Our adoption of the technology and adaptation to the changing environment will be key to us taking advantage of all opportunities and so we must be prepared.” Leesa also went on to talk about how important the Forum is to get these kinds of vital dialogues going amongst industry leaders and their international counterparts. Her comments once again reinforce just how vital these initiatives and events are for CAB and the entire banking sector in the Caribbean.
Alongside its key marketing and networking operations, CAB is committed to developing the finance industry for the future through education. To ensure that customers receive the best possible financial services across the region, CAB provides its members and their employees with a range of webinars and programs to help them develop skills and qualifications to further benefit the sector. Its current webinars include one on privacy and data governance in the Caribbean financial sector, and another providing a single day bootcamp to improve productivity and accuracy by using Excel.
All of the training programs are provided to CAB by the Caribbean Governance Training Institute (CGTI) which is the number one governance and training certification institute in the region and therefore is the exclusive training provider with CAB.
However, for employees and members who already have extensive knowledge of the banking industry, CAB also provides a Chartered Banker programme. The programme is aimed at professionals who have already been working in the industry for a decade, and specifically in the banking and financial sectors for at least 5. The 12-week course provided the candidate with an accreditation that recognises their expertise, experience and contribution to banking. This hopes to help more existing bakers achieve chartered banker status and, in the process, develop the Caribbean’s reputation as a leading chartered banker hub.
Ultimately, CAB provides a unified and proactive voice working towards the development of the Caribbean’s financial sector. With vital banks and financial institutions under its members, the company has continued to push towards advocacy through marketing and networking. However it seems like CAB celebrates 50 years of operation, its push towards continued education and professional development of the financial sector remains a top priority. We look forward to see how CAB continues to bring together key players within the region to develop the Caribbean financial sector as a hub for economic and professional success.
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