Off the presses...
Mineseeker Announces Aid Free Zone Is Under Revenue
September 26, 2011
Aid Free Zone Southern Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mineseeker, can today announce revenue figures, now that they have been reviewed by the company’s independent accounting and auditing firm in Inhambane, Mozambique. The certified numbers show revenue for August 2011 of $85,054. Additionally, after reviewing the sales enquiries and pending letters of intent from customers, the auditors also confirmed that the revenue forecast of $4.5m for 2012 was accurate and reasonable in all material respects.
Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!
Mr Eric du Plessis, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Aid Free Zone Southern Africa, commented, “This was an impressive performance last month, especially when the management team was focussed on closing the deal with Mineseeker Operations, and these numbers support our forecast of revenues averaging $162,000 per month by the end of 2011, dropping slightly for quarter one of 2012 due to seasonal restrictions.
“We have also been working hard in securing additional supply of raw material for our processing plant, so that we can satisfy demand for next year”, Mr du Plessis continued. “Aid Free Zone Southern Africa has identified and established collection points in the existing plantations near to the factory. In combination with other initiatives, this will give ample raw material to enable the company to deliver revenues of up to $700,000 per month during 2012, and this number is supported by the certified due diligence conducted. This revenue will be from a diversified product portfolio including crude oil, as well as higher valued products such as virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut and coconut cake. These products are for human and animal consumption as well as used as raw materials in the cosmetics industry, and Aid Free Zone Southern Africa have firm orders and letters of intent that support our revenue forecast for next year”.
Progress continues with negotiations with government representatives for the agricultural and other rights to further blocks of land in the area. In addition to the 1000 ha, shown as Block A above, which is in the process of being allocated, Aid Free Zone Southern Africa is discussing harvest rights on a further 80,000-100,000 hectare block nearby, to ensure supply of raw materials to increase production even further.
Edward Cross, Mineseeker CEO, added; “Perhaps most excitingly of all is the 50,000 hectare block of land, shown as Block B above, that we are in final talks about which will ensure the long term stability of the project. This is where the whole compassionate capitalism concept can be given life. An area of land that can’t be safely lived in or developed due to the threat of landmines will be allocated to us, and we will then conduct a detailed survey of the ground to identify any mines that may be present. Once cleared of the threat, we can secure a 99 year lease on the land. Through our Aid Free Zone division, the agriculture on the land will be developed, so that the local population can support themselves, removing them from poverty and reliance on aid”.
“Not only will the increased production lead to greater revenues for the coconut processing plant, but the land in question borders the coast and we are talking to the Ministry of Tourism about establishing an eco-tourist destination”, Mr Cross continued. “It is a very beautiful, unspoiled area, and with the eco-tourism market growing faster than any other sector in that industry, we expect great returns. Mineseeker is looking to sign a strategic partnership or make an acquisition to strengthen our opportunity in this market”.
About Mineseeker and Aid Free Zone
Using Mineseeker technology increases the land available for the economic benefit of the local population and enables businesses to develop the land for agriculture, tourism, mineral exploration, and construction as applicable.
Following on from its mine survey work, Mineseeker will establish in conjunction with governments and local partnerships, a land based wealth creation program delivering compassionate capitalism for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Aid Free Zones will dramatically change the landscape of the global aid programme by building economically viable communities that do not rely on aid but rather, on support to develop their own businesses by creating a market for products and resources.
Mineseeker Progresses Land Negotiations Through Aid Free Zone in Mozambique
September 19, 2011
Mineseeker, through its subsidiary Aid Free Zone Southern Africa, has conducted further negotiations with local government representatives in Inhambane province, Mozambique, regarding the rights to 1,000 hectares of land for expansion of coconut production capacity. The additional land will ensure security of supply of raw materials to the coconut processing plant recently acquired by Mineseeker, resulting in increased production and revenue growth to $700,000 per month.
During meetings with government representatives, Eric Du Plessis, CEO of Aid Free Zone Southern Africa, presented the Aid Free Zone concept and it was received with huge enthusiasm. “They all loved the concept of the Aid Free Zone”, commented Eric, “as for far too long international organisations have been coming to this part of the world and spending money on projects that, while they had the right intentions, did not meet the local requirements of long term benefit for the community. Instead they just resulted in a dependency on aid. They particularly liked the compassionate capitalism focus of Aid Free Zone; they want foreign investors to make a profit, especially when those investors also improve the lives, conditions and safety of the local population”.
“When I then discussed Mineseeker, and the work they can do to rapidly and effectively identify minefields, allowing previously unutilised land to be returned to economic use, the meeting took an interesting turn”, Eric added. “We are now talking to the government about 50,000 hectares, that’s 500km², of land that we can survey using Mineseeker’s unique technology, after which we retain the ownership of the land. That means even more coconut supply, but more excitingly the land being discussed includes a 10km long strip of beautiful beachfront, and we are now in talks with the Ministry of Tourism about eco-tourism development”.
As well as negotiating the ownership of this land, Aid Free Zone Southern Africa is also now discussing agricultural rights to a further 80,000 to 100,000 hectare area nearby which is currently populated, but where there is no market for the produce that grows there. Aid Free Zone will implement an infrastructure programme, including the creation of collection points. This will mean that small-scale producers can bring their harvest to a regional collection point, where Aid Free Zone purchasers will pay the going market rate.
In addition to this, micro loans shall be made available so that small-scale production facilities can be established for virgin coconut oil, which has a far higher value and can bring additional benefits to stakeholders. Other micro loan projects include the drilling of boreholes, to allow vegetable farming to satisfy local demand, as currently 90% of food is imported to Mozambique.
Mineseeker Operations CEO, Edward Cross, commented “This is great progress in Mozambique, and a fitting reward to the efforts of Eric and his team for their work over the past few months. The group vision of releasing suspected mine infested areas, then investing in projects that bring benefit to local communities as well as maximising shareholder value, is now turning in to reality”.
“From a pure business perspective, the eco-tourism development opportunity is viable. The sector has grown at the rate of 20% per year recently, and is predicted to account for 25% of the world tourism market within six years. As there is no sector operating expertise within the current group structure, we will look to enter in to a strategic partnership or acquisition so that we can maximise the return from this opportunity. This project is perfect as it allows us to prove the whole business concept of identifying and clearing an area of landmine threats, investing in local business opportunities, bringing stability and prosperity to the local population, providing a return for shareholders and thereby completing the circle. We can then roll this out to other post-conflict environments across the world”, Edward concluded.
About Mineseeker and Aid Free Zone
Using Mineseeker technology increases the land available for the economic benefit of the local population and enables businesses to develop the land for agriculture, tourism, mineral exploration, and construction as applicable.
Following on from its mine survey work, Mineseeker will establish in conjunction with governments and local partnerships, a land based wealth creation program delivering compassionate capitalism for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Aid Free Zones will dramatically change the landscape of the global aid programme by building economically viable communities who do not rely on aid but on support to develop their own businesses by creating a market for products and resources.
Aerial image showing the coconut processing plant,
and associated buildings/infrastructure.
Mineseeker Establishes Aid Free Zone in Mozambique
September 16, 2011
Mineseeker, through its subsidiary Aid Free Zone Southern Africa, has acquired the majority share in a coconut processing factory just outside Maxixe, the major town in Inhambane province in Mozambique.
The facility has the capacity to produce in excess of 300 tons of crude coconut oil per month, and will form the cornerstone of Mineseeker’s Aid Free Zone program in the region.
The Aid Free Zone concept of compassionate capitalism has been created to dramatically change the landscape of the global aid programme by building economically viable communities who do not rely on aid, but receive support to develop their own businesses by creating a market for their products and resources. Mineseeker will focus on establishing these communities where the population has been affected by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, and where Mineseeker core technology and expertise can be deployed to bring maximum advantage.
Aid Free Zone Southern Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mineseeker Operations, will be headed up by Eric Du Plessis who has a wealth of experience in the region. Eric will report to, and work closely with, the Board of Mineseeker Operations, to ensure the delivery of the business plan.
‘With existing revenues now approaching $100k per month, we will be seeking to invest in inventory which will enable us to substantially increase production, resulting in revenues of $700k per month in 2012. We already have sales enquiries in hand that would take us beyond this existing capacity,’ commented Eric. ‘Furthermore, we are working with the regional and national government to acquire 1,000 hectares of land to expand and renew the coconut plantations, resulting in security of supply.’
‘We are extremely excited about this development’ said Edward Cross, CEO of Mineseeker Operations, ‘as together with the Mineseeker Foundation we have been working in Mozambique over a number of years. The launch of this section of the strategic plan will now take us to the next level of growth and beyond. After analysing the numerous firm orders and letters of intent, I am convinced that this business will grow substantially, and contribute a significant sum to Mineseeker group revenues.’
The Aid Free Zone concept is scalable, and Mineseeker is in current talks with other governments about how to deliver this model in post-conflict environments across the globe. Aid Free Zone products will be marketed through global retail organisations with whom Mineseeker has very strong links.
The revenue figures for the past four months are in the process of being prepared and will be published as soon as complete.
This is the second public service announcement that has been created by the Ireland-Davenport Agency for the Mineseeker Foundation. This advert has been nominated as a finalist in the prestigious 2011 Loerie Awards. The winner will be announced in September 2011.
This is the first advert created by the Ireland-Davenport Agency
Agency: Ireland/Davenport -- Johannesburg -- South Africa
http://www.ireland-davenport.com/
15th June 2011 - Edward Cross, Chief Executive Officer of Mineseeker Operations is relocating from Mineseeker’s UK office to Jacksonville Florida, following the completion of the company’s listing as part of the NHSH group.
Edward, who is 41, began his career in the British Army. Following officer training at the renowned Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Edward was commissioned in to an Infantry regiment. After specialist training he was posted on operational tour and commanded counter-insurgency operations.
Upon leaving the Army, Edward pursued a successful career in the IT industry, before joining a leading commercial mine clearance company as Head of Business Development. During his time there, he was responsible for doubling the turnover of the company, winning significant new international contracts.
Edward built on this success by taking a new mine clearance company from initial business plan, through seed financing, on to revenue, profit and exit. Edward had overall responsibility for all commercial aspects of the company, including sales, finance, marketing and operations. Within six months the company had secured its first contract, with a major international oil exploration company. This early success was rapidly followed up with winning a three-year, multi-million pound contract with a Global humanitarian fund. During the time Edward was in charge, the company doubled revenue year on year for four successive years.
An honours graduate in Maritime, Business and Law from Liverpool, Edward recently completed an MBA at Birmingham University Business School.
Not only has Edward secured numerous multi-million pound contracts, but he has also deployed and managed complex operations in remote, extreme and post-conflict environments in Europe, India, the Middle and Far East, as well as numerous African countries. Most recently, Edward led the successful deployment of the Mineseeker Trail and Demonstration in south-east Europe. His experience in creating effective company structures, developing and implementing strategic plans, selling complex solutions, managing costs and maximizing shareholder value will bring great benefit to Mineseeker’s corporate office in Florida.
Edward will be based at the offices of NHSH in Jacksonville and will be focused on driving business development through US based agencies such as the United Nations, as well as building relationships with investors and other key business partners.
‘I am incredibly excited following the coming together of Mineseeker with NHSH’ he commented, ‘and I believe there is huge potential for significant growth in the business which can now be realised’.
Edward, who will reside a short distance form Jacksonville, has previously lived in Germany, India, Kenya and Bermuda and has gained extensive international experience throughout his career to date.
Mineseeker Chairman, Mike Kendrick added, ‘Whilst we will miss Edward in our UK office, I think it is essential that we have our senior executive based at the heart of the corporate side of the business in the United States’.
Lavish handouts are making Africa the 'spoilt child of the planet'
By Jason Groves (Daily Mail)
Lavish aid to Africa is turning the continent into a ‘spoilt child’, according to the head of a charity backed by Nelson Mandela.Mike Kendrick, founder of the respected Mineseeker Foundation, warned that aid often increased the hardship faced by the world’s poorest people.In a devastating verdict, he told the Daily Mail last night: ‘I sometimes use the analogy of a spoilt child. We have all seen rich parents give their child everything they need, without earning it.
Mike Kendrick, left,whose charity Mineseeker Foundation, warns Africa is turning into a 'spoilt child'‘Africa is a spoilt child of the planet. It is not their fault. It is ours.‘It is completely pointless and totally detrimental to spend endless billions on projects that are well intentioned but badly thought out and poorly implemented.‘The current government is apparently determined to repeat the mistakes of the former one.’
Mr Kendrick decided to speak out as David Cameron defended of his controversial pledge to increase spending on international aid by 34 per cent while cutting budgets at home.
He is now seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss his experiences of the impact of aid on developing countries.
The Mineseeker Foundation was established ten years ago with the backing of Sir Richard Branson to help the victims of landmines in former conflict zones, including many parts of Africa. Mr Kendrick said he had witnessed the failure of international aid at first hand and his views were ‘shared’ by Mr Mandela.
Generous support: Richard Branson helped set up The Mineseeker Foundation in 2001 to support victims of landmines.He said that as well as making people dependent on handouts, aid money often undercut local businesses and initiatives.
‘International financial aid, unless specifically targeted toward practical and ongoing projects, is of little use and should be stopped immediately to prevent yet more suffering,’ he added.
‘We need to change lives permanently, not just whilst funds last, and develop sustainable sturdy economies that will transform lives on a long-term basis.
‘The problem is that aid, when badly directed, actually kills people and this is a matter of fact – not opinion. In the past few decades the West has provided several trillion dollars in aid, yet the average African is now twice as poor as he was before all that started.’
Mr Kendrick said that even well-meaning initiatives, such as Gordon Brown’s project to supply £100million of mosquito nets to Africa, could have damaging unintended consequences.
‘I doubt he realised that in doing so he was committing many hundreds of people into a poverty trap that would possibly reduce them to starvation.
‘Making and repairing mosquito nets is one of the few remaining cottage industries in Africa and by dumping millions of dollars worth of nets in various areas it simply shut all of those local businesses down.’
Mr Kendrick is pioneering a series of ‘aid-free zones’ in Mozambique to attract investors to directly support local businesses. The first project, to create a major coconut plantation, could eventually sustain 50,000 people and is being set up without a penny of aid.
Mr Kendrick said similar projects could transform Africa in the long term, while aid would never be more than a quick fix.
READ COMMENTS FROM READERS OF THIS ARTICLE
