Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a primary concern of the bank regarding the protest?
What is a primary concern of the bank regarding the protest?
The planned protest is expected to be violent.
The planned protest is expected to be violent.
False
Name one safeguard that can be implemented to support local community protestors.
Name one safeguard that can be implemented to support local community protestors.
Communication about the planned peaceful nature of the protest.
To address the bank's concerns, we can offer updated financial projections showing that the protest will not negatively affect our long-term financial _______.
To address the bank's concerns, we can offer updated financial projections showing that the protest will not negatively affect our long-term financial _______.
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Which risk mitigation strategy involves hiring professionals to manage order during the protest?
Which risk mitigation strategy involves hiring professionals to manage order during the protest?
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Match each concern with its corresponding safeguard:
Match each concern with its corresponding safeguard:
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What is one potential legal concern mentioned regarding the protest?
What is one potential legal concern mentioned regarding the protest?
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A contingency plan is unnecessary when organizing a protest.
A contingency plan is unnecessary when organizing a protest.
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What is the total cost for sustainability training for 100 employees?
What is the total cost for sustainability training for 100 employees?
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Cecilia believes that sustainability training is essential for all staff members.
Cecilia believes that sustainability training is essential for all staff members.
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What is the daily cost of disruption per person during the training?
What is the daily cost of disruption per person during the training?
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Rotomyne's total operating profit for 2024 was P$______ million.
Rotomyne's total operating profit for 2024 was P$______ million.
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Which director believes that focusing on technical operations is more important than sustainability training?
Which director believes that focusing on technical operations is more important than sustainability training?
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Match the following objectives with the appropriate statements regarding sustainability:
Match the following objectives with the appropriate statements regarding sustainability:
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Why does Cecilia believe that employees should be trained in sustainability principles?
Why does Cecilia believe that employees should be trained in sustainability principles?
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Andrey supports the idea of sustainability training as necessary for the company's operations.
Andrey supports the idea of sustainability training as necessary for the company's operations.
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What is one of the primary concerns of the construction firm regarding potential protests?
What is one of the primary concerns of the construction firm regarding potential protests?
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Rotomyne should avoid providing basic needs like water and restrooms for protestors.
Rotomyne should avoid providing basic needs like water and restrooms for protestors.
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What should onsite security personnel be trained to handle?
What should onsite security personnel be trained to handle?
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To avoid damage during protests, planning ______ routes for workers can help.
To avoid damage during protests, planning ______ routes for workers can help.
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Match the following safeguards with their purpose:
Match the following safeguards with their purpose:
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What legal action can be taken if protestors trespass?
What legal action can be taken if protestors trespass?
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Establishing clear boundaries for protestors is optional and does not affect their safety.
Establishing clear boundaries for protestors is optional and does not affect their safety.
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What should be provided to protestors to prevent dehydration?
What should be provided to protestors to prevent dehydration?
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A _______ security company can be hired to bolster security during protests.
A _______ security company can be hired to bolster security during protests.
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Match the type of risk associated with protests to its description:
Match the type of risk associated with protests to its description:
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What is an important factor to maintain communication with protestors?
What is an important factor to maintain communication with protestors?
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Construction firms are only concerned about financial impacts due to protests.
Construction firms are only concerned about financial impacts due to protests.
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What is a crucial planning step for the safety of construction workers during protests?
What is a crucial planning step for the safety of construction workers during protests?
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It's important that law enforcement use ______ language when addressing protestors.
It's important that law enforcement use ______ language when addressing protestors.
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What is the projected Net Present Value (NPV) for the DLE plant investment?
What is the projected Net Present Value (NPV) for the DLE plant investment?
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Securing an early license is advantageous for the company.
Securing an early license is advantageous for the company.
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What should be created to manage DLE development and testing?
What should be created to manage DLE development and testing?
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The process of assessing the DLE method's feasibility will include laboratory tests, pilot trials, and __________ studies.
The process of assessing the DLE method's feasibility will include laboratory tests, pilot trials, and __________ studies.
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Match the following funding sources with their descriptions:
Match the following funding sources with their descriptions:
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What is one approach to managing relationships with the government?
What is one approach to managing relationships with the government?
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DLE technology requires more water compared to traditional brine extraction.
DLE technology requires more water compared to traditional brine extraction.
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How often should the board evaluation process occur according to the guidelines?
How often should the board evaluation process occur according to the guidelines?
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A majority of the board should be made up of independent non-executive directors.
A majority of the board should be made up of independent non-executive directors.
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What key factor contributed to protests against the brine mining plan?
What key factor contributed to protests against the brine mining plan?
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What is the primary responsibility of the Audit Committee?
What is the primary responsibility of the Audit Committee?
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The potential of the DLE plant is to generate income via licensing, taxation, and __________ activities.
The potential of the DLE plant is to generate income via licensing, taxation, and __________ activities.
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Match the following activities with their purposes:
Match the following activities with their purposes:
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The __________ Committee is responsible for deciding on executive pay and performance bonuses.
The __________ Committee is responsible for deciding on executive pay and performance bonuses.
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Match the committees with their primary responsibilities:
Match the committees with their primary responsibilities:
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What is the CFO's role in the DLE project?
What is the CFO's role in the DLE project?
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The DLE project team will work independently of technical and operational experts.
The DLE project team will work independently of technical and operational experts.
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What advantage does a local JV partner provide in terms of political instability?
What advantage does a local JV partner provide in terms of political instability?
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Independent auditors should have a relationship with the audit committee to ensure robust reporting.
Independent auditors should have a relationship with the audit committee to ensure robust reporting.
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What should be highlighted to gain local support for the DLE plant?
What should be highlighted to gain local support for the DLE plant?
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What should be considered when establishing the governance framework for the JV?
What should be considered when establishing the governance framework for the JV?
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Building a good __________ with local communities can help mitigate resistance to the DLE project.
Building a good __________ with local communities can help mitigate resistance to the DLE project.
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To manage risks in an unstable environment, local partners can help __________ the risks.
To manage risks in an unstable environment, local partners can help __________ the risks.
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Which of the following best describes the role of the Nomination Committee?
Which of the following best describes the role of the Nomination Committee?
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A local partner typically has limited connections with government officials.
A local partner typically has limited connections with government officials.
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Why is it important for the Nomination Committee to have balanced representation?
Why is it important for the Nomination Committee to have balanced representation?
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A local partner may provide access to __________ options that foreign companies cannot utilize.
A local partner may provide access to __________ options that foreign companies cannot utilize.
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Match the following roles with their responsibilities:
Match the following roles with their responsibilities:
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What does WACC stand for in financial analysis?
What does WACC stand for in financial analysis?
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Equity financing does not dilute the control of existing shareholders.
Equity financing does not dilute the control of existing shareholders.
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How long does it typically take for traditional brine mining to produce lithium?
How long does it typically take for traditional brine mining to produce lithium?
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What financial risk is associated with debt financing?
What financial risk is associated with debt financing?
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The opportunity cost of capital reflects the ______ that could have been earned from an alternative investment.
The opportunity cost of capital reflects the ______ that could have been earned from an alternative investment.
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DLE technology reduces land use significantly compared to traditional brine mining.
DLE technology reduces land use significantly compared to traditional brine mining.
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Match the types of financing with their characteristics.
Match the types of financing with their characteristics.
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What is the estimated NPV of the DLE project?
What is the estimated NPV of the DLE project?
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Which statement about gearing ratio is true?
Which statement about gearing ratio is true?
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The investment cost for the DLE plant is _____ than that for traditional brine mining.
The investment cost for the DLE plant is _____ than that for traditional brine mining.
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Match the following stakeholders with their interests:
Match the following stakeholders with their interests:
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What is one of the strategic goals the government aims to achieve?
What is one of the strategic goals the government aims to achieve?
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Using debt financing can lead to loss of control due to covenants.
Using debt financing can lead to loss of control due to covenants.
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What is the significance of Mendelow's Stakeholder Matrix regarding the project?
What is the significance of Mendelow's Stakeholder Matrix regarding the project?
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What is one tax benefit of debt financing?
What is one tax benefit of debt financing?
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Long-term benefits of DLE technology include only lithium extraction.
Long-term benefits of DLE technology include only lithium extraction.
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What is one recommended way to build a skilled local workforce?
What is one recommended way to build a skilled local workforce?
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Raising funds through ______ financing often takes longer than applying for a loan.
Raising funds through ______ financing often takes longer than applying for a loan.
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The DLE plant project is expected to operate with carbon emissions.
The DLE plant project is expected to operate with carbon emissions.
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What could be a limitation of issuing bonds for financing?
What could be a limitation of issuing bonds for financing?
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NEDs assist in ensuring that the interests of all ______ are represented.
NEDs assist in ensuring that the interests of all ______ are represented.
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What are the main challenges facing the adoption of DLE technology?
What are the main challenges facing the adoption of DLE technology?
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A secured loan uses company assets as collateral.
A secured loan uses company assets as collateral.
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The DLE plant will use _____ liters of water compared to the 500,000 liters needed for brine mining.
The DLE plant will use _____ liters of water compared to the 500,000 liters needed for brine mining.
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Match the following roles with their responsibilities in a joint venture:
Match the following roles with their responsibilities in a joint venture:
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How can companies improve their average cost of capital?
How can companies improve their average cost of capital?
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Why is the independence of Non-Executive Directors important?
Why is the independence of Non-Executive Directors important?
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Match the following benefits of DLE extraction with their descriptions:
Match the following benefits of DLE extraction with their descriptions:
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Which of the following stakeholders is considered to have low power but high interest?
Which of the following stakeholders is considered to have low power but high interest?
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A DLE plant is expected to ______ profits and reduce environmental impact.
A DLE plant is expected to ______ profits and reduce environmental impact.
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The DLE process must be connected to government goals to appear as a competitor.
The DLE process must be connected to government goals to appear as a competitor.
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What is a potential outcome of increasing debt financing?
What is a potential outcome of increasing debt financing?
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Before proceeding with the DLE plant project, thorough pilot-scale testing is recommended.
Before proceeding with the DLE plant project, thorough pilot-scale testing is recommended.
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What should the board set in place to resolve conflicts in a 50:50 JV?
What should the board set in place to resolve conflicts in a 50:50 JV?
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The UK code emphasizes that at least half of the board should be independent ______.
The UK code emphasizes that at least half of the board should be independent ______.
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What key factor helps DLE technology to be environmentally friendly?
What key factor helps DLE technology to be environmentally friendly?
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The DLE plant aligns with Rotomyne’s strategic goals of being a leader in _____ and green energy solutions.
The DLE plant aligns with Rotomyne’s strategic goals of being a leader in _____ and green energy solutions.
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Which of the following is a key responsibility of Non-Executive Directors in a JV?
Which of the following is a key responsibility of Non-Executive Directors in a JV?
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Rotomyne's DLE proposal should not include geothermal power to align with renewable efforts.
Rotomyne's DLE proposal should not include geothermal power to align with renewable efforts.
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What can Rotomyne offer to enhance its relationship with the government?
What can Rotomyne offer to enhance its relationship with the government?
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The DLE technology is particularly important due to its ______ nature.
The DLE technology is particularly important due to its ______ nature.
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Match the following components of good governance with their descriptions:
Match the following components of good governance with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Safeguards for Upcoming Protests
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Bank Safeguards:
- Communicate protest details (duration, impact) to the bank.
- Highlight peaceful intentions, mitigate reputational risks (security guards, crisis management).
- Present updated financial projections demonstrating no long-term impact or loan default risk.
- Develop a risk mitigation strategy with contingencies (security, law enforcement).
- Consult lawyers to address trespassing, draft legal procedures.
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Construction Firm Safeguards:
- Ensure emphasis on communication, collaboration, and risk mitigation.
- Address potential project delays & reputational damage in contracts (penalty clauses).
- Map out alternate construction zones unaffected by protests.
- Designate access points, routes, security measures to avoid protest zone.
- Obtain insurance to indemnify construction firm against potential damage.
- Employ security guards and coordinate with law enforcement to maintain order.
- Prevent tampering with equipment (extra security during night). -Outline actions for handling trespassing, disruption (no protestors injury)
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Protestor Safeguards:
- Acknowledge peaceful protest rights.
- Define clear boundaries, restricted areas on site.
- Train security personnel to handle protests peacefully
- Brief law enforcement on peaceful protest handling
- Provide first aid and medical support (access to water, medication).
- Ensure public safety and minimize potential bad publicity.
Debt vs. Equity Finance for Brine Mine Project
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Cost of Capital:
- Debt finance has predictable interest payments.
- Equity finance shares profits with shareholders, dilutes control.
- Opportunity cost of capital: potential return forgone by choosing a different investment.
- Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) considers both equity and debt cost.
- Lowering WACC: increase debt (up to optimal level), debt generally cheaper than equity.
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Project Risk Profile:
- Equity finance: profits shared with shareholders, control reduced.
- Debt finance: default risk, fixed payments regardless of performance.
- Debt finance increases gearing ratio, equity finance decreases gearing ratio.
- Gearing impact calculated given P$50 million debt/equity increases/decreases.
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Control and Ownership:
- Equity: shareholders' shares profits and control.
- Debt: maintains full ownership and control (potential restrictions/covenants).
- Diluting control: providing opportunity for existing shareholders to buy more shares.
- Debt restrictions from covenants (limitations on actions, rules).
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Debt funding considerations:
- Using assets as collateral. Current borrowings already potentially secured.
- Figure out which assets can be used as additional security.
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Recommendation:
- Debt financing preferred (bank loan).
- Gearing ratio increase is small.
- Secured bank loan using assets (property, plant, equipment).
- Tax deductions for loan interest.
- Easier to secure lower interest from bank loan.
- Avoid bonds for lower value, more scrutiny on bonds.
- Short-term bank loan preferred, not long-term bonds.
DLE Plant Opportunity Analysis
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Suitability:
- DLE efficiency: faster lithium extraction (3 months vs 12-18 months).
- Sustainability: reduced water use, carbon emissions (geothermal power).
- Decreased land use, faster time-to-market.
- Medium risk category (new technology with associated challenges and investment).
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Acceptability:
- Local community: DLE reduces water use, addresses concerns.
- Shareholders: higher revenue, profits, and market standing.
- Government: aligns with environmental goals, gain support from local communities.
- Customers: faster supply, price competitive.
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Feasibility:
- Emerging technology: scaling up to commercial level crucial, potential teething problems.
- Investment cost double traditional brine mining (P$100 million).
- Sufficient cash (P$857 million) or loan option (increase gearing).
- Optimize energy consumption of extraction (geothermal energy).
- Environmental benefits depend on geothermal energy (carbon-neutral if achieved).
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Recommendation:
- Proceed with the DLE project cautiously (managing risks).
- Pilot-scale testing, de-risking technology, regulatory approvals.
- Minimizing environmental impact, strategic partnerships.
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Justification:
- Environmental advantages (water, land use, sustainability).
- Cost savings potential (geothermal energy).
- Alignment with strategy (sustainability leadership, EV demand, government relations).
- High financial viability (NPV of P$20 million).
Managing the Relationship with the Drylandian Government
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Government Interests:
- Economic (licensing fees, taxes, exports).
- Environmental (reducing water usage, addressing local concerns).
- Political (election support from local communities).
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Local Engagement:
- Public gatherings to educate on DLE advantages and environmental benefits.
- Involve local leaders and stakeholders, highlighting economic benefits.
- Present water conservation plans (recycling, partnerships).
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Strengthening Government Ties:
- Connect projects with government campaign promises.
- Small, pilot project proposal, demonstrating commitment and easing concerns.
- Highlight alignment with national goals (renewable energy, net-zero emissions).
- Benefit from long-term considerations (technology improvements, global market position).
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Political Sensitivities:
- Build relationships with diverse political groups, not just the current government.
JV Corporate Governance Requirements
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Non-Executive Directors (NEDs):
- Independent oversight (strategy, risk, performance).
- Risk management (new technology, regulations, operations).
- Strategic direction (long-term sustainability, shareholder value).
- Stakeholder interest (investors, employees, communities, regulators).
- Performance monitoring (aligning with goals and objectives).
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NED Independence:
- No material relationship with JV partners (no conflicts of interest).
- Focus on independent oversight, not daily management.
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Conflict Resolution:
- Clear plan (mediation, arbitration) to resolve disputes between JV partners.
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Governance Practices Review:
- Board evaluation at least annually (assessing NED performance, governance practices).
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More Considerations:
- NED expertise (mining, technology, geothermal, environment).
- International experience.
- Board diversity, transparency, shareholder engagement.
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Committees:
- Audit, Nomination, Remuneration committees.
- NEDs appointed chairpersons for impartial oversight.
Local JV Company and Political Risks
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Political Risks:
- Local partner insight into country's rules, politics, legal challenges.
- Understanding political shifts, policies, and regulations.
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DLE License:
- Access to networks with government officials, regulators, and communities.
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Risk Sharing:
- Local partner mitigates risks associated with political instability.
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Funding:
- Access to local funding options, government aid, or loans.
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Exchange Rate & Currency Risks:
- Local partner expertise in managing currency fluctuations.
Sustainability Training
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Issue:
- Production director concerns about training cost and disruption (HR director favoring training).
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Downside:
- Training costs estimated at P$325,000 (training and disruption).
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Advantages:
- Alignment with company mission (clean, healthy, sustainable world).
- Enhanced reputation, regulatory compliance.
- Engaging employees in long-term sustainability goals.
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Recommendation:
- Sustainability training justifiable (training costs relatively small).
- Maintaining positive company image crucial for license.
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Description
This quiz explores various aspects of risk management related to protests, including concerns of banks, legal implications, and the importance of training. Participants will also examine safeguards that can support community protestors and the financial considerations involved. Test your knowledge on strategies and costs associated with organizing protests effectively.