Knowing the earth  Keith Regan learns from the project managers representing the Clark Construction/Balfour Beatty joint venture overseeing construction how getting a sprawling, multi-faceted project done in less than four years has required a new level of teamwork.  The National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) may be one of the least visible of the agencies that help protect national security, but its mission to ÔÇ£know the earth and show the wayÔÇØ makes it a key partner to other intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense.

What goes around For 18 years, Carousel Industries has continued to grow and thrive despite downturns in the economy. One of the reasons for this continued success could be the companyÔÇÖs philosophy of listening carefully to what customers really need. Iris Seymour reports. Like so many other American success stories that started with very humble beginnings, this one began with just two determined young men, one truck and one customer. That was back in 1992, when Jeff Gardner and a partner launched Carousel Industries, Inc. in Exeter, Rhode Island.

Pedal to the metals Canada Zinc Metals has a very desirable piece of property thatÔÇöwith access to road, rail, shipping and power all in the general areaÔÇöit hopes to develop into a productive and profitable zinc-lead mine, David Hendricks discovers. Vancouver-based Canada Zinc Metals is a tier one mineral resource exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX.V: CZX).

Merck, the German pharmaceuticals and chemicals company, has agreed to buy the Massachusetts-based laboratory supplies maker Millipore for $7.2 billion including net debt.

Magnetising the world
Piet Veenema, CEO of Kendrion, and Bernd Gundelsweiler, business unit manager of the companyÔÇÖs Passenger Car Systems division, talk to Jayne Flannery about what it takes to make an impact in the world of electromagnetic components.
In the rarefied world of electromagnetics, Kendrion is a name that stands out. The company is recognised as one of the worldÔÇÖs leading manufacturers of electromagnetic components. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company has more than 1,000 employees.

The next generation
The worldÔÇÖs largest dry-cooled power stationÔÇöthe largest power station in AfricaÔÇöis under construction near Lephalale in South Africa. It will not only boost power production by 4,800 megawatts but will also play an important role in job creation in the region. Project manager Roman Crookes talks to Gay Sutton about the project.

Core of the business
Enrico Barbaglia, vice president of Mining in Southern Africa with energy solutions provider AREVA, talks to Jayne Flannery about the challenges of the business.
AREVA is the worldÔÇÖs largest uranium producer. It has a market share of about 15 per cent and is active in four out of the worldÔÇÖs five richest uranium producing countries. The extensive mining interests of AREVA cover exploration, extraction and the processing of uranium ore; and the reclamation of sites after production has finished.

Science and serendipity
Opportunities often come about by chance but making the most of what lands at your feet is a matter of good management, as Alan Swaby learns.

Sharing the wealth
Vale, the worldÔÇÖs second largest mining company, will be opening a new coal mine in Mozambique next year. Ben Sansom lifts the veil on corporate social responsibility and discovers the efforts Vale is making to ensure the benefits percolate through to the local community.

On the Pulse of safety
For Technip Germany, success has been earned through dedication, vision and an industry-leading approach to safety that continues to gather momentum. Becky Done talks to CEO Mesut Sahin to find out more.
Technip Germany is part of the Paris-based Technip Group, a world leader in engineering, technologies, construction and project management for the oil and gas industry.