South Sea Saltmines
South Sea Saltmines LTD, commonly known as 3S LTD, is a mining company based in Eldhavet, known for exporting a variety of products such as salt and asbestos, and as the site of a revival in the Esoteric Order of Cxebru. It is unknown as to why the company is named after the south sea despite not operating at all in that region. 3S LTD is the parent company of weekly salt magazine "Salt news NOW".
The company have come under fire for poor employee treatment, suspicious deaths, cultist activity, discrimination, smuggling, conflicts of interest, monopoly, gorilla marketing, insurance scams, disloyalty, supplying funds to terrorist groups, urinating on products, tax fraud and tasteless marketing, as well as the fact asbestos (a major export of 3S LTD) has been linked to long term health issues.
Structure and founding
3S LTD formed with the announcement of the opening of what is now mine site A and quickly gained contracts from various nations to supply salt. The founding and current CEO of 3S LTD is Thumb Yolke who has been criticised for his role as high priest of the Esoteric order of Cxebru.
The board appears to consist of 5 members:
- David Bowie, head of communications.
- Mavis Doughey, former manager of expectations. (Replaced by Harold E. Coolio).
- Tim Timbo, head of logistics.
- John Wallace, economic advisory squadron.
- Janet Raining, employee maintenance.
Despite initial doubts, the board are real people, however as to if they are using their real names is unknown so far.
Sites
The main site and headquarters of 3S LTD is what is known as "Mine site A", located directly south of the Duchy of Yorktown. Although no official claim has been placed on the island 3S LTD defend the site with armed guards.
Supposedly 3S LTD operate a "mine site B" but no record of transit to and from it have ever been found, it is likely the company operate only one mine. 3S LTD recently announced the opening of mine site B in West-Fryslân.
3S LTD also have an office in Yorktown which is used for administration work, however employees seem unwilling to let visitors into the office's basement.
Products
Initially 3S LTD only mined salt, however due to the vast quantities of asbestos mined they now sell various forms of insulation for industries.
For consumers 3S LTD sell flavoured rockwool, as well as a suite of health insurance policies relating to lung diseases.
International Relations
3S LTD has attracted both praise and criticism from the international community, being banned in several regions.
Fire Nation
3S LTD does not trade with the majority of the Fire Nation, the exact reasons are unknown but it is suspected that the esoteric order of Cxebru, and by extent 3S LTD, are concerned about provoking the government of the nation.
Yorktown
3S LTD currently own a ship purchased from the decommissioned Yorktown fleet, as of recent they have offered trade to both republicans and the Duchy likely causing tension between the two parties.
3S LTD were rejected from a shipping deal with the IMMC due to air nation objections.
Even newer Mexico
Ahead of the trend as always, the wise Baron Bigby Branson of Even Newer Mexico was one of the first to accuse 3S LTD of shady practices, revealing that the company may lace their product with urine.
Thumb Yolke visited the cocks of victory and was notably impressed.
Contracts
By far the largest purchaser of 3S LTD products is Fryslân, with Thumb Yolke owning shares in the Fryslân corporation. Mine site B is currently being operated in West-Fryslân.
3S LTD also trade with Cassland.
Prohibition
Due to rising concerns around 3S LTD and the esoteric order of Cxebru, the south temple district of the air nation terminated trade with the company.
After announcing a religious screening policy the rest of the air nation ceased trade with 3S LTD, terminating all contracts. The company is yet to comment.
Following the opening of mine site B in West-Fryslân, the Earth Kingdom prohibited 3S LTD products due to "fraternization with Fryslân Corp".
3S LTD currently trade in the tribe, however with the recent crackdown on the esoteric order of Cxebru it is unknown how much longer this will continue.
Safety concerns
Concerns were raised shortly after the opening of the first blast pit, as of writing 49 workers have reported to have died in the mine. Fabien Chungo was reported to have fell within mine site A, the inquest concluded the death was not suspicious and "Fabien was not pushed intentionally". Former manager of expectations Mavis Doughey died in a similar fashion.
Alleged ties to the Esoteric Order of Cxebru
Since it's foundation the company have been tied to the rise of the esoteric order of Cxebru, critics cite trade patterns and link them to regions of the order's growth. It is also noted that 3S LTD do not turn over enough of a reported profit to expand as fast as they do.