Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) 29 Geological blocks allocated in for oil exploration

29 Geological blocks allocated in for oil exploration
November 19, 2008

Parliament heard today that 29 geological blocks in Chama and Lundazi districts in Eastern province have so far been demarcated for prospective oil explorations.

Mines and Mineral Development Minister Maxwell Mwale told parliament that his ministry has invited exploration companies to bid for the oil and gases that show positive indications of the mineral resource in the province.

Mr. Mwale, who is also Malambo Member of Parliament (MP) told the house that 153 soil samples were collected in Chama while 211 others were collected in Lundazi to determine the quantity and availability of the two minerals.

He said to this effect, government has replaced the Mineral Act of 1985 to favour more prospectors to freely conduct mining activities in the country.

The Minister said that three other provinces namely North-western, Luapula and Western have shown signs of oil and gas while Southern province has prospects for gold. He said exploration works would soon commerce in the said provinces.

Mr. Mwale was responding to a question by Nyimba MP Forrie Tembo who wanted to find out the latest oil and gas exploration in Chama and Lundazi districts by government.

Bwangweulu Patriotic Front (PF) MP Joseph Kasongo asked the government as to when it would start exploring the gold deposits in his constituency.

Mr. Mwale assured that the exploration of oil and gases is an on-going and that government has since embarked on land demarcation exercise to potential prospecting firms.

ZANIS/KC/ENDS/MM

Categories: Economy

Labels: ENERGY, MAXWELL MWALE, MINING, OIL

posted by MrK @ 9:57 AM