Industry and Commerce Minister, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, has said that top US firm, General Electric, and some local firms were intending to explore gas deposits in Zimbabwe.
Coalbed methane or natural gas is reported to be found in the Matabeleland North province, mainly in Hwange-Binga-Lupane area as well as the south-east Lowveld areas including Chiredzi.
During the launch of the Zimbabwe National Industrial Policy last week, Ndlovu said:
That is a Ministry of Mines issue but just to highlight the issues that happened when were in Mozambique . . . we thought it was important that we do full exploration on our LPG (liquefied petroleum) gas so that we know the resource which we have and this will better guide Government as we negotiate for any investments that are coming through.
There was an indication that GE (General Electric) will take interest, but we also have local players who are indicating that they could assist us with that.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, GC executive director Ms Lerato Molebatsi said that General Electric will be in Zimbabwe in July for meetings with various ministries on several projects that have been put on the table.
Molebatsi also said that it was too early to talk about specific projects as discussions were still ongoing with several government ministries.
GC is involved in energy, rail services, aviation and healthcare sectors. The US firm has been awarded the tender for the US$4,2 billion Batoka Hydropower Plant being undertaken by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
More: The Herald
Not as good as going local (when we have capable locals) but better than looking East