Lupane Methane Gas Project Scheduled for Q2 Launch: International Edition
The LUPANE Methane Gas (LMG) Project chairman, Thabani Hove, has disclosed that operations are slated to commence during the second quarter of this year.
Hove informed Southern Eye that LMG was securing funding for the initiative while wrapping up negotiations with potential investors to kick off the project.
"We continue to secure funding for the Siwale LMG project. Additionally, we are engaged in discussions regarding this initiative. Our aim is to commence operations during the year’s second quarter," he stated.
Hove has declined to reveal the budget for the project.
"The investors mentioned that they are not ready to disclose details about the budget. However, all I can indicate is that negotiations regarding the project are ongoing," he stated.
The Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo, stated that he lacked substantial details regarding the project.
"What I do know is that they're still searching for investors. I haven’t received many specifics about this, but I plan to contact the Ministry of Mines to gather more detailed information regarding the project," he stated.
The Lupane Methane Gas Project in Kusile Rural District’s Siwale Ward 1 has been under consideration for many years without attracting any investors willing to commit to the initiative.
Capable of producing 5MW in the initial two years with plans to scale up to 15MW subsequently, this initiative holds the potential to boost the gross domestic product of Matabeleland North’s provincial capital and stimulate overall growth within the entire province.
Zimbabwe is believed to have approximately 40 trillion cubic feet of extractable natural gas in the Lupane-Lubimbi region, which likely makes it the biggest reserve in southern Africa.
Sources indicate that various firms were awarded grants by the government to explore for methane gas in the region but without success.
Among these are Tumagole from South Africa, Sakunda Holdings, and Shangani Energy Exploration, which is controlled by the Chinese steel corporation Sinosteel.
The highly anticipated project might finally get underway as investor Lubimbi Power and Gas has arrived at the site to engage with local leaders, leading to a traditional ceremony.
It is reported that the firm, thought to be collaborating with Discovery—a recipient of a specific permit for the region—is nearing completion of the environmental impact study, which is claimed to be more than 90% finished.