Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
INVICTUS Energy has received Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) approval from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), paving the way for the commercialisation of gas resources in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
In late 2023, Invictus Energy’s Mukuyu drilling campaign discovered two gas deposits in the Lower and Upper Angwa formations of its prospective areas.
The discovery was ranked the second largest oil and gas discovery in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 by Wood Mackenzie, a leading global data and analytics solutions provider for renewables, energy and natural resources.
The Mukuyu discovery is estimated to contain 1,3 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas.
The discovery of gas in Zimbabwe could make the country a major future producer of gas, which could lead to economic benefits such as energy security, job creation, and faster economic growth.
It would also help address the country’s acute energy deficit, which State power utility Zesa Holdings manages through power rationing lasting several hours a day.
In its latest update, the Australian firm indicated plans to finalize pilot production, obtain necessary permits, and engage with potential offtake partners.
Pilot production will encompass the Eureka Gold Mine Gas-to-Power Project, gas extraction, liquefaction, and transport from the Mukuyu gas field, as well as future extractions from Special Grant 4571 and Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs) Invictus managing director, Mr Scott Macmillan, said they remain committed to unlocking Zimbabwe’s gas potential and delivering long-term value to shareholders and the broader region.
“The ESIA approval is a critical milestone for Invictus, and paves the way for the future development of the Mukuyu gas field and broader exploration license areas,” he said.
“We will now finalise pilot production planning, secure all necessary permits, and advance discussions with additional potential offtake partners.”
The approval enables the commencement of pilot production activities, including the Eureka Gold Mine Gas-to-Power Project.
The ESIA approval also reinforces Invictus Energy’s commitment to responsible and sustainable resource development, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and social governance (ESG) standards while advancing Zimbabwe’s domestic energy security.
Preliminary feasibility study insights into the Eureka Gold Mine gas-to-power project indicate a high look-through gas price for gas-fired power based on current grid tariff rates.
This underscores the economic viability of the Mukuyu gas field as a strategic energy source for power generation in Zimbabwe and the broader region.
The project is being developed in collaboration with Dallaglio (owner of Eureka Mine) and Himoinsa SA (onsite power generation provider to Eureka), leveraging Mukuyu’s gas resources to supply reliable and cost-effective power to the mine.
Invictus and Himoinsa SA have been actively engaging with various technology providers for gas processing, liquefaction, and logistics solutions to feed into the feasibility study, which is progressing in tandem.
These engagements, the firm said are aimed at identifying optimal technologies to maximise efficiency and commercial viability for the pilot production phase and subsequent large-scale development.
Online Reporter