Tests confirm oil and gas discovery in Muzarabani

**Mines and Mining Development Minister, Sosa Zhemu**

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Zimbabwe has discovered not only natural gas but also light oil condensate, helium, and hydrogen in its ongoing exploration project at the Mukuyu-2 well in Muzarabani District, according to Mines and Mining Development Minister, Soda Zhemu.

The Minister confirmed the development while addressing journalists in Harare on Monday.

This news comes after previous announcements of gas discoveries in the well, with the latest results confirming the presence of high-quality natural gas with minimal impurities and light oil, ideal for producing diesel, petrol, and jet fuel. Notably, the discovery also includes helium and hydrogen, adding further value to the find.

Minister Soda emphasised the government’s commitment to keeping the nation informed throughout the exploration process and highlighted the “incredible potential” of the Mukuyu field, now confirmed through extensive analysis.

“Today, I wish to give as Breaking News the fact that results obtained recently from the laboratory analysis conducted do indeed confirm presence of not only natural gas, but also presence of light oil condensate as well as helium and hydrogen in the Mukuyu deposit as per the detailed attachment marked MUKUYU SAMPLE ANALYSIS RESULTS.

“The results are that the natural gas is of high quality with minimal impurities and that there is no hydrogen sulphide in the samples (which is an undesirable constituent in oil and gas). Above all, the oil discovered falls into the light oil classification. This is the oil classification that produces diesel, petrol as well as jet A1.

“The presence of helium and hydrogen that has also been confirmed becomes a welcome bonus from the Mukuyu deposit," the Minister noted.

He congratulated Geo Associates, Invictus Energy, and One Gas Resources, the companies leading the exploration project, and urged them to proceed with their plans for commercialisation and monetisation of the discovered resources.

This discovery is seen as a significant step towards establishing Zimbabwe as a player in the oil and gas industry, with the potential for substantial economic benefits and the creation of a valuable value chain.

The Minister further conveyed his congratulations to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the entire nation on the successful exploration, emphasising how it contributes to the realisation of the country’s Vision 2030 goals.

“The Ministry would like to congratulate His Excellency the President Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa and the Nation of Zimbabwe on this successful oil and gas exploration and the excellent results thereof. With such developments, Vision 2030 is becoming a reality,” he added.