Zimbabwe Commences Extraction of CBM

Zimbabwe has begun extracting coal bed methane gas in the Lupane-Lubimbi area, country’s Mines and Mining Development minister Walter Chidhakwa said Wednesday.

Chidhakwa made the announcement when he officially opened Mine Entra in Bulawayo, reported Zimbabwe Mail, a local newspaper.

The minister said that lot of drilling would be required as the gas went as deep as 850 metres.

“A lot of drilling will be required.  It’s a major investment development for Matabeleland North and Zimbabwe,” he said.

Besides being utilised for power generation, the gas would also be used to produce various chemicals and liquids, Zimbabwe Mail quoted the minister as saying.

The project is being spearheaded by a government owned company, Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, which has two coal-bed methane concession in the Lupane-Lubimbi area.