LUSAKA, (PNA/Xinhua) — The Zambian government says it will issue 10 new oil exploration licenses as it targets 2017 for its first oil or natural gas well, the Post of Zambia reported on Tuesday.
Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Victor Mutambo said the government wanted to expedite exploration works and has since restricted exploration to experienced companies following the failure by companies that got the licenses to make progress.
“We had advertised for 31 blocks in the country and we received very good response from international companies that are engaged in oil and gas exploration. Following that evaluation the petroleum committee has since picked on successful bidders and so where we are now, those successful bidders will formally apply to the ministry and thereafter, within the next two to three weeks, we will be announcing formally successful bidders,” he was quoted as saying by the paper.