In a significant development in the Muzarabani-Mbire district of Zimbabwe, the government has officially confirmed the discovery of light oil through oil and gas exploration efforts. This promising outcome not only holds economic implications but also aligns with market demands.
The breakthrough was announced by Hon Zhemu Soda, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, during a press conference held on Monday. The exploration, spearheaded by Geo Associates in collaboration with partners Invictus Energy and One Gas Resource at the Mukuyu-2 exploration well, has not only identified natural gas but also unveiled the presence of light oil, helium, and hydrogen.
Minister Soda highlighted the favorable qualities of the natural gas, emphasizing its high quality with minimal impurities and the absence of hydrogen sulphide—an undesirable element in oil and gas. Of particular significance is the classification of the discovered oil as “light oil,” a type that commands higher prices, demands less refinery purification, and yields a higher percentage of diesel and gasoline, including jet A1.The revelation of helium and hydrogen further adds to the positive outcomes from the Mukuyu deposit, presenting additional opportunities for exploration and utilization.
According to Minister Soda, reserve fluid samples analyzed by Invictus Energy indicate an estimated 14-22 barrels of condensate/light oil for every one million standard cubic feet of gas. The natural gas exhibits high quality, with minimal impurities and low levels of hydrogen sulphide and CO2.
Scott McMillan, the Managing Director of Invictus Energy, shared additional insights, confirming the presence of light oil and gas condensate yields ranging from 30-135 barrels/MMscf in the Mukuyu-1 mud gas analysis results. This underscores the potential for significant economic and energy-related benefits stemming from the successful oil and gas exploration in the region.
