EMA greenlights Invictus Energy Mukuyu-2 well exploration

By Reason Razao

Zimbabwe Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has approved Invictus Energy’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) paving way for the commencement of Mukuyu-2 well exploration.

The project is the first oil mining expedition in Zimbabwe.

Invictus is an independent upstream oil and gas company headquartered and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with offices in Harare.

Recently, Invictus confirmed the presence of light oil, gas condensate and helium at its Cabora Bassa adding that the mud gas analysis from theMukuyu-1 well drilled last year had proved the presence of hydrocarbons in multiple reservoir pay zones.

The renewal of the Environmental Management Plan concludes permitting requirements and enables the company to undertake activities in the field including seismic acquisition and exploration drilling for the CB23 Seismic Survey and Mukuyu-2 well.

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The EIA assessment included field surveys and baseline measurements of hydrology, ecology, environmental, archaeological, hydrogeological, soil surveys and socioeconomic and community consultations of the key project stakeholders, local leaders, relevant government ministries and government extension offices.

In a statement the energy utility company expressed elation over EMA’s license renewal.

“The Company is very pleased to have the Environmental Impact Assessment and our Environmental Management Plan renewed by EMA.

“The EIA survey has been one of the most comprehensive surveys undertaken for a natural resources project in the country and we thank them for their thorough and professional work,” said Invictus Energy Managing Director Scott MacMillan.

“It clears the way for our upcoming 2D seismic campaign and drilling of the Mukuyu-2 well, allowing us to follow up our initial exploration work at Mukuyu-1, which confirmed a working hydrocarbon system in the Cabora Bassa Basin and the presence of light oil, gas-condensate and helium.”

MacMillan added that exploration of the Mukuyu-2 well will further benefit communities in the Mbire and Muzarabani districts.

“Our Community Liaison Officers and team members on the ground have maintained open dialog with the local community, both during the CB21 seismic campaign and the drilling of Mukuyu-1/ST1, and I am pleased our upcoming work program continues to have the full support of the communities in which we operate.

“We are also pleased to have our CSR program recognised for the impact it is having in local communities and success at Mukuyu-2 will enable us to expand our program further. Our shared prosperity approach with our shareholders, host governments and local communities strives to ensure all stakeholders benefit from finding, developing and producing natural Resources,” he said.