Zambian leader launches oil exploration works

Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-11 23:57:49|Editor: huaxia
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LUSAKA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Friday launched oil exploration work in the northern part of the country, saying the discovery of oil will be a game changer in the running of the country's economy.

The Zambian leader, in remarks delivered when he launched the start of oil exploration by Tullow Zambia BV, a joint venture of a British firm and local company in Kasama town, the provincial capital of the Northern Province, said he will not tolerate any shortcuts during the exploration works.

He further urged the firm to follow the laid down environmental procedures when implementing the projects, according to state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

Meanwhile, the firm expressed optimism that it will find oil deposits in the areas where it will be conducting exploration works.

Ian Cloke, the firm's executive vice-president said the optimism was based on the data that the company has analyzed so far.

The exploration exercise will take about four years to be completed, he added.

The firm, he said, has vast experience in oil exploration having carried out similar projects in Uganda, Ghana and Kenya.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Christopher Yaluma has since warned that the government will revoke oil exploration licenses for companies that will not make progress in their blocks.

He said exploration licenses have been awarded to various companies across the country. Enditem

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