Invictus gets ESIA nod for gas project in Muzarabani

The country’s quest to become a major producer of gas, a key source of energy, is progressing well after Invictus Energy received approvals for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of its gas project in the north of Zimbabwe, allowing it to commence pilot production and commercialise the commodity.

Invictus said the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) approved the ESIA for the oil and gas project in Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa Basin.

Pilot production activities include the Eureka Gold Mine gas-to-power project and incorporates gas extraction, liquefaction, and transport from the Mukuyu gas field, as well as future extraction operations across Special Grant 4571 (SG 4571) and Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs) 1848 and 1849.

The Australia Stock Exchange listed company is yet to commence exploration drilling on many other targets in the vast licensed areas, including in the Mukuyu field, where the two discoveries were made.

Invictus’ oil/gas project in the Cabora Bassa Basin, Mashonaland Central Province, could be a game-changer in Zimbabwe’s quest to become energy self-sufficient, given the potential for cleaner energy production.

This comes after, in December 2023, Invictus announced the discovery of condensate gas (a form of light oil) in the Upper Angwa and Lower Angwa formations of its Mukuyu fields.

The discovery saw the company signing agreements for developing gas to power facilities, including the agreement signed with Eureka Gold Mine.

The success of the gas-to-power project for Eureka could set the stage for scaling up gas power production to also supply into the national grid, given the acute shortage of power in the country.

Zimbabwe is currently generating an average of 1 400 megawatts (MW) against a peak demand of about 2000MW. The deficit is managed through imports and disruptive power rationing.

Invictus is also looking to invest in power generation capacity to supply the Sadc region, which is also facing an acute power deficit.

Aged equipment and water challenges Hwange Power and Kariba power stations, respectively, have conspired to worsen Zimbabwe’s throttling power supply challenges.

Invictus’ gas-to-power initiative may just be the game changer Zimbabwe has been waiting for, given the significant potential to add to the 230 million barrels oil equivalent (mmboe) and 1,3 trillion cubic feet of gas from the two wells drilled thus far in the 200 square kilometre Mukuyu structure.

While Invictus is looking to immediately develop gas to power facilities, the gas can also be processed into petroleum, which can produce several other valuable by-products.

Analysis of downhole gas samples retrieved to the surface revealed high-quality gas condensate with minimal impurities, ideal for low-cost processing.

“The approval provides a clear pathway for the commercialisation of gas resources from the Cabora Bassa Basin,” Invictus said in a statement today.

Invictus managing director, Scott MacMillan, said his company remained committed to unlocking Zimbabwe’s gas potential and delivering long-term value to shareholders and the broader region.

“I look forward to providing further updates as we advance these pilot production activities. The ESIA approval is a critical milestone for Invictus and paves the way for the future development of the Mukuyu gas field and broader exploration license areas.

“We will now finalise pilot production planning, secure all necessary permits and advance discussions with additional potential offtake partners,” MacMillan.

According to Invictus, the ESIA approval is a pivotal step towards the commencement of pilot production activities, including the Eureka Gold Mine Gas-to-Power Project.

The project is being developed in collaboration with Dallaglio (owner of Eureka Mine) and Himoinsa SA (onsite power generation provider to Eureka), leveraging Mukuyu’s gas resources to supply reliable and cost-effective power to the mine.

Invictus and Himoinsa SA have been actively engaging with various technology providers for gas processing, liquefaction and logistics solutions to feed into the feasibility study, which is progressing in tandem.

The engagements are designed to identify optimal technologies to maximise efficiency and commercial viability for the pilot production phase and subsequent large-scale development.

The ESIA expands on the initial 2019 assessment, which was one of the most extensive environmental studies ever undertaken in Zimbabwe.

The 2019 study included rigorous field surveys and baseline measurements across multiple disciplines, including hydrology, ecology, environmental and archaeological assessments, hydrogeological and soil surveys, as well as socioeconomic and community consultations.

Key stakeholders engaged during the assessment process included local leaders, relevant government ministries, and Government extension offices.

“The ESIA approval reinforces Invictus Energy’s commitment to responsible and sustainable resource development, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and social governance (ESG) standards while advancing Zimbabwe’s domestic energy security,” Invictus said.-ebsinessweekl