By Derick tsimba

Cabinet has approved the development of energy from mineral resources, in a move that should see the country moving on to export electricity and fuel by 2024 and 2030 respectively.

Cabinet stated that the development of energy from mineral resources is going to ensure that Zimbabwe emerges as the net exporter of electricity by 2024 and of fuel by 2030.

“Cabinet considered and approved the Programme for the Development of Energy from Mineral Resources, which was presented by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. The Programme’s major objective is to ensure that Zimbabwe emerges as a net exporter of electricity by 2024 and of fuel by 2030.

“This will principally be achieved through the extraction of coal-bed methane (CBM) for power generation; production of liquid fuel from coal; generation of electricity from coal; and the development of oil and gas potential in the Muzarabani, Gonarezhou and Manicaland areas,” said Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.

She said a commission was going to be set up to oversee the development of energy from minerals.

“To facilitate attainment of the programme, some measures will be instituted to, among other things, provide for the separation of the ownership of coal and CBM extraction concessions, as well as incorporation of specific tertiary education programmes that promote the development of the energy sector. A Commission shall be set up to oversee the formulation of the Programme for the Development of Energy from Mineral Resources,” said the minister.