Invictus Energy has discovered gas in Zimbabwe, raising hopes for the landlocked southern African nation that it could become a producer. The Australian-based company said four samples from a well in the north had shown the presence of gas in a country that has suffered severe power shortages and endured years of economic hardship.

The discovery represents one of the most significant developments in the onshore southern Africa oil and gas industry for decades. The gas field is in the Cabora Bassa Basin in Muzarabani District, close to the border with Mozambique, which is home to large confirmed gas deposits.  Invictus will drill more wells at the Cabora Bassa project to find how much gas there is there and production could be years away. Viable gas for energy generation could help relieve the power shortages that have caused big disruptions for major miners operating in the country.

Hydrocarbon samples were recovered to the surface from gas containing zones and were sent for laboratory sampling to confirm the exact hydrocarbon composition. Condensate gases will be used for power generation, manufacturing of products such as petrol (gasoline), jet fuel and heating fuels. Some condensates particularly those with a high paraffin content are used for the manufacturing of ethylene (feedstock for polymers and industrial chemicals).

The discovery of gas presents limitless economic opportunities for Zimbabwe including energy security, increase export earnings, job creation, alternative source of government revenue, faster economic growth and develop several downstream industries among others. The discovery is seen as a potential game changer for Zimbabwe’s economic growth and opportunities for further investment in the exploration for hydrocarbons in Zimbabwe as well as creating job opportunities for local community.