Mines and Minerals Development, Deputy Minister, Boniface Nkhata, says studies conducted by the Geological Survey Department in 2007 have indicated some positive signs of oil deposits in Luapula Province.
Mr. Nkhata told Parliamernt yesterday that the districts identified as showing signs of oil deposits include Samfya, Kawambwa, and Kaputa.
He said government will soon advertise for bids during the next bidding period that should be closed by mid 2010.
Mr. Nkhata was responding to Chifunabuli Member of Parliament (MP) Ernest Mwansa who wanted to know the progress made in the oil prospecting exercise in Luapula Province.
Mr Mwansa also wanted to know the number of the districts that are earmarked for oil prospecting.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nkhata said Nchanga Smelter lost US$ 25 million after it was gutted by fire in April 2009.
He said US$ 20 million was from production losses while the remainder was used to repair the smelter which was damaged by some molten materials.
He has however disclosed that management at the company has since put up strict measures to avoid the occurrence of a similar incident in future.
The Deputy Minster was responding to a question from Kanchibiya MP Davis Mwango who wanted to know the total financial loss Nchanga smelter incurred in 2008 following its closure after being gutted.
ZANIS
If there was truelly oil in Zed wouldnt ie be news even on BBC, CNN and Sky News. Fwabufi ifi
Its not the first time we’re hearing this. First it was uranium, gold & diamonds.
They can be signs of rain in the sky, but that does not mean it will rain!
According to my geographic survey, there’s stones in chawama, water in kanyama and high grade chamba in chibolya.
And there is S.H.I.T in my backyard. Who cares?
Loads of crap!!!!!!!!!!! Oil, here, bull sh.it there. What’s next? Ruphianium?