The ministry of mines and minerals development said in a statement the government was looking for companies to explore in 23 demarcated blocks in the North-Western, Western, Southern, Eastern, Northern and Luapula provinces.
“The bidder must be able to demonstrate a proven ability to raise the necessary funds, assets, machinery, equipment, tolls and technical expertise to explore for petroleum in an environmentally friendly manner,” it said, adding bidding would close at the end of June 2010.
Zambia last month selected seven of eight foreign and local firms that submitted bids to explore for oil in the first round of bidding in three provinces.
Britain’s GP Petroleum and Petrodel Resources, Glint Energy of the United States and Exile Resources (ERI.V: Quote) of Canada were chosen along with Zambian firms Majetu, Barotse Petroleum Company and Chat Milling Company Ltd.
Zambia, which relies on copper mining for most of its foreign exchange earnings, does not produce oil, but the government says soil samples sent to European laboratories have shown good traces of oil, particularly in areas bordering oil-producing Angola. (Reporting By Chris Mfula; editing by Sue Thomas)
Reuters
which blocks have been given and which ones are still remaining?
Good to note that you are now using reuters stories. You have stopped paste and copying zanis only? You seem to be panicking and therefore losing focus
Is this real or just some media hoax.Iam tired of this oil stuff.It began when LPM up to now more bidding but nothing has materialised.
Sharp shooter. These big projects take time. There is massive money required for explorations and therefore it takes time. Worst still Zambia is still tackling the issues of private versus public ownership. Laws and gudeline are not in place. Then of coiurse not every Jim and Jack can do exploration.
Interesting to see Chat Milling Company.They are moving from making “Chat” opaque beer to crude oil exploration.”Chat” brown is very potent stuff.
I would like to find out what is happening to those blocks that our government gave first?Is there any development?