Transformation of Moatize coal waste may reduce fuel imports

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Transformation of Moatize coal waste may reduce fuel imports

11:29 CAT | 09 Mar 2017

Voa (File photo)

At a time when the country is having difficulty importing sufficient fuel, the Pedagogical University (UP) on Tuesday brought together experts, teachers and students to discuss solutions tailored specifically to Mozambique.

The experts proposed the transformation of coal waste from mines in Moatize into fuel. In addition to reducing environmental pollution, this initiative would lower imports and create jobs.

“The oil refinery project will give us clean diesel fuel close to home. It will save the government US$60 million a year, and the fuel will be sold to the state in meticais, not in dollars, which is a great advantage. During the life of the project, the government could save US$6 billion and generate nine thousand direct or indirect jobs in Tete and Beira,” Hugh Brown said.

Former Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy John Kashamila was one of the key speakers at the event and recalled that 25 years ago he had participated in the design of the projects. He argued that the initiatives could be successful and would have the advantage of being supported by the private sector.

“I believe in the success of these projects, and that the government will evaluate them correctly. It will not be one of those initiatives that goes nowhere,” Kachamila said.

Rector of the Pedagogical University Jorge Ferrão committed the university to creating more opportunities to discuss the matter.

“We were there to talk and we got to talk about the possibility of funding master’s degree programmes and doctorates to give the country the capacity to respond to the challenges,” he said.

The seminar also addressed policy framework, investments in the oil and gas industry and their benefits to the population.

Source: O País