Harare, (New Ziana) — Alabara Resources has completed Phase 1 of confirmatory drilling at its Lupane Gas Project in Matabeleland North Province, marking a major step forward in Zimbabwe’s efforts to harness its vast methane gas reserves for energy production and clean fuel solutions, the Government said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Government said the company reached a drilling depth of 700 metres during the first phase and is now transitioning to Phase 2, which focuses on mine development and infrastructure setup for gas extraction and processing.

Located in the Lupane-Lubimbi gas belt, the project covers a vast 110,000-hectare concession area. Geological surveys estimate that the region holds up to 40 trillion cubic feet of potentially recoverable gas, one of the largest known deposits in Southern Africa.

Once operational, Government said the Lupane Gas Project is expected to generate power through a gas-fired plant, bolstering Zimbabwe’s electricity supply and contributing to industrial growth in the region. The initiative also includes plans to produce vehicle fuel-grade gas, offering a cleaner and more sustainable energy alternative for transportation.

As part of its commitment to capacity building, Alabara Resources has established a gas laboratory at Lupane State University, aimed at promoting research, innovation, and skills development in gas exploration and processing, said the Government.

The Lupane Gas Project is part of a broader national initiative to unlock Zimbabwe’s energy potential, with other players such as Tumagole and Shangani Energy Exploration also investing in methane gas exploration in the region.

With successful execution, the project is expected to significantly reduce Zimbabwe’s energy import bill, create employment, and position the country as a regional hub for gas-based power and fuel production.

New Ziana