Gov’t to meet Vangold over oil exploration

Officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure are set to enter talks with the representatives of   Vangold Resources Ltd, a company contracted to carry out oil explorations in Western Province.

Friday, February 26, 2010
Energy State Minister Collette Ruhamya Uwineza

Officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure are set to enter talks with the representatives of   Vangold Resources Ltd, a company contracted to carry out oil explorations in Western Province.

The Canadian company has been working on a vital environmental impact assessment study on Kivu Graben, parts of Nyungwe and Gishwati forests as well as Lake Kivu.

Speaking to The New Times, the State Minister for Energy, Collette Uwineza Ruhamya, said the forthcoming meeting will provide direction on the project. 

"We have planned a meeting with Vangold on Monday to discuss about the future work progress. In this meeting, we will see what proposals they will be giving us,” Ruhamya said

"You know they have been conducting an environmental impact assessment study.”

Two areas suspected to contain reserves had already been identified last year. Towards end September, Government announced it was taking precautionary measures not to be rushed into striking a deal on the exploration concessions given to Vangold.

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