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The Mozambican government has revealed a new natural gas discovery in Inhambane, reinforcing the country’s potential in the energy sector. Although the commercial viability of the reserve still needs to be assessed, the discovery promises to shake up the national economic scenario and place the country on a new level of exports. However, along with the expectation of wealth, there is a warning: the discovery could attract the greed of “external forces” interested in Mozambican valuable reserves.
After the Council of Ministers meeting in Maputo, spokesman Filimão Suaze stated that, like other nations with strategic reserves of natural resources, Mozambique also faces the risk of attracting external interests. He stressed that, with the new discovery of natural gas in the PT5-C area, the country must prepare to protect and develop its resources.
“The risk that arises in any country that has resources being discovered underground is real,” commented Suaze, warning about the experiences of other countries where the presence of significant reserves has increased the interest of external forces. The spokesperson also added that the government's objective is to exploit the resources transparently and focused on the well-being of the Mozambican population.
National Petroleum Institute leads assessments of new natural gas discovery
The National Petroleum Institute (INP), the body responsible for managing Mozambique's energy resources, has released details about the operation that led to the new discovery. Located in the onshore PT5-C area in the Mozambique basin, the drilling was awarded in 2018 to Sasol Petroleum Mozambique Exploration Limitada (with a 70% stake) and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (with a 30% stake).
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During the initial drilling, natural gas was confirmed, leading to further analysis that determined that this was a new reserve. Further assessments will follow to determine the extent of the reserve and its commercial viability, indicating whether it can be exploited on a large scale and contribute significantly to the economy from Mozambique.
Wealth and Security: The Two Sides of Discovery
With the growing number of natural gas projects, especially in the Rovuma basin, Mozambique is positioning itself as one of the main players in gas exports in Africa. The reserves, some of the largest in the world, have already attracted billion-dollar investments and the presence of giants such as TotalEnergies, which maintains operations in the region, although temporarily suspended for security reasons.
While the new discovery of natural gas is cause for celebration, the Mozambican government remains attentive to security issues and possible external influences. Filimão Suaze's message reflects the need to strike a balance between harnessing resources for economic development and protecting national sovereignty.
The National Petroleum Institute reaffirms the commitment to take the next steps forward with transparency and responsibility.
