Canadian company to explore for oil off Zanzibar

The Zanzibari government has authorised a Canadian company, Antrim Resources, to prospect for oil off Pemba and Zanzibar islands, 'The Guardian' reported on Thursday, quoting the minister for energy and minerals, Edgar Maokola-Majogo. The Canadian firm obtained a licence to prospect for oil in the country in 1997, with plans to invest US $7 million, but did not start exploration because it had not secured approval from the Zanzibari government.

"With the nod given by the government of Zanzibar, Antrim can now start oil exploration. This time they are going to spend US $15.2 million," the minister said at a recent meeting. In the meeting, which was also attended by deputy ministers and heads of department, a committee to oversee the project was formed, the minister added.

The minister said the committee would also explore the possibility of having an office of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation on the isles, as well as recruiting local experts in oil exploration. Other companies which are in the country for oil exploration purposes are Dublin International and Ndovu of Australia. Another firm, Canop, has withdrawn because of financial constraints.