The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Carlos Zacarias, said yesterday that the country has increased responsibilities in the dynamics of energy transition, because it starts this year to produce liquefied natural gas in the Rovuma basin, north of the country.

"This year should be marked, among other events, by the beginning, for the first time in Mozambique, of the production and export of liquefied natural gas, through the Coral Sul FLNG Project, as well as the closing of the sixth tender for new areas of hydrocarbon research, which adds a greater sense of responsibility and necessary reflection on the much desired energy transition," said Carlos Zacarias, quoted by Lusa news agency.

Thanks to its immense potential in natural gas, he continued, "Mozambique is positioning itself as a major player in the reduction of polluting fuels and increasing adoption of clean sources.

Besides contributing to the energy transition, "Mozambique wants its natural resources to be used also for the social and economic development of the country," he added.

"As far as hydrocarbons are concerned, these are seen as an indispensable vector for the future of the country. It is, therefore, in this way that, at the end of these two days of reflection [of the coordinating council], we should have a more refined strategic vision," emphasized the governor.

According to the minister, another challenge facing the mineral resources and energy sector is the organization of artisanal mining, aiming to put this asset at the service of social and economic development in the face of garimpo and smuggling.

In this sense, he argued, artisanal mining operators should organize themselves into cooperatives in order to facilitate the control of the activity.

Carlos Zacarias said that, in the field of energy, Mozambique is committed to "ensuring universal access to energy for all by 2030, through the electrification of administrative posts throughout the country, using the national grid and isolated systems.

This goal, he continued, will also be achieved by increasing electricity production capacity, developing new transmission and distribution projects.

The minister noted that, with its potential, Mozambique has the capacity to achieve self-sufficiency and increase supply in the region.

The governor made these statements during the opening of the seventh coordinating council of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, which is being held in Gaza province,