Russian Gazprom has expressed an interest in the extraction of coal bed methane gas in Lupane, Zimbabwe, Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa said yesterday, Chronicle reported.

Minister Chidhakwa said this after a meeting of Government officials led by Vice President Phelekhezela Mphoko and the Russian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Mr Georgy Kalamanov.

“The relationship between Zimbabwe and Russia is strategic and we looked at a number of issues which include the coal bed methane gas in Lupane that we have been talking about for the past 20 years. We were advised that Gazprom may be interested in it and we hope further discussions will be held to finalise the project,” he said according to AllAfrica.