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No natural oil in Limbe says Malawi Government
October 20, 2020 / Bester Kayaye
Malawi’s Ministry of Mining has dismissed claims on social media that there is occurrence of natural crude oil (petroleum) in Limbe, Blantyre.
A video went viral on the social media alluding to the occurrence of natural crude oil in the area that lies approximately 90 metres to the West of Limbe River and about 170 metres to the East of Limbe Free Market.
This prompted the Ministry of Mining through its Departments of Geological Survey and Mines to send a technical team of experts to the site on a fact finding mission.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry Dr. Joseph Mkandawire said the study revealed that the substance was a refined petroleum product, specifically, diesel.
Mkandawire explained the area is underlain by basement metamorphic rocks assigned to charnockitic granulites which are overlain by younger unconsolidated sediments.
He said; “The unconsolidated sediments were observed on site. To understand the sediments, pitting and augering was done. Water and soil samples were collected and analysed by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).”
“The pit profile and physiography indicated a gentle slope towards Limbe river; two soil horizons one rich in humus (top soil layer) and the other high in iron content (sub-soil layer). Oil contamination was more visible on the top soil layer and diminishing with depth. If oil had a natural source and pathway, the contamination would be increasing with depth.”
He, therefore, said the results from the standard sample analytical tests such as Distillation, Density, Flash Point, Pour Point, Grease and Oil; conducted in accordance with Standard Test Methods from MBS clearly indicated that the sample fluid collected from the hole at the alleged site was processed diesel and not natural crude oil.
“The results provide sufficient evidence that some form of anthropogenic disposal of diesel took place in the area and members of the general public are therefore advised to desist from using an analysed spillage to avoid accidents.”
Blantyre City Council reportedly relocated vendors to the area for vending purposes. Land preparation for construction of the vending structures unearthed the alleged oil occurrence.
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Rehabilitation:
The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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