Mmegi

Chinese refiner warns BOL against CTL investment

On track: Botswana Oil is undeterred in its pursuit of a coal conversion project PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
On track: Botswana Oil is undeterred in its pursuit of a coal conversion project PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

A major Chinese oil refiner has poured cold water on Botswana Oil’s (BOL) planned Coal to Liquids (CTL) plant project, saying the coal to be used has a high ash content, which will cause “bad economics” for the venture.

Synfuels China, a major oil refiner with operations in China, Mongolia, and Taiwan, presented this week to a technical team of local research institutions and investment agencies.

Officials from Synfuels said the CTL project will involve uphill costs as Botswana’s coal contains a lot of ash, and the cost to wash off the ash will affect efforts to make the project profitable.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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