ENERGY Minister Makozo Chikote has officially launched the construction of a US$1.1 billion private sector-driven crude oil refinery in Ndola. Chikote says the facility will have a processing capacity of three million metric tonnes per year, equivalent to about 60,000 barrels per day, and is expected to support key sectors such as mining and other high fuel-consuming industries. He has also called for God’s intervention so that Zambians can recognise President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership and service to the nation. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Chikote said the US$1.1 billion project was being developed by Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation through the Zambia Petrochemical Energy Company (ZPEC) and was expected to be completed within 18 months. “The project we are groundbreaking today...