Reconnaissance Energy confirms Namibian petroleum system

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. confirmed a working petroleum system with the Naingopo exploration well in the Damara Fold Belt in PEL 73, onshore Namibia, and further drilling is planned to delineate the full extent of the Damara Fold Belt play.

The well is the first of several to test the potential resource of the Damara Fold Belt to target large anticlinal structures with the purpose of achieving commercial levels of oil and natural gas production (OGJ Online, Nov. 27, 2024).

The well reached a total depth of 4,184 m on Nov. 26, 2024. The primary objective in the Otavi above the main fault was not penetrated due to seismic uncertainties, however, the Otavi was penetrated at predicted depth below the main fault. 

The well proved the occurrence of both the Mulden and Otavi stratigraphy and encountered 52 m of net reservoir in the Otavi Group, with the Mulden reservoirs being tighter than expected.

The Naingopo vertical seismic profile (VSP) correlated well results to the Otavi seismic event, derisking the Otavi presence in future Damara Fold Belt prospects. Additionally, the indication of oil via rock fluorescence was pervasive within the Otavi Group. This interval of fluorescence was associated with oil being recovered at surface in the drilling mud system.  Oil shows will be confirmed with side wall cores, isotubes, cuttings, and fluid samples.

Additional Namibia drilling

With the acquisition and processing of the vertical seismic profile from Naingopo, the company plans to drill the Prospect I well before the previously-announced Kambundu prospect well, with an expected July 2025 spud date.

In addition to Prospect I, Reconnaissance plans a second-half 2025 3D seismic acquisition program expected to include both Rift basin and Damara Fold Belt locations. 

PEL 073 is in northeast Namibia and covers an area of about 25,341 sq km.

ReconAfrica is operator (70%) with partners BW Energy Ltd. (20%) and NAMCOR (10%).