Africa Oil Corp. has confirmed that no hydrocarbons were encountered in the primary target at the Marula-1X exploration well, despite the technical success of the drilling operation.
As a result, no Drill Stem Test (DST) was conducted.
The company said the Marula-1X well, located in Namibia’s Orange Basin, was safely drilled to a total measured depth of 6,460 metres using the Deepsea Mira semi-submersible drilling rig.
The operation targeted Albian-aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex, situated approximately 47 kilometres south of the successful Venus-1X discovery well.
Africa Oil said a detailed analysis of the well results is currently underway to enhance understanding of the subsurface characteristics and to assess the implications for future exploration activities in the area.
Impact Oil and Gas, which holds a 9.5% interest in Blocks 2912 and 2913B where the Marula-1X is located, is a key partner in the project.
Africa Oil indirectly holds an effective interest of approximately 3.8% in the blocks through its 39.5% ownership of Impact.
Block 2913B notably hosts the Venus light oil discovery, which has attracted considerable industry interest.
Roger Tucker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Oil, highlighted the strategic benefits secured through a previous agreement between Impact and TotalEnergies.
“The farm down agreement between Impact and TotalEnergies that completed last year provides full carry of Impact’s exploration and development costs on Blocks 2912 and 2913B through to first commercial production from these blocks.This presents us with an attractive opportunity set to test different geological plays on these blocks at no upfront cost,” he said.
Siraj Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Oil and Gas said, “The initial data from the Marula-1X well confirms a disappointing outcome for the Marula prospect. However, the full suite of well data acquired will be integrated into the evaluation to realise the block’s full potential.”
Africa Oil maintains that, despite the disappointing primary target outcome at Marula-1X, the technical data obtained will inform and guide its future exploration strategy in the highly prospective Orange Basin.
