Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd has confirmed that drilling of the Kavango West 1X exploration well has entered the Otavi carbonate reservoir, marking a key phase in the company’s exploration programme within Namibia’s Damara Fold Belt.
Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO, said drilling is progressing as planned following the installation of the final casing string at around 2,300 metres, just above the targeted Otavi reservoir.
“Currently, the well is drilling ahead into the Otavi carbonate reservoir, which is the primary target in the Damara Fold Belt. We anticipate drilling an extensive section of the potential reservoir, which will be followed by a full evaluation of the Otavi section,” Reinsborough said.
He added that the Kavango West 1X well is testing a large structural closure in the Otavi section measuring approximately 20 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide.
Drilling operations, which advanced faster than expected through the shallower sections, were temporarily paused for several weeks while the company awaited delivery of the final casing strings. Operations have since resumed, with drilling progressing according to schedule.
ReconAfrica expects to reach a total depth of around 3,800 metres in the second half of November, after drilling through about 1,500 metres of potential reservoir.
A comprehensive logging programme will follow, with results expected towards the end of the year.
The company noted that updates from this point until total depth will be under “tight hole” status, meaning no well results will be released until the full logging evaluation of the Otavi reservoir is complete.
ReconAfrica said this approach should not be interpreted as an indication of either positive or negative results.
