Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (ReconAfrica) has commenced drilling its Kavango West 1X exploration well in Namibia, marking the company’s first test of the Damara Fold Belt play.
The well, which was spudded on 31 July, is targeting a total depth of 3,800 metres, with results expected by the end of 2025.
“We are pleased to announce that we have started drilling the Kavango West 1X well. This is an exciting time for everyone at the company, our partners and stakeholders in Namibia and, of course, shareholders alike,” said ReconAfrica President and CEO, Brian Reinsborough.
The well is designed to intersect over 1,500 metres of Otavi carbonate reservoir and is targeting a large structural fold identified through modern 2D seismic data, stretching 22 kilometres in length and 3 kilometres in width. It is the first of 19 mapped prospects and four leads within the Damara Fold Belt.
Chris Sembritzky, Senior Vice President of Exploration, said the drilling draws on insights gained from the earlier Naingopo well.
“By utilising our learnings from the Naingopo well, Kavango West 1X represents the best opportunity we have identified on seismic in the Damara Fold Belt play due to its size, hydrocarbon migration pathway, and well-defined four-way closure,” he said.
According to the company, the Kavango West 1X location was not originally the next scheduled target, but it was prioritised following analysis of the Naingopo results.
The change in drilling sequence resulted in some delays, but ReconAfrica stated it remains committed to technical rigour to maximise the potential for commercial discovery.
“We think that the Kavango West 1X prospect represents our best opportunity in the Damara Fold Belt to unlock the potential of this play, and we look forward to reporting results expected before year-end 2025,” said Reinsborough.
As a result of the current drilling programme, the company has deferred its planned 3D seismic survey to 2026. It is also continuing to evaluate additional acreage acquisitions and potential joint ventures to strengthen its asset base and accelerate progress towards production.
“With our new subsurface learnings, highly experienced drilling crew and optimised, purpose-built drill bits, we believe that we have captured the best possible chance for drilling an efficient, safe and commercially successful well,” added Sembritzky.
Separately, ReconAfrica has granted 6,960,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants. The options, priced at $0.60 per share, expire on 31 July 2030, and are subject to standard vesting terms and insider resale restrictions until 30 November 2025.
ReconAfrica holds petroleum licences covering approximately 13 million contiguous acres across northeastern Namibia, southeastern Angola and northwestern Botswana.
