Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (ReconAfrica) says it has encountered indications of oil from log analysis and drilling samples in its Naingopo exploration well within the Damara Fold Belt on Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 (PEL 73), onshore Namibia.
The well encountered over 50 metres of net reservoir in the Otavi Group.
The oil exploration company said the findings suggest a working petroleum system in the Damara Fold Belt, a significant development in Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector.
ReconAfrica stated that further confirmation of the oil presence will be determined through side-wall core analyses.
Following these results, ReconAfrica has accelerated its drilling plans, prioritizing Prospect I ahead of Kambundu, with drilling expected to commence in July 2025.
“We are excited about the results of this well, which opens the play and demonstrates a working petroleum system within the Damara Fold Belt,” said Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO of ReconAfrica.
“Finding over 50 metres of net reservoir with indications of oil is a significant milestone. Although the primary objective in the Otavi above the main fault was not penetrated due to seismic uncertainties, we successfully reached the Otavi at the predicted depth below the main fault, where we encountered evidence of oil.”
Reinsborough added that multiple indications of oil were found in the Naingopo well, and further analysis of fluid and rock samples will continue over the coming months. He emphasized that findings from this well have further de-risked Prospect I, leading to the decision to drill there before moving to Kambundu.
Chris Sembritzky, Senior Vice President of Exploration, acknowledged the efforts of the company’s technical team, stating that the presence of oil in the Otavi and the discovery of a reservoir at these depths are critical for the broader Damara Fold Belt play.
“The Naingopo well was invaluable in unlocking our understanding of the play and further de-risking the petroleum system elements and specific prospects,” he said. “We may return to Naingopo for further appraisal drilling to fully test the extent of the structure.”
The Naingopo exploration well reached a total depth of 4,184 metres on November 26, 2024, confirming the occurrence of both the Mulden and Otavi stratigraphy. The well encountered 52 metres of net reservoir within the Otavi Group, while the Mulden reservoirs were found to be tighter than expected. Oil indications were observed through rock fluorescence, with traces of oil recovered at the surface within the drilling mud system.
The Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) acquired during the drilling process has provided crucial data for correlating the well results with the Otavi seismic event, further reducing exploration risks in future Damara Fold Belt prospects.
ReconAfrica said it has commenced comprehensive sample analysis, with side-wall cores, isotubes, cuttings, and fluid samples being examined by third-party service providers. The company is also finalizing its VSP processing and integrating formation image log interpretations to enhance structural and stratigraphic models.
As part of its future exploration strategy, ReconAfrica said it is preparing to advance its planned 3D seismic acquisition program, which will cover both the Rift Basin and Damara Fold Belt locations using vibroseis technology. The 3D seismic survey is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025.
ReconAfrica holds a 70% working interest in PEL 73 and operates the concession in partnership with BW Energy Limited (20%) and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) (10%).
