Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd says it has experienced delays in the drilling operations of its Naingopo exploration well, located on Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 (PEL73) in Namibia.
The company has encountered slower drilling rates in the deeper section of the Mulden formation, along with tight hole conditions that have impacted its original drilling schedule.
Despite these challenges, ReconAfrica has successfully set the last casing point and is preparing to switch to a 10,000 psi blowout preventer before continuing deeper drilling.
“We encountered slower drilling rates in the deeper section of the Mulden formation and experienced tight hole conditions while setting casing, which has caused delays to our original schedule. As part of the planned drilling programme, we are switching out the blowout preventer to 10,000 psi ahead of drilling deeper intervals,” said President and CEO of the Company Brian Reinsborough.
The Naingopo well is targeting approximately 181 million barrels of unrisked prospective light/medium oil and 937 billion cubic feet of prospective natural gas resources, as per a recent report by Netherlands, Sewell & Associates Inc.
The well aims to reach a depth of approximately 3,800 metres (12,500 feet) and is expected to encounter multiple intervals in the Otavi reservoir.
Drilling is expected to resume in the coming days, with the company planning to continue operations through October.
ReconAfrica is committed to disclosing well results after thorough analysis of the collected logs and fluids.
In addition to the Naingopo well, the company is advancing construction operations for the Kambundu exploration well (Prospect P), which is anticipated to begin drilling following the completion of Naingopo.
Kambundu is targeting 309 million barrels of unrisked prospective light/medium oil and 1.6 trillion cubic feet of prospective natural gas resources.
“Construction operations are proceeding on schedule to spud the Kambundu exploration well (Prospect P). This well is expected to spud following the completion of the Naingopo exploration well,” he said.
He also said to further enhance the company’s leadership, Gitane De Silva will join ReconAfrica on 21 October 2024.
With over 20 years of executive experience in public policy and regulatory affairs, De Silva is a respected leader in energy, environment, trade and infrastructure.
Her previous roles include CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator and Deputy Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations for Alberta.
“She brings deep expertise in the areas of energy, environment, trade and infrastructure. Ms. De Silva’s past roles include CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator, various diplomatic postings, and Deputy Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations for the Province of Alberta. We are excited to have Gitane join us in this role and to be a part of our Executive Leadership Team,” he said.
