ReconAfrica plans to expand drilling in the Damara Fold Belt after identifying oil indications that confirm a working petroleum system.
The company drilled the Naingopo well on Petroleum Exploration Licence 73 to a total depth of 4,184 meters on November 26, encountering over 50 meters of net reservoir in the Otavi Group, based on log analysis and rock fluorescence observations.
ReconAfrica reported oil indications in the Otavi Group and will conduct sidewall core analysis for further confirmation.
Seismic uncertainties prevented the well from penetrating the primary Otavi objective above the main fault.
CEO Brian Reinsborough expressed enthusiasm for the well’s results, emphasizing its role in opening the play and confirming a working petroleum system in the Damara Fold Belt.
Reinsborough underscored the significance of encountering over 50 meters of net reservoir with oil indications.
He added that multiple oil indications were found in the Naingopo well, and the company will continue analyzing fluid and rock samples over the coming months.
Senior Vice President of Exploration Chris Sembritzky highlighted the well’s contribution to advancing ReconAfrica’s understanding of the Damara Fold Belt. He noted that the well played a key role in derisking petroleum system elements and specific prospects, adding that the company may return to Naingopo for further appraisal drilling.
ReconAfrica, which holds a 70% working interest in PEL 73 alongside partners BW Energy Limited (20%) and NAMCOR (10%), plans to continue core and fluid sample analysis. The company will also begin a 3D seismic acquisition program covering Rift Basin and Damara Fold Belt locations in the second half of 2025.
African Energy Council