ReconAfrica eyes next step at Kavango

ReconAfrica is moving into a potentially important phase of its Kavango West exploration programme in Namibia, with horizontal drilling at the KW1X well expected to be followed by a flow test designed to establish whether the discovery can deliver gas at commercially meaningful rates.

The Canadian-listed explorer said in late September that its Jarvie-1 rig had resumed operations at Kavango West 1X, with preparations under way to drill a horizontal wellbore of up to 1 000 metres.

What will testing entail?

The company is targeting natural fractures and porous zones within the Kavango structure, with drilling expected to take about a month once approvals and equipment are in place.

The flow test will be closely watched because it is intended to provide more definitive information on the well's deliverability, formation pressure response and the volume of liquids that can potentially be recovered alongside the gas.

Earlier testing of the vertical KW1X well identified thermogenic gas with liquid potential, with sample maturity ranging from late oil to early gas, according to ReconAfrica.

The company plans to complete the horizontal section as an open hole, without casing or cement, to maximise flow from the targeted fracture and porosity zones. Flow testing is scheduled to follow completion of the well.

How is Recon funding further testing?

ReconAfrica also secured funding for the programme, raising C$21.9 million (N$256.2 million) through a bought-deal public offering in September. The proceeds are earmarked largely for the horizontal sidetrack and production testing at KW1X.

The outcome of the test could provide an important data point for the wider Kavango project as Namibia's upstream industry moves from exploration towards assessing the development potential of its hydrocarbon resources.

ReconAfrica is also advancing exploration beyond Namibia. Preliminary soil sampling in Angola has indicated what the company describes as an active thermogenic petroleum system with liquid potential, while a 2D seismic programme is being considered for 2027.