Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) has reported significant findings from its Naingopo exploration well in the Damara fold belt within petroleum exploration licence 073, onshore Namibia.

The well, which reached a total depth of 4,184m on 26 November 2024, confirmed the presence of both Mulden and Otavi stratigraphy.

The exploration well encountered 52m of net reservoir in the Otavi Group. However, the Mulden reservoirs were found to be tighter than anticipated.

The Naingopo vertical seismic profile (VSP) has enabled the correlation of well results with the Otavi seismic event, enhancing the understanding of Otavi's presence in future prospects within the Damara fold belt.

ReconAfrica president and CEO Brian Reinsborough stated: "We are excited about the results of this well, which opens the play and demonstrates a working petroleum system within the Damara Fold Belt. The importance of finding over 50m of net reservoir with indications of oil in this well is significant.

"The primary objective in the Otavi above the main fault was not penetrated due to seismic uncertainties; however, the Otavi was penetrated at predicted depth below the main fault, which contained evidence of oil."

The company is planning to undertake additional drilling to delineate the Damara fold belt play’s total extent.

ReconAfrica found several indications of oil in the Naingopo well and plans to continue to analyse all fluid and rock samples in the coming months.

Reinsborough said: “Based on our technical learnings from the Naingopo well results, we have further derisked Prospect I and plan to drill this prospect ahead of Kambundu."

Currently, side wall cores, isotubes, cuttings and fluid samples are being analysed by third-party service providers.

The processing of the VSP is nearing completion, and the structural and stratigraphic interpretations from the formation image logs are being finalised.

ReconAfrica is also preparing to move to Prospect I in the Damara fold belt and is advancing the permitting process for a planned 3D seismic acquisition programme.

The programme, which is expected to cover both Rift Basin and Damara fold belt locations, will be conducted using vibroseis technology and is set to begin in the second half of 2025.

ReconAfrica holds a 70% working interest and is the operator of PEL 73. Its partners include BW Energy with a 20% working interest and NAMCOR with a 10% working interest.