Depth extended beyond original TD due to indications of hydrocarbons while drilling
Extensive wireline logging planned
Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the “Company” or “ReconAfrica”) is pleased to provide a drilling update on the Kavango West 1X exploration well.
Brian Reinsborough, President & CEO, commented “I want to thank everyone who is working on the Kavango West 1X exploration well. The well has been drilling safely and efficiently. The Company is encouraged with the drilling results to date, which show the presence of hydrocarbons through numerous oil and gas shows, as well as strong and consistent natural gas markers on mud logs throughout the Otavi reservoir package. We plan to conduct an extensive wireline test program to verify the hydrocarbon shows, including fluid sampling and pressure measurements upon reaching TD. Due to the scale of what we are testing at the Kavango West prospect and the broader Damara Fold Belt play, we plan to disclose the results when the well has been thoroughly evaluated. We remain on track to provide results prior to year-end.”
Namibia - Kavango West 1X
Operationally, the well has been drilled safely and efficiently to a current depth of 4,158 metres, which is deeper than the originally planned total depth (“TD”) of 3,800. The well was spud on July 31 and drilling operations advanced efficiently and safely, reaching the original targeted total depth of 3,800 metres ahead of our planned drilling program. The well reached its current depth of 4,158 metres on Friday, November 7. The Company applied for and received approval to drill to approximately 4,200 metres based on the encouraging presence of hydrocarbons.
Drilling has been delayed at the current depth due to a drive shaft failure. All equipment to conduct the repair has been sourced and is being shipped to the drilling site. The repair work is expected to be completed next week. The Company plans to drill ahead before conducting extensive wireline logging, including core and fluid samples. Results from the wireline logging tests are expected to be released prior to year-end. The well has encountered multiple oil shows, as well as strong and consistent natural gas markers on mud logs throughout the Otavi reservoir package. All hydrocarbons shows will need to be verified by wireline logging and fluid sampling. Due to the nature of the hydrocarbon’s indications, the Company plans to conduct wireline tests and fluid sampling within the Otavi formation.