RE:New article from Jim Granath and Ansgar Wanke on Reco Hydrocarbon shows
The Kawe well intersected the Upper Karoo stratigraphy as expected, and from about 740 m below surface hydrocarbon shows were reported as the drill bit made its way into the Lower Permian Karoo sandstones and shales. Interestingly, light hydrocarbon fluid indicators were stronger than associated gases, and hydrocarbon shows continued into the pre-Karoo stratigraphy. Flow test and downhole fluid sampling tools were not on location as the well was permitted and planned only as a stratigraphic test. Fortunately, the wireline logs, closely spaced cuttings samples and over 180 rotary sidewall cores provided a wealth of information to better understand the newly discovered rift basin with an associated petroleum system.
A second Kavango well (Mbambi) was drilled in the same year. Mbambi also encountered strong gas and fluid indicators over long intervals, but it intersected only 630 m of Mesozoic-Cenozoic basin fill resting on deformed pre-Karoo carbonate and evaporite lithologies. In parallel, surface analyses indicated geochemical anomalies at both well locations, and an active hydrocarbon seep was discovered in the western portion of the licence block.
Third well
Makandina was drilled between the end of June and mid-August 2022. As predicted by a nearby seismic line, this third well penetrated an expanded Permian Karoo section, and it encountered light hydrocarbons including gas liquids. It provided crucial stratigraphic and structural information, but the well was not deemed to be commercial. The seismic interpretation had located the Makandina well on a locally defined structure within a Karoo graben, only 6 km west of the first well.
The next step
In summary, the ReconAfrica exploration program has confirmed the initial play concept of a Permian rift basin in northeast Namibia, with indicators of migrated petroleum. It has also identified a Damara Fold and Thrust Belt play. The company is now completing its regional seismic program alongside the start of acquisition of the eFTG survey and the next well. All will add to the data required to further advance our knowledge of this newly explored basin, and hopefully identify commercial hydrocarbon accumulations.