Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (“ReconAfrica”) provides an update on drilling and seismic operations in the Kavango Sedimentary basin as well as a response to Namibia’s serious outbreak of coronavirus infections.
Drilling Operations
The Company has taken a short break in drilling operations due to maintenance issues and expects to start drilling ahead in the next couple of days to a permitted total depth of approximately 3,800 m (12,500 feet). Reaching total depth on this second well (6-1) is anticipated during the first week of July 2021.
As reported on June 3, 2021, the initial analysis of the first section of the 6-1 well established 134 m (440 feet) of light oil and gas indicators (shows). Thus far in the deeper section of this 6-1 well, the Company has encountered an incremental 209 m (685 feet) of hydrocarbon shows comprising a variety of light oil and natural gas. Collectively, the 6-1 well has encountered 343 m (1,125 feet) of hydrocarbon shows, further confirming an active petroleum system in the Kavango Sedimentary basin.
The Company has formally received all water well regulatory approvals for drilling operations from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.
Seismic Operations
Subject to final permitting, the seismic program is expected to commence in the third week of July for an anticipated 6-8 week duration. Polaris Geophysical is currently mobilizing staff and equipment for ReconAfrica’s and its partner NAMCOR’s (the National oil company of Namibia) 450 km 2D seismic program in the Kavango basin. Polaris Geophysical, Canada’s longest standing geophysical contractor, was selected, in part, as they provide the world’s lightest impact seismic acquisition equipment along with high quality seismic data. This low impact seismic program will be conducted during daylight hours to minimize wildlife disturbance and along existing roadways.
Polaris Geophysical will operate from its established base in Rundu, Namibia, and anticipates hiring approximately 100 local unskilled and skilled personnel for this important operation.
ESG
As a company that has established meaningful relationships and roots in Namibia - with employees, contractors, suppliers, community members and national leaders – our hearts are with the people of Namibia and filled with regret for all that the country has endured due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ReconAfrica has responded to calls for assistance by the Government of Namibia with its recent commitment of a N$15-million contribution to the country’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Campaign, which will support the procurement, distribution, and administration of vaccines. This is in addition to the healthcare support the Company provided in the Kavango area in late 2020.
