Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (ReconAfrica), the Vancouver-based oil and gas company working collaboratively with national governments to explore the potential for oil and gas resources in Northeast Namibia, has flowed natural gas and potential liquids to surface from the Huttenberg formation at its Kavango West 1X (KW1X) discovery well in Namibia, marking the second tested zone at the well to produce hydrocarbons to surface.

The result completes the vertical production testing phase at KW1X and clears the way for an open-hole horizontal test targeting up to 1,000 metres of reservoir section in the upper Huttenberg formation. ReconAfrica said natural gas and potential liquids flowed to surface immediately after the zone was perforated and before acid stimulation.

Flow rates were not measured because of equipment limitations, although the company said the issue has now been addressed ahead of the planned horizontal test. Samples of the produced gas and potential liquids have been sent to laboratories in the United States for compositional analysis, with results expected in the coming weeks.

Huttenberg emerges as priority target

ReconAfrica previously reported hydrocarbons flowing to the surface from the Upper Elandshoek zone at KW1X. The latest result means two of the six identified zones of interest at the well have now demonstrated the ability to flow hydrocarbons during vertical testing.

The company has selected the Huttenberg formation for its first horizontal test based on the latest flow results, approximately 75 metres of pay identified from well logs and the presence of matrix porosity between natural fractures. Its shallower depth compared with the Elandshoek formation is also expected to allow for a longer horizontal section.

The Jarvie-1 rig is expected to drill a lateral of up to 1,000 metres through the formation. ReconAfrica said the open-hole design is intended to maximize exposure to the naturally fractured reservoir and establish a representative flow rate.

“Confirming the KW1X results with a flow rate test on a horizontal sidetrack as soon as possible will ultimately support resource and reserve bookings and a final investment decision on this emerging Damara Fold Belt play,” President and CEO Brian Reinsborough said.

ReconAfrica prepares next appraisal well

The Jarvie-1 rig remains at the KW1X location as ReconAfrica awaits additional testing equipment and required permit amendments. Halliburton will continue to provide downhole equipment and services for the testing programme.

Beyond KW1X, ReconAfrica is advancing permitting and preparations for its Kavango West 2A (KW2A) appraisal well. Once the KW1X horizontal test is completed, the partners plan to drill a horizontal well at KW2A and conduct open-hole production testing to assess the extent of the reservoir and determine whether the formations are connected.

The results from the horizontal tests will be important for determining the commercial potential of the discovery and supporting future resource and reserve bookings. ReconAfrica is also expected to use the results to inform a potential final investment decision for the emerging Damara Fold Belt play.

ReconAfrica operates the project alongside BW Energy, which holds a 20% working interest, and Namibia’s National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), which has a 10% carried interest.