Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd announced that drilling has commenced at the Kavango West 1X exploration well in Namibia.
The Kavango West 1X exploration well, also referred to as Prospect I, was spud on July 31.
The well is expected to reach a total depth of approximately 3,800 metres (12,500 feet) by the end of November 2025.
It is designed to penetrate over 1,500 metres of Otavi carbonate reservoir, which is the primary target within the Damara Fold Belt play.
According to the company, the prospect is a large structural fold identified on modern 2D seismic data, extending about 22 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers in width.
“We are pleased to announce that we have started drilling the Kavango West 1X well,” ReconAfrica CEO Brian Reinsborough said.
“This is an exciting time for everyone at the company, our partners and stakeholders in Namibia and, of course, shareholders alike.”
Reinsborough noted that the originally, the Kavango West 1X location was not scheduled to be the next well, but the location was reprioritized following the results from its last well Naingopo.
“While this reprioritizing resulted in a slightly longer lead time to spud this location, the company prioritizes rigorous technical appraisal with respect to location selection to ensure we have the best possible chance for commercial success,” he said.
“We think that the Kavango West 1X prospect represents our best opportunity in the Damara Fold Belt to unlock the potential of this play and we look forward to reporting results expected before year-end 2025.”
ReconAfrica also reported that its 3D seismic program, originally scheduled for the second half of 2025, has been rescheduled to 2026 due to ongoing drilling operations.
The company said it continues to assess investment opportunities, which may include acquisitions of further exploration acreage, development and producing properties, as well as joint ventures. These efforts are aimed at accelerating production and enhancing free cash flow, with consideration given to the company’s concentrated asset risk profile.
Further, in connection with its annual compensation review, ReconAfrica has granted a total of 6.96 million incentive stock options to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.60 per share and have a five-year term expiring in July 2030.