… this is the third consecutive Namibian discovery
Rhino Resources Ltd has announced a significant new hydrocarbon discovery at its Volans-1X exploration well in the prolific Orange Basin, marking its third consecutive find in the region and unveiling a promising new play type.
The Volans-1X well, located in Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL85), was drilled to a depth of 4,497.5 meters and successfully encountered a 26-meter column of rich gas condensate. The reservoir was described as having excellent quality, with no water contact observed—a highly positive indicator for potential resource extraction.
Laboratory analysis of initial samples revealed a high condensate to gas ratio (CGR), indicating a significant yield of valuable liquid hydrocarbons alongside the gas. The condensate is reported to be of high quality, with a liquid density of around 40° API gravity.
“This is our third consecutive hydrocarbon discovery on the Block and further enhances our understanding of the sub-surface,” said Rhino CEO Travis Smithard. “This well result opens up an exciting new play fairway within the licence.”
The discovery at Volans-1X is particularly significant as it identifies a different reservoir and fluid type from the company’s previous finds at the Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X wells. This suggests a more complex and potentially resource-rich geological landscape within the license area.
The well was drilled using the Deepsea Mira semi-submersible rig, which has since been demobilized to begin operations at another location. Meanwhile, laboratory studies on the collected fluid samples and sidewall cores from Volans-1X are ongoing.
Rhino, as the operator of PEL85, holds a 42.5% working interest. Partners in the joint venture include Azule Energy (42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%). The consortium has stated it will now integrate these promising results into block-wide studies to evaluate the full potential of their assets in the emerging Orange Basin, a global hotspot for hydrocarbon exploration.