Recon drilling at Naingopo

Reconnaissance Energy Africa, better known locally as ReconAfrica, has started drilling at Naingopo in the Kavango East Region on its petroleum exploration licence (PEL) 73. This after moving the Jarvie-1 drilling rig 80 kilometres from the previous site at the Wisdom Farm 5-1 location, and completing the new camp.

According to president and CEO Brian Reinsborough, “the well is expected to take 90 days to drill, targeting multiple reservoir intervals in the highly prospective Damara Fold Belt".

"Our joint venture process continues to progress towards closure as we target a completed transaction ahead of the start of drilling of the Naingopo well," he said.

The Canadian oil and gas company is looking to farm out a joint venture after announcing changes to its board of directors in June. Founder Craig Steinke retired as board chairman and director, and was replaced by Diana McQueen, former provincial minister of energy and environment in Alberta, and previously a member of the Canadian cabinet.

Also joining the board was Jeffrey Harder, former Deloitte partner with more than 40 years experience in energy and mining finance. Chris Sembritzky of SVP Exploration said that Naingopo is “the first well to test the Damara Fold Belt".

"The thorough petroleum systems work that our team has conducted over the last six months gives us increased confidence in finding hydrocarbons in our first well. In the event of success, we have substantial running room with an additional four prospects and 20 leads that have been mapped and defined," he said.