(WO) — ReconAfrica 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 meters of reservoir section in the upper Huttenberg.
Natural gas and potential liquids flowed from the uppermost Huttenberg zone immediately after perforation and before acid stimulation, according to ReconAfrica. Flow rates were not measured due to equipment limitations, which the company said have been addressed ahead of the planned horizontal test.
Samples of the produced gas and potential liquids have been sent to laboratories in the U.S. for compositional analysis, with results expected in the coming weeks.
ReconAfrica previously reported hydrocarbons flowing to surface from the Upper Elandshoek zone. With the latest result, two of the six zones of interest identified at KW1X have demonstrated the ability to flow hydrocarbons during vertical testing.
The company has prioritized the Huttenberg for the first horizontal test based on the latest flow results, 75 meters of pay identified from well logs and the presence of matrix porosity between natural fractures. Its shallower depth relative to the Elandshoek will also allow for a longer horizontal section.
The Jarvie-1 rig is expected to drill a lateral of up to 1,000 meters 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.
The Jarvie-1 rig remains on location while ReconAfrica awaits additional testing equipment and necessary permit amendments. Halliburton will continue providing downhole equipment and services.
ReconAfrica is also advancing permitting and preparations for the Kavango West 2A (KW2A) appraisal well. Following completion of the KW1X horizontal test, the partners plan to drill a horizontal well and conduct open-hole production testing at KW2A to assess reservoir extent and communication.
ReconAfrica operates the project alongside BW Energy, which holds a 20% working interest, and Namibia’s NAMCOR, with a 10% carried interest.
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