ReconAfrica (Reconnaissance Energy Africa) recently provided an update on its drilling program in the Kavango sedimentary basin in the Kalahari Desert of North East Namibia. As previously announced on January 11, the company commenced drilling operations on the first well (6-2), of an initial three well program to evaluate potential hydrocarbon systems in one of five major sub-basins of the larger, more laterally extensive, deep Kavango basin.
Having set and cemented 17 ½” surface casing mid-January, ReconAfrica has reached the intermediate casing point, set 12 ¼’ casing and has completed the cementing operation. The cementing operation is a key element of all oil well drilling and has been completed in accordance with international standards and best practices.
Over the interval drilled thus far, ReconAfrica has been continuously sampling and testing cuttings, successfully run a full suite of wireline logs, and taken thirty-four sidewall cores. ReconAfrica is using industry leaders to provide analysis of this critical well, with Schlumberger providing wireline logging services (as per 1/11/21 press release), Netherland Sewell and Associates performing well log analysis, and Geomark Research evaluating petroleum geochemistry.
With the completion of the intermediate casing operation, the Company will recommence drilling to the planned depth of 12,500’, with the objective of reaching total depth (TD) before the end of March. The data collection and analysis described above will continue to TD, with the addition of taking whole cores over key intervals.
In keeping with the company’s policy of implementing environmental best practices, ReconAfrica’s drilling fluids are water based, organic & biodegradable, which are fully environmentally safe, for many aspects, including topsoil enhancement and development.
“I am very pleased with the successful drilling operations the ReconAfrica team has completed to date. We are adhering to the highest standards of Health, Safety and Environmental best practices and are on program in all phases of operations,” commented Nick Steinsberger, Senior Vice President of Drilling and Completions.
