Toronto-listed Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) has started drilling the first of three planned wells in the deep Kavango basin in the Kalahari Desert of northeast Namibia, it said on January 11. 

The well will be drilled to a 12,500-ft total depth to evaluate potential hydrocarbon systems in one of five major sub-basins of the larger, more laterally extensive, Permian-aged Kavango basin.  

“There are many important similarities between the Kavango basin and the Permian basin in west Texas, one of the world’s most prolific producing basins, where I have been actively drilling and completing wells for many years,” said Nick Steinsberger, senior vice president of drilling and completions. “I anticipate the first well will take up to 45 days to reach total depth and initial analysis of all prospective productive targets.” 

ReconAfrica is a junior oil and gas company engaged in the development of the newly discovered Kavango Basin, in northeast Namibia, where it holds a 90% working interest in a 25,500-km² petroleum licence.