Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd (TSX-V:RECO, OTCQX:RECAF, FRA:0XD) and partners NAMCOR and BW Energy have started production testing operations at the Kavango West 1X well in Namibia, marking what the company calls the first cased production test in the country.
The test will evaluate six zones totalling 420 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing rock across two formations.
In the Huttenburg, 75 metres of net pay sits within a 400-metre interval of fractured carbonate reservoir. The Elandshoek holds 560 metres of hydrocarbon-saturated rock, with oil shows, oil sheen and bubbles observed at surface.
Downhole perforation work is currently underway, the company said. The cement bond log, completed prior to end of May, confirmed that production testing could proceed without additional cement work. Results are expected by late July.
Each of the six zones – three in the lower Elandshoek formation and three in the shallower Huttenburg formation – will be tested for up to 10 days. Any hydrocarbons that flow to surface will be flared during the testing phase.
Following a successful production test, the KW1X well would be temporarily abandoned and held available as a future producing well.
ReconAfrica said it is also advancing preparations for the Kavango West 2A appraisal well, with permitting applications and site preparations underway. The company is targeting a spud date before the end of the third quarter, subject to final permitting and regulatory approvals.