Galp Energia, leading a consortium with Namcor and Custos, has confirmed a second column of high-quality light oil in the Mopane well.
Galp operates Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 83 with an 80% interest, while the National Petroleum Corporation (Namcor) holds 10%, and Custos Energy, half-owned by Sintana, has a 10% stake.
Custos Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Knowledge Katti, said the continuing success of the initial exploration campaign, including a second light oil discovery at Mopane-1X, further demonstrates the scope and potential of PEL 83.
“We extend our further congratulations to our partners Galp and Namcor on this second discovery. This is another significant milestone for Custos positioning us for further growth and continued success underpinned by our unmatched position in the heart of the basin,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Mines and Energy Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino said the announcement of the additional discovery is further testament to the hard work and dedication of the partners involved, as well as another demonstration of the potential for further growth in Namibia’s oil industry.
“With this discovery, we are one step closer to harnessing the full potential of this campaign. We wish Galp and its partners Custos Energy and Namcor success with the remaining drilling campaign,” she said.
Galp says it is intensifying its exploration efforts in the Mopane oil discoveries following successful operations at the AVO-2 target in the Mopane-1X well within block PEL83.
The next phase involves relocating the rig to the Mopane-2X well for a comprehensive evaluation of the discoveries. A Drill Stem Test (DST) is anticipated in Mopane-1X, marking a pivotal step in assessing the commercial potential.
“In AVO-2, Galp has also discovered a significant column of light oil in reservoir-bearing sands of high quality. Galp will continue to analyse the acquired data during the coming weeks to assess the commerciality of the discoveries,” the company said.
Galp earlier this month announced the discovery of a significant column of light oil, and the performance of a Drill Stem Test (DST) to assess the commerciality of the discovery.
This builds upon the previous announcement made on 2 January regarding a positive sign of hydrocarbons.
“The drilling operations at Mopane-1X will proceed to explore deeper targets. Upon completion, the rig will be relocated to the Mopane-2X location to further evaluate the extent of the Mopane discovery,” the company said then.
Galp began drilling the Mopane-1X probe on November 17 in PEL 93 as part of a two-well exploration campaign.
This development follows Galp’s signing of a N$911 million (US$50 million) contract with SFL Corporation for the semi-submersible rig Hercules.
PEL 83 is situated north of PEL 39, home to Shell’s basin-opening discoveries at Graff-1, La Rona-1, and Jonker-1. It is also positioned north and west of PEL 56, where TotalEnergies announced its giant oil discovery at Venus-1.
Both Shell and Total continue to progress exploration and appraisal activities on their respective blocks.
Custos Energy is a Namibian independent oil and gas exploration company focused on attracting investment and expertise to the Namibian offshore industry. –miningandenergy.com.na
