Staff Writer
Rhino Resources, together with its joint venture partners Azule Energy, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) and Korres Investments, has announced a gas discovery at the Volans-1X exploration well on Block 2914A, Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 85, offshore Orange Basin.
PEL 85 is operated by Rhino Resources with a 42.5% working interest. Azule Energy also holds 42.5%, while Namcor has 10% and Korres Investments 5%.
The Volans-1X well was spudded on 31 July 2025 using the Northern ocean semi-submersible deepsea mira and reached a total depth of 4,497.5 metres TVDSS on 30 August 2025.
The well successfully penetrated the upper cretaceous target and encountered 26 metres of net pay in rich gas-condensate-bearing reservoirs.
Reservoir analysis indicated excellent properties with no observed water contact.
Laboratory testing on two samples taken from the top and base of the reservoir interval showed a high condensate-to-gas ratio.
Hydrocarbon samples and sidewall cores were collected through wireline logging operations.
Namcor on Wednesday confirmed that further laboratory studies will continue on fluid samples, sidewall cores, and cuttings collected during the campaign.
This finding is the third consecutive hydrocarbon discovery on PEL 85, following results at Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X.
Rhino Resources said the discovery opens up a new play fairway within the licence.
The drilling rig was demobilised on 14 September to begin work at another location, while laboratory testing from Volans-1X remains ongoing.
Rhino Resources chief executive officer Travis Smithard said, “Rhino, on behalf of the PEL 85 JV, is delighted to announce the discovery of rich-gas condensate in an excellent quality reservoir at the Volans-1X well. This is our third consecutive hydrocarbon discovery on the block, further enhancing our understanding of the subsurface. This well result opens up an exciting new play fairway within the licence, identifying different reservoir and fluid types in this well, similar to those recently discovered at Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X.”
Namcor’s acting managing director, Maureen Mbeunde, welcomed the announcement.
“Volans-1X demonstrates the extraordinary potential of the Orange Basin and reinforces Namibia’s place on the global energy map. We are waiting for history to be made, as discoveries like these bring us closer to transforming our energy sector, creating jobs, building capacity, and securing a brighter future for generations to come,” she said.
Caption
Namcor acting managing director, Maureen Mbeunde.
- Photo: Contributed
