Rhino Resources Ltd has announced a key operational update on behalf of the PEL 85 Joint Venture, marking continued momentum in Namibia’s offshore exploration drive within the Orange Basin.
The company confirmed that drilling operations are underway on the Capricornus-1A appraisal well, located on Block 2914 offshore Namibia. The well is being drilled by the Saipem 12000 drillship and is strategically aimed at testing the extension of the previously discovered Capricornus light oil accumulation.
Rhino operates PEL 85 with a 42.5% working interest, in partnership with Azule Energy (42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).
The Capricornus-1A well forms part of an ongoing appraisal programme designed to deepen understanding of the reservoir following the successful Capricornus-1X discovery. The well will specifically assess the lateral extent of the accumulation, while also providing critical insights into reservoir quality and fluid characteristics within Lower Cretaceous targets.
According to Rhino, the data collected through wireline logging and drill stem testing will play a central role in evaluating the broader development potential of the Capricornus reservoir system. These findings are expected to support technical assessments related to flow assurance, geomechanics, and fluid behaviour—key elements in determining future development strategies.
Commenting on the development, Chief Executive Officer Travis Smithard highlighted the importance of the well in shaping the project’s trajectory:
“The Capricornus-1A well represents a critical data point in defining the development potential of the Capricornus reservoir system and its potential integration with other discoveries made on PEL 85. The datasets gathered will be instrumental in informing our approach to further appraisal and development of the acreage.”
The drilling campaign underscores growing confidence in the prospectivity of the Orange Basin, which has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most promising frontier exploration regions. As Rhino and its partners continue to unlock value from PEL 85, the results from Capricornus-1A are expected to further refine the basin’s resource potential and guide the next phase of activity offshore Namibia.
Source: namibiaoilandgas.com