Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) announced that the Republic of Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has issued the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for the initial 2D seismic programme to be conducted in the Petroleum Exploration License No 73 in the Kavango East and West regions of NE Namibia
Seismic operations
With the ECC (seismic permit) now in place, ReconAfrica and the National oil company of Namibia (NAMCOR) have begun acquisition of the initial 450 km 2D seismic programme in the Kavango basin. Acquisition is expected to commence during the third week of July for an anticipated duration of six to eight weeks.
The programme provider is Polaris Natural Resources, Canada’s longest standing geophysical contractor, which was selected through a competitive bidding process. Polaris offers its own patented seismic source the Explorer 860 Accelerated Weight Drop.
All three Explorer 860 source units have arrived at Polaris’ newly established base in Rundu, Namibia. Polaris anticipates hiring approx. 100 local personnel with line crew training starting 6 July. This low impact seismic programme will be conducted along existing roadways during daylight hours to minimise wildlife disturbance.
Scot Evans, ReconAfrica CEO, said, “The programme will provide the regional geologic structural and stratigraphic framework and identify conventional hydrocarbon accumulations, with the goal of commercializing this potential major source of energy for Namibia.”
Joe Little, Polaris' chief operating officer, stated, “The acquisition plan is progressing very well for a successful recording launch in mid July. Given our past success with the environmentally friendly Explorer 860 source units on past projects in Africa and given the very high resolution parameters designed by ReconAfrica’s seismic team, we anticipate getting excellent data results on the project.”
