Rhino Resources Launches Capricornus-1A Appraisal Well to Assess Light Oil Discovery in Namibia’s Orange Basin
Rhino Resources is advancing appraisal activities at its Capricornus oil discovery offshore Namibia following confirmation of a high-quality light oil-bearing reservoir in the Orange Basin, one of the world’s most closely watched new petroleum frontiers.
The company has announced that it has contracted the Saipem 12000 drillship to carry out the Capricornus-1A appraisal well in Block 2914, which falls under Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 85.
The operation is aimed at further evaluating the scale and commercial potential of the initial discovery.
The upcoming well will test the lateral extent of the Capricornus light oil accumulation and assess key reservoir characteristics, including size, quality, and fluid properties within Lower Cretaceous geological targets.
Rhino Resources operates PEL 85 with a 42.5% stake. Its partners include Azule Energy, also holding 42.5%, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) with 10%, and Korres Investments with 5%.
The appraisal campaign follows the successful Capricornus-1X exploration well, which encountered high-quality light oil-bearing reservoirs and significantly strengthened confidence in the commercial viability of the licence area.
Rhino said the Capricornus-1A well is part of a broader drilling programme designed to improve understanding of the PEL 85 block as the company and its partners progress toward potential field development.
According to Rhino Chief Executive Officer Travis Smithard, the appraisal well represents a key milestone in defining the development potential of the Capricornus reservoir system and its possible integration with other discoveries within the licence area.
He noted that data collected from wireline logging and drill stem testing will be analysed alongside flow assurance studies, geomechanical modelling, and fluid analysis.
These combined datasets will be used to guide future appraisal and development decisions.
Smithard added that insights from the Capricornus-1A well, together with results from previous drilling campaigns, will play a central role in shaping the long-term development strategy for the wider acreage in partnership with joint venture stakeholders.
Rhino Resources, a privately owned company based in Cape Town, is actively expanding its offshore exploration footprint in Namibia’s Orange Basin.
The region has attracted significant international attention in recent years as multiple operators race to progress discoveries toward potential first oil production.
