Africa Oil Corp. has confirmed that its Marula-1X exploration well in Namibia’s Orange Basin did not encounter hydrocarbons in its primary target, despite the drilling operation being technically successful.
As a result, a Drill Stem Test (DST) was not conducted.
The Marula-1X well was safely drilled to a total measured depth of 6,460 metres using the Deepsea Mira semi-submersible drilling rig.
The well targeted Albian-aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex, located approximately 47 kilometres south of the successful Venus-1X discovery.
Africa Oil stated that a detailed analysis of the well results is currently underway to better understand the subsurface geology and determine the implications for future exploration in the region.
Impact Oil and Gas, which holds a 9.5% interest in Blocks 2912 and 2913B—where Marula-1X is located—is a key project partner.
Africa Oil indirectly holds a 3.8% effective interest in these blocks through its 39.5% stake in Impact.
Block 2913B is home to the significant Venus light oil discovery, which has drawn strong industry attention.
Roger Tucker, President and CEO of Africa Oil, emphasized the strategic advantages stemming from an earlier farm-down agreement between Impact and TotalEnergies.
“The agreement provides for a full carry of Impact’s exploration and development costs on Blocks 2912 and 2913B through to first commercial production, offering us an attractive opportunity to test various geological plays at no upfront cost,” Tucker said.
Siraj Ahmed, CEO of Impact Oil and Gas, acknowledged the disappointing outcome but highlighted the value of the data acquired.
“While the initial results from Marula-1X are not what we had hoped for, the comprehensive data set will play a crucial role in evaluating and unlocking the block’s full potential,” Ahmed said.
Africa Oil maintains that the technical insights from Marula-1X will be instrumental in shaping its future exploration strategy in the promising Orange Basin.
