Rhino Resources Namibia Ltd. has secured approval from Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism for an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC), allowing the company to drill 10 exploration and appraisal wells off the southern coast.
The drilling campaign will be conducted in License Block 2914A and is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an expected investment of N$1.8 billion (US$94 million) into the local economy.
The project will include related exploration activities such as vertical seismic profiling (VSP), well testing, and well abandonment.
According to project documents, local economies in Lüderitz, Walvis Bay, and other contractor-based areas could benefit from N$70 million (US$3.75 million) in monthly spending.
This expenditure will support services including accommodation, logistics, and fuel, providing significant economic benefits to these communities.
The initial three-well drilling campaign is expected to inject a total of N$562 million (US$30 million) into the economy.
If successful, a second phase of seven wells could follow, potentially adding another N$1.2 billion (US$64 million) to local investments.
Rhino Resources has awarded Halliburton a deepwater multi-well construction contract to oversee the project.
Under this agreement, Halliburton will provide complete well construction and testing services, while extending its operational facilities in Namibia to enhance collaboration and maximize value for both Rhino Resources and Namibian clients.
Halliburton’s operations on the wells are scheduled to commence in late 2024. Rhino Resources, which has been exploring in Namibia for over a decade, operates Block 2914A in the shallower portion of the Orange Basin, less than 20 km from several recent Namibian discoveries.
In May, Rhino Resources further strengthened its position by entering into a strategic farm-in agreement with Azule Energy—a BP and Eni joint venture—marking Azule’s first venture into Namibia’s offshore market. This underscores the growing importance of Block 2914A in Namibia’s energy landscape.
