A discovery of rich-gas condensate by Namcor and partner marks the third consecutive hydrocarbon discovery on the exploration block. 

The significant discovery brings Namibia closer to transforming its energy sector, creating jobs, building capacity and securing a brighter future for future generations. 

The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), together with its joint venture partners Rhino Resources (as Operator), Azule Energy and Korres Investments on Wednesday announced the discovery as part of an update on the Volans-1X exploration well on Block 2914A, Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 85, offshore Orange Basin, Namibia. 

Namcor acting managing director Maureen Mbeunde commented on the development.

“This discovery is not only exciting for Namcor but for Namibia as a whole. Volans-1X demonstrates the extraordinary potential of the Orange Basin and reinforces Namibia’s place on the global energy map. We are waiting for history to be made, as discoveries like these bring us closer to transforming our energy sector, creating jobs, building capacity and securing a brighter future for generations to come,” she stated. 

PEL 85 is operated by Rhino Resources with a 42.5% working interest. 

The other co-venturers are Azule Energy (42.5%), Namcor (10%) and Korres Investments (5%). 

Commenting on the update, CEO of Rhino Resources Travis Smithard said “Rhino, on behalf of the PEL85 JV, are delighted to announce the discovery of rich-gas condensate in an excellent quality reservoir at the Volans-1X well. This is our third consecutive hydrocarbon discovery on the block, further enhancing our understanding of the subsurface. 

“This well result opens up an exciting new play fairway within the license, identifying different reservoir and fluid types in this well, similar to those recently discovered at Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X. Rhino, in collaboration with our partners Azule Energy, Namcor and Korres, will now evaluate the results of the ongoing testing and integrate them into blockwide prospectivity studies”.

Namcor stated that the Volans-1X exploration well was spudded on 31 July 2025, using the Northern Ocean semi-submersible Deepsea Mira. 

The well reached a total depth of over 4 000 metres on 30 August 2025. 

“The well successfully penetrated the Upper Cretaceous target and encountered 26 metres of net pay in rich-gas condensate bearing reservoirs. The reservoir shows excellent quality petrophysical properties with no observed water contact,” Namcor stated. 

Meanwhile, laboratory analysis on two samples from the latest discovery showed a high condensate to gas ratio (CGR) and a condensate density between 40° API gravity.  “Hydrocarbon samples and sidewall cores were collected through wireline logging operations. Further laboratory studies will be carried out on additional fluid samples, sidewall cores and cuttings collected during the campaign,” Namcor stated. 

This latest discovery builds on previous results at Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X, and opens up a new play fairway within the licence. 

Namcor added that the rig was demobilised on 14 September 2025 to drill in other location, while Volans-1X laboratory testing activities will remain ongoing, while Volans-1X laboratory testing activities will remain ongoing. 

Namibia is currently one of the world’s most significant oil frontiers, with estimated offshore reserves of 20 billion barrels. 

The scale of these finds has the potential to position Namibia as one of the world’s top 10 oil producers by 2035.