Rhino Resources has completed the drilling operations for the Sagittarius-1X exploration well located in the Orange Basin.

The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) says the successful drilling of the Sagittarius-1X well, marks a significant step for Namibia’s upstream sector, while also strengthening the country’s position in the Orange Basin.

In a media statement, NAMCOR noted that drilling commenced on 18 December 2024 and successfully reached a total depth on the 6th of February 2025. 

The well is said to have been drilled into deep underground rock layers from millions of years ago and found hydrocarbon, with no signs of water mixing into it.  

Comprehensive wireline logging operations were conducted, enabling the collection of hydrocarbon samples and sidewall cores for further analysis of which laboratory evaluation will confirm fluid and reservoir properties.

NAMCOR says with drilling operations on Sagittarius-1X now concluded, the drillship has moved to the next well in the campaign, Capricornus-1X, which is expected to test a separate fairway within the Petroleum Exploration License 85.

Further adding that the presence of hydrocarbons is an encouraging indicator of the basin’s potential, and they look forward to collaborating with their joint venture partners to fully assess the results of this well. 

PEL 85 is a joint venture of Rhino Resources (42.5%), Azule Energy (42.5%), NAMCOR (10%) and Korres (5%).