In the first half of 2024, Galp (80%, operator), together with its partners NAMCOR and Custos (10% each), successfully completed the first phase of the Mopane exploration campaign, comprising two exploration wells and one drill stem test (DST).
Mopane-1X (well #1) discovered, in January, significant oil columns containing light oil in high-quality reservoir sands at two different levels, AVO-1 and AVO-2. In March, the rig moved to the Mopane-2X location (well #2), where significant light oil columns were discovered in high-quality reservoir sands across exploration and appraisal targets, namely AVO-3, AVO-1, and a deeper target. In particular, the Mopane-2X well found AVO-1 to be in the same pressure regime as the Mopane-1X discovery well, around 8 km to the east, confirming its lateral extension.
Testing operations followed suit, in April, with a DST performed in well #1. The reservoir log measures confirmed good porosities, high pressures, and high permeabilities in large hydrocarbon columns. Fluid samples presented very low oil viscosity and contained minimum CO2 and no H2S concentrations.
Considering the successful first phase of the exploration campaign, partners moved towards a 4-well and 2 DST Exploration & Appraisal (E&A) campaign.
In November 2024, Mopane-1A (well #3) encountered light oil and gas-condensate in high-quality reservoir-bearing sands, once again indicating good porosities, high permeabilities, and high pressures, as well as low oil viscosity characteristics with minimum CO2 and no H2S concentrations. Together with the Mopane-1X (well #1) and Mopane-2X (well #2) findings, this appraisal well confirmed the extension and quality of AVO-1.
In December, Galp and its partners decided to retain the Santorini drillship to continue the ongoing E&A campaign during the southern hemisphere summer taking advantage of favorable market conditions. Mopane-2A (well #4) was spud on December 1st to appraise AVO-3, one of the zones intercepted by the earlier Mopane-2X well. Mopane-3X (well #5) is expected to be spud in early 2025, targeting two prospects, AVOs 10 & 13.
The upcoming activities also include a high-density and high-resolution proprietary 3D development seismic campaign over the Mopane complex set to start in December 2024.