An operational update, released by exploration company Rhino Resources Namibia in October, reported the discovery of a high liquid-yield gas condensate during an offshore drilling campaign on Block 2914A of the Orange basin, Namibia.

Commenting on the update, Rhino CEO Travis Smithard said: “[We] are delighted to announce the discovery of a high liquid- yield gas condensate in an excellent quality reservoir at the Volans-1X well.”

He added that it is the third consecutive hydrocarbon discovery on the block and further enhances the understanding of the sub-surface.

“This well result opens up an exciting new play fairway within the licence, identifying different reservoir and fluid type in this well from the recent discoveries made 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.”

Rhino released the update on behalf of the Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL85) joint venture.

PEL85, where the well was drilled, is operated by Rhino with a working interest of 42.5%. Coventurers are Azule Energy (42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).

The Volans-1X exploration well, spudded on July 31, 2025, using the Northern Ocean’s semi-submersible Deepsea Mira, reached a total depth of 4 497.5 m true vertical depth subsea (TVDSS) on August 30, successfully penetrating the Upper Cretaceous target.

The well found 26 m of net pay in rich gas- condensate-bearing reservoirs, with the reservoir showing “excellent quality petrophysical properties and no observed water contact”.

Hot shot laboratory analysis on two samples (at the top and base of the reservoir interval) showed a high condensate-to-gas ratio (CGR) of greater than 140 and a liquid density of around 40° API gravity.

Hydrocarbon samples and sidewall cores were collected through intensive wireline logging operations. Laboratory studies will continue to be conducted on the rest of the fluid samples, side wall cores and cuttings collected during the campaign.

The rig was demobilised in September to begin drilling in another location, while Volans-1X laboratory testing activities are ongoing.