Windhoek, Namibia – 4 Dec 2025 – Monitor Exploration Limited (“Monitor” or “MEL”), Operator of PEL 93 in the Owambo Basin, onshore Namibia, congratulates Recon Africa on the successful drilling results from the Kavango West 1X well (KW1X) in PEL 73, located approximately 200 km east of Monitor’s PEL 93.
The confirmation of significant hydrocarbon pay and extensive reservoir development in the Otavi carbonate section provides strong, basin-wide validation of the regional petroleum system that also underpins Monitor’s exploration strategy in the Owambo Basin.
The presence of 64 metres of net hydrocarbon pay, additional shows in fractured intervals, and the decision to proceed with production testing all reinforce the high confidence in Otavi-hosted structural closures—a play type directly comparable to Monitor’s own 11 identified leads, including the prominent Lead 9.
These positive results from a neighbouring licence materially enhance the outlook for PEL 93, strengthening Monitor’s belief in the acreage’s hydrocarbon potential as it advances toward airborne data acquisition and subsequent drilling location selection in 2026.
Key Highlights from RecoAfrica's Announcement
and Relevance to Monitor
Confirmed Hydrocarbon Presence in the Otavi Carbonate
Reservoir Quality Confirmed
- The well logged ~400 m of gross hydrocarbon-bearing section.
- 64 m of net hydrocarbon pay has been confirmed on wireline logs, supported by mud log anomalies.
- A further 61 m of hydrocarbon shows was recorded in deeper intervals with interpreted natural fractures – a key factor for potential flow.
- Logs indicate ~85 m of net reservoir, including the 64 m of pay.
- Natural fracturing is expected to enhance deliverability, reinforcing the concept that Otavi structures can deliver commercial flow.
Relevance to Monitor
PEL 93 also targets Otavi carbonates and Mulden clastics, with multiple anticlines and large closures identified. Recon’s results provide basin-wide validation of the petroleum system and charge model.
Relevance to Monitor
Several PEL 93 leads – especially Lead 9 – are mapped as fractured or folded Otavi/Mulden structures. Confirmation of fractured, hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir 200 km away strengthens confidence in similar structural traps in PEL 93.
Major Structural Closure Successfully Tested
Production Testing Planned
- Kavango West 1X tested a 20 km × 3 km anticlinal closure.
- The well has been temporarily abandoned and will be re-entered for production testing in Q1 2026.
- Testing aims to measure flow rates using selective perforations and gain better understanding on oil vs gas.
Relevance to Monitor
PEL 93 contains 11 mapped leads within similar fold belt geometry. Recon’s results demonstrate that large carbonate anticlines in this region are hydrocarbon-charged, validating Monitor’s geological model.
Relevance to Monitor
A successful flow test will confirm commercial deliverability of the Otavi system – critical evidence supporting the development potential of Monitor’s licence.
PEL 93: Planned Activities and Drilling Location in H2 2026
In preparation for drilling location selection, Monitor has contracted Xcalibur Multiphysics to conduct a high-resolution airborne magnetic, radiometric, and scalar gravity survey, covering approximately 6,000 line kilometres. The survey is scheduled for January 2026, with final results expected by February 2026. Community engagement, terrain assessments, and updates to the Environmental Management Plan and Environmental Clearance Certificate have been completed in line with Namibian regulations.
The integration of the new airborne dataset with existing seismic, geological, and gravity information will support the selection of one or more drilling locations by mid-2026, marking the next major milestone in the exploration program for PEL 93.
PEL 93 Joint Venture has as partners:
MEL Oil & Gas Exploration (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd with 55 percent
88 Energy Limited, the ASX and AIM listed company with 20 percent
Legend Oil Namibia (Pty) Ltd with 15 percent, and
Namcor E&P, the Namibian State Oil company with 10 percent