Rhino Resources confirms major Volans-1X discovery in Namibia’s Orange Basin
Rhino Resources has announced a significant discovery at the Volans-1X well in Namibia’s Orange Basin, CEO Travis Smithard confirmed during African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025. The well encountered a 26-meter reservoir with high-quality fluid measuring approximately 40° API, indicating a rich gas condensate accumulation that could enhance the basin’s growing resource base.
Smithard described the find as “incredible,” adding that it strengthens Namibia’s profile as a key oil and gas destination in Africa.
Major discovery builds on recent drilling success
The Volans-1X discovery follows Rhino’s earlier successes at the Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X wells, also located in the Orange Basin. These successive results underscore the basin’s potential to become a major exploration hotspot for international energy players.
Rhino Resources plans to drill at least one appraisal well in the first quarter of 2026 to further evaluate the Volans prospect. Smithard emphasized that the next phase will involve close collaboration with joint venture partners, including Azule Energy, Namibia’s state-owned oil company NAMCOR, and local partner Korres Investments.
Namibia emerges as a frontier energy destination
The Volans announcement highlights Namibia’s growing prominence in the global oil and gas landscape. With multiple discoveries across the Orange Basin in recent years, the country is attracting increasing interest from exploration and production companies looking for new frontiers.
Industry observers see the basin’s geological potential, combined with a stable regulatory environment, as a key driver behind the influx of investment and exploration activity.
