Portuguese oil company Galp has discovered light oil and gas condensate in a fifth well at the Mopane field, located in petroleum exploration licence (PEL) 83 of the Orange Basin off the coast of Namibia.

Galp holds an 80% stake in PEL83 and serves as operator, while NAMCOR and Custos each have a 10% stake.

The Mopane-3X well is situated 18km from the initial discovery in the south-east of the Mopane complex.

The well targeted two prospects, AVO-10 and AVO-13, and a deeper sand layer at a water depth of approximately 1,200m.

Preliminary data from the well indicate the presence of “significant” light oil and gas condensate columns, with high-quality sandstone reservoirs exhibiting good porosity, high pressure and high permeability.

Initial fluid samples have shown low oil viscosity and minimal CO₂ and H₂S concentrations, which were sent for laboratory testing.

The higher-than-expected pressures of Mopane-3X and positive results have opened up further exploration and appraisal opportunities in the south-east of the Mopane complex.

In 2024, the company drilled four wells to explore and assess an initial hub in the north-west region of the Mopane complex.

The Mopane-2A well was spud [drilling operations commenced there] on 2 December 2024 and encountered hydrocarbons in two separate reservoirs.

Galp plans to integrate all acquired data into the reservoir model to support potential future activities.

A 3D seismic acquisition campaign is under way and due to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

The Mopane field is estimated to hold more than ten billion barrels of oil. 

Galp is considering selling half of its 80% stake in PEL83 to a new operator, although it has indicated there is no urgency in this process, reported Reuters.