ReconAfrica Announces Strategic Entry into Offshore Gabon and Signing of a Production Sharing Contract that Adds Significant Oil Appraisal, Development and Exploration Opportunities
ReconAfrica (OTCQX:RECAF) has entered into a strategic production sharing contract (PSC) for offshore exploration in Gabon's Block C-7 (Ngulu). The company will be the operator with a 55% working interest in partnership with Record Resources (20%), Gabon Oil Company (15%), and the Republic of Gabon (10%).
The Ngulu block spans 1,214 Km² in shallow water offshore central Gabon and includes the Loba oil field discovery, which has 140 metres of gross pay and potential production of ~20,000 Bbls/d. The block contains 28 mapped prospects analogous to Gulf of Mexico play types, with nearby producing fields ranging from 38 MMBbls to 250 MMBbls in size.
Under the initial four-year PSC terms, ReconAfrica commits to conducting geological studies, advancing 3D seismic reprocessing, and drilling one well, positioning the company for near-term oil production potential and exploration growth in a major oil-producing region.
ReconAfrica (OTCQX:RECAF) ha firmato un contratto di produzione condivisa (PSC) per l'esplorazione offshore nel blocco C-7 (Ngulu) del Gabon. La società sarà operatore con una quota di partecipazione del 55%, in collaborazione con Record Resources (20%), Gabon Oil Company (15%) e la Repubblica del Gabon (10%).
Il blocco Ngulu copre 1.214 km² in acque poco profonde al largo della costa centrale del Gabon e comprende la scoperta del giacimento petrolifero Loba, che presenta 140 metri di pay lordo e una potenziale produzione di circa 20.000 Bbl/giorno. Nell’area sono mappate 28 prospettive con analogie ai play del Golfo del Messico; i campi produttivi vicini hanno volumi compresi tra 38 e 250 MMBbls.
Secondo i termini iniziali del PSC della durata di quattro anni, ReconAfrica si impegna a svolgere studi geologici, a procedere con il reprocessing 3D sismico e a perforare un pozzo, posizionandosi per un potenziale avvio della produzione e per ulteriore esplorazione in una regione petrolifera di rilievo.
ReconAfrica (OTCQX:RECAF) ha suscrito un contrato de reparto de producción (PSC) para exploración offshore en el Bloque C-7 (Ngulu) de Gabón. La compañía actuará como operadora con un interés operativo del 55%, junto a Record Resources (20%), Gabon Oil Company (15%) y la República de Gabón (10%).
El bloque Ngulu abarca 1.214 km² en aguas someras frente a la costa central de Gabón e incluye el descubrimiento del campo Loba, que presenta 140 metros de pay bruto y una producción potencial de ~20.000 bbl/d. En el bloque se han mapeado 28 prospectos análogos a los tipos de play del Golfo de México; los campos productores cercanos oscilan entre 38 y 250 MMBbls.
En los términos iniciales del PSC por cuatro años, ReconAfrica se compromete a realizar estudios geológicos, avanzar en el reprocesamiento sísmico 3D y perforar un pozo, situándose para una potencial producción a corto plazo y crecimiento exploratorio en una región petrolera importante.
ReconAfrica (OTCQX:RECAF)는 가봉의 블록 C-7(응구루) 해상 탐사를 위한 전략적 생산분배계약(PSC)을 체결했습니다. 회사는 운영사로서 지분 55%를 보유하며 Record Resources(20%), Gabon Oil Company(15%), 가봉 공화국(10%)과 공동 참여합니다.
응구루 블록은 가봉 중부 연안의 얕은 바다에 걸쳐 1,214 km² 규모이며, 총 140m의 유효층을 가진 Loba 유전이 포함되어 있고 일일 약 20,000 배럴의 생산 잠재력을 보유합니다. 블록 내에는 멕시코만 유전 유형과 유사한 28개의 매핑된 탐사대상이 있으며, 인근 생산유전의 규모는 38~250 MMBbls 범위입니다.
초기 4년 PSC 조건 하에서 ReconAfrica는 지질조사 수행, 3D 탄성파 재처리 진행, 시추 1공 시공을 약속하여 단기 생산 가능성과 주요 산유지역에서의 탐사 확장 가능성을 갖추게 됩니다.
ReconAfrica (OTCQX:RECAF) a conclu un contrat de partage de production (PSC) stratégique pour l'exploration offshore du bloc C-7 (Ngulu) au Gabon. La société sera opérateur avec une participation de 55%, en partenariat avec Record Resources (20%), Gabon Oil Company (15%) et la République du Gabon (10%).
Le bloc Ngulu couvre 1 214 km² en eau peu profonde au large du centre du Gabon et comprend la découverte du champ pétrolier Loba, qui présente 140 mètres de pay brut et une production potentielle d’environ 20 000 bbl/j. Le bloc contient 28 prospects cartographiés analogues aux types de play du golfe du Mexique; les champs producteurs voisins varient de 38 à 250 MMBbls.
Dans le cadre des termes initiaux du PSC de quatre ans, ReconAfrica s’engage à réaliser des études géologiques, à lancer le retraitement sismique 3D et à forer un puits, se positionnant ainsi pour un potentiel de production à court terme et une croissance exploratoire dans une région productrice de pétrole majeure.
ReconAfrica (OTCQX:RECAF) hat einen strategischen Produktionsbeteiligungsvertrag (PSC) für Offshore-Erkundungen im Block C-7 (Ngulu) in Gabun abgeschlossen. Das Unternehmen wird als Betreiber mit einem Arbeitsinteresse von 55% auftreten, gemeinsam mit Record Resources (20%), Gabon Oil Company (15%) und der Republik Gabun (10%).
Der Ngulu-Block erstreckt sich über 1.214 km² in seichtem Wasser vor der zentralen Küste Gabuns und umfasst die Loba-Ölfundstelle, die 140 Meter Brutto-Pay aufweist und ein Produktionspotenzial von etwa 20.000 Bbl/Tag hat. Im Block sind 28 kartierte Prospects vorhanden, die Spieltypen des Golfs von Mexiko ähneln; nahegelegene Förderfelder reichen von 38 bis 250 MMBbls.
Im Rahmen der anfänglichen vierjährigen PSC-Bedingungen verpflichtet sich ReconAfrica zu geologischen Studien, zum Reprocessing 3D-seismischer Daten und zur Bohrung eines Explorationsbohrlochs, womit das Unternehmen für kurzfristig mögliche Ölproduktion und weiteres Explorationswachstum in einer bedeutenden Ölregion positioniert ist.
- Strategic entry into Gabon's offshore market with 55% operating interest in a large 1,214 Km² block
- Existing Loba oil field discovery with 140m gross pay and potential 20,000 Bbls/d production capacity
- Portfolio of 28 mapped prospects with sizes ranging from 38-250 MMBbls
- Low-cost entry terms with minimal initial work commitments over four years
- Proximity to existing infrastructure (within 10km) enabling low-cost production tie-back
- Location in Gabon, sub-Saharan Africa's fourth-largest oil producer with proven reserves of 2 billion barrels
- Requires significant capital investment for offshore development and exploration
- Reliance on vintage seismic data requiring reprocessing
- Operational risks associated with offshore operations in a new territory
- Development timeline uncertainties for bringing Loba field into production
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the “Company”, “ReconAfrica” or “Recon”) (TSXV: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) (NSX: REC) is pleased to announce that on September 8, 2025, it has entered into a production sharing contract (the “PSC”) and a joint venture agreement, led by Recon along with Record Resources Inc. (“Record”) (TSXV: REC), the Republic of Gabon and its national oil and gas company, Gabon Oil Company (“GOC”). The PSC is for the exploration, appraisal, development and production of oil and gas on Gabon offshore Block C-7, renamed Ngulu (“Ngulu”). Under the terms of the joint venture, Recon will be the designated operator, with a
Transaction and Asset Highlights
- Acquisition positions Recon as an offshore West Africa operator.
- Diversified portfolio with low risk appraisal, development, and exploration assets.
- Near-term oil production potential could provide cashflow to fund exploration growth.
- Capital-efficient entry terms include a large concession with minimal work phased over a four-year commitment.
- Advanced seismic reprocessing to unlock exploration upside while de-risking prospects.
- PSC agreement covers 1,214 Km2 in shallow water offshore central Gabon.
- Ngulu is located on trend and offset to a number of sizeable producing fields, which range in size from 38 MMBbls up to 250 MMBbls.
- Existing oil discovery, the Loba field, was drilled in 1976 with 140 metres gross pay (70 metres net pay) provides for low-risk appraisal and development opportunities and near-term production. The Loba field complex has potential production of ~20,000 Bbls/d in line with offset fields.(1)(2)(3)
- Significant exploration upside from an inventory of 28 mapped prospects that are analogous to play types found in the Gulf of Mexico.
- The Company has committed during the initial four-year term to execute detailed geological and geophysical studies, advance 3D seismic reprocessing on an existing database and drill one well on the block.
Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO commented: “We are very pleased to be able to diversify our portfolio into an existing oil producing basin in the Republic of Gabon, complementing our exploration programs in Namibia and Angola. Gabon is sub-Saharan Africa's fourth largest producer and exporter of crude oil and is a jurisdiction that has attractive exploration upside. This strategic entry allows the Company to deploy capital to drilling options, including appraisal and development opportunities, with line of sight to near-term production and cash flow.
The exploration inventory in Gabon contains play types analogous to the Gulf of Mexico deep water plays. This is an area of expertise for both me and our team, which has extensive experience and success in finding many significant fields. We plan to deploy Gulf of Mexico style exploration using state-of-the-art reprocessing to reduce risk and increase our chance of success on exploration drilling in this underexplored region of Gabon.
This transaction, in addition to our high potential exploration program in Namibia, including the current drilling of the Kavango West 1X well, positions Recon shareholders with significant near-term growth potential.”
Strategic Rationale: Pathway to a Full-Cycle, Offshore E&P Company
This transaction places Recon into a producing hydrocarbon province with the opportunity to build a long-term and sustainable high-growth platform. Collectively, this transaction adds appraisal, development and exploration potential to the Company’s portfolio.
Entry terms are attractive for a large concession secured at a low-entry cost with a minimal work program over the initial four-year period. Ngulu contains near-term oil production potential with the development of the Loba field and access to existing infrastructure within 10 kilometres, which provides a low-cost production tie back. The block also adds an extensive inventory of high-impact exploration projects for future drilling, in addition to exposure to a large pipeline of brownfield opportunities across Gabon.
The transaction advances ReconAfrica’s strategy of becoming an offshore West Africa exploration and production company with an expanded footprint and a de-risked diversified corporate profile. Anchored by an existing oil discovery, the acquired asset base provides a pathway to potential low-cost development and near-term production, underpinning cash flow growth and funding optionality. Pursuing development close to existing infrastructure reduces costs and drives robust returns. In addition, reprocessing the seismic data could unlock a significant exploration inventory.
Ngulu Overview: Gulf of Mexico Style Exploration
The PSC agreement, which covers 1,214 Km2 and is roughly equivalent to 54 Gulf of Mexico blocks, is in shallow water offshore central Gabon. Ngulu block is located on trend and offset to several sizeable producing fields, which range in size from 38 MMBbl up to 250 MMBbl. The Company plans to apply state-of-the-art seismic reprocessing to the existing seismic dataset to identify additional prospects, as well as conduct an independent third-party resource report to outline the size and scope of the opportunities across the block.
The key aspects of the Ngulu Block include the Loba oil field discovery made by Elf-Gabon in 1976 and over 28 seismically identified prospects in the Pre-salt Gamba / Dentale and Post-salt plays. Marquee prospects on the block include Lepidote Deep (Post-salt play) and the Palomite Deep (Pre-salt play). All the prospects are similar to Gulf of Mexico play styles where several members of the current Recon management team have made numerous important discoveries, including 18 discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico made with a cumulative 2.4 billion boe.
Loba Oil Complex: Existing Development Offering Near-Term Production Potential
The Loba Field was discovered by Elf-Gabon’s LOM-1 well, which targeted the Batanga and Anguille reservoirs. The LOM-1 well discovered a shallow oil zone (27oAPI gravity oil) in the Batanga Formation with 140 metres of gross oil column (70 metres net pay) and is similar to nearby producing fields Barbier, Barbier Southwest and Ablette. The Loba oil discovery was made in 60 metres of water depth and is approximately 10 kilometres from existing infrastructure, operated by international oil company Perenco. Management believes that low-cost options are available for the development of the Loba Complex, which includes the initial Loba oil discovery and follow-on appraisal targets at Loba Deep and Loba East. Loba field complex has potential production of ~20,000 Bbls/d based on offset fields.(1)(2)(3) These analogous fields are located within 30-60 kilometres from the Loba Oil Complex and are in the same targeted reservoir.
1. Grondin Field. AAPG Memoir Giant Oil and Gas Fields of the Decade: 1968-1978 / Geology of Grondin Field. Peak field production report at Grondin ~25,000 Bbls/d. We are unable to confirm if the reports were prepared by a qualified reserves evaluator or auditor or in accordance with the COGE handbook.
2. Baudroie field, Ngumu Moabi Le Comite De Consultation Technique report 17, May 2006. Initial production 1972. Peak field production reported at ~42,000 Bbls/d. We are unable to confirm if the reports were prepared by a qualified reserves evaluator or auditor or in accordance with the COGE handbook.
3. Torpille field, operator Societe des Petroles d'Africa Equatoriale Francaise (Total Energies), 1972 report. Peak field production reported at ~25,000 Bbls/d. We are unable to confirm if the reports were prepared by a qualified reserves evaluator or auditor or in accordance with the COGE handbook.
High Impact Exploration Inventory
Approximately 28 prospects have been delineated on vintage seismic by prior operators, with estimated sizes consistent with offsetting producing fields ranging from 35 – 250 MMBbl. The Company expects to immediately commence a state-of-the-art seismic re-processing project to clearly identify prospects and develop a drilling inventory of lower-risk exploration targets from the enhanced dataset. The Company will also initiate a third-party resource assessment using the newly enhanced, reprocessed seismic data.
Lepidote Deep - Azile Channel Complex
The Lepidote Deep prospect (Post-salt) has multiple stacked turbidite channels that can be tested from a single well targeting an estimated 800 metres of gross interval stacked sands. An initial Lepidote 1 well was drilled in the 1970’s on sparse 2D data with the well encountering strong oil shows but did not drill deep enough to penetrate the deeper prospective intervals. Similar to the Loba Oil Complex, the Lepidote Deep prospect benefits from its proximity to established infrastructure with available capacity, supporting a potential cost-efficient development pathway.
Pompano Dentex Complex
The Pompano Dentex Complex has multiple stacked channel systems within three main targets, Batanga, Lower Anguille and Cap Lopez. The current seismic provides low-quality imaging at the Pre-salt level, however, the application of modern Pre-Stack Depth Migration (“PSDM”) is expected to significantly enhance imaging and materially improve structural interpretation.
Palomite Complex
The Palomite complex provides exposure to test multiple prospective horizons in the Post-, Sub- and Pre-salt with a single well. The Palomite Post-salt Cluster targets stacked reservoirs in the Batanga, Anguilee and Cape Lopez zones, while the Palomite Pre-salt Cluster targets the Gamba and Dentale reservoirs. The current seismic provides inadequate imaging at the Pre-salt level, however, the application of modern PSDM is expected to significantly enhance imaging and materially improve structural interpretation.
Production Sharing Contract
The PSC grants Recon a
The transaction was at arm’s length with an independent third party and no finders’ fees were incurred.
Overview of Oil and Gas in Gabon
The oil and gas sector in Gabon remains a cornerstone of its economy. Gabon is one of Africa’s leading oil producers, underpinning the country’s fiscal stability and external trade.
The Government of Gabon has expressed its commitment to creating a regulatory environment that attracts investment and encourages the full development of the country’s plentiful natural resources as a means of creating wealth for the country and its people.
Gabon currently produces over 220,000 Bbls/d from its reserves of approximately 2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and has significant potential for natural gas. There are numerous major international operators in Gabon, including but not limited to, Perenco, BW Energy, Total Energies, Maurel & Prom, Sinopec, VAALCO Energy and Panoro Energy.
Research Capital Corporation was acting as an advisor to Recon with respect to the transaction
Gabon and Corporate presentation decks available HERE.
About ReconAfrica
ReconAfrica is a Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the exploration of the Damara Fold Belt and Kavango Rift Basin in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia, southeastern Angola and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds petroleum licences and access to ~13 million contiguous acres. The Company also operates the Ngulu block in the shallow waters offshore Gabon. In all aspects of its operations, ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbance of habitat in line with international standards and implementing environmental and social best practices in its project areas.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information contact:
Brian Reinsborough, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mark Friesen, Managing Director, Investor Relations & Capital Markets
Email:
IR Inquiries Email: investors@reconafrica.com
Media Inquiries Email: media@reconafrica.com
Tel: +1-877-631-1160
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that are based on Recon's current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections. The words "estimates", "projects", "expects", "intends", "believes", "plans", or their negatives or other comparable words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding management's expectation anticipated production timeline, the 28 mapped prospectus; management's exploration and development plans; and all other expectations, intentions, and plans that are not historical fact.
Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of material factors, expectations, or assumptions of Recon which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Recon believes that the expectations reflected in such forward‐looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking statements because Recon can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: that Recon will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations; the quality of the reservoirs in which Recon operates; the timely development of infrastructure in areas of new production; certain cost assumptions; continued availability of equity financing to fund Recon's current and future plans and expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which Recon operates; the general continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Recon to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Recon operates; and the ability of Recon to successfully market its oil and natural gas products when discovered..
The forward‐looking information included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon.
There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's annual information form (“AIF”) dated April 29, 2025, for the financial period ended December 31, 2024, available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to ReconAfrica. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and ReconAfrica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
The forward‐looking information and statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and Recon does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward‐looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Analogous Information
Certain information in this document may constitute "analogous information" as defined in National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI-51-101 "), including but not limited to, information relating to the reservoirs in geographical proximity to lands that are held (or to be held) by ReconAfrica. Such information has been obtained from government sources, regulatory agencies, or other industry participants. ReconAfrica believes the information is relevant as it helps to define the reservoir characteristics in which ReconAfrica may hold (or acquire) an interest. ReconAfrica is unable to confirm that the analogous information was prepared by a qualified reserves evaluator or auditor. Such information is not an estimate of the reserves or resources (or production levels) attributable to lands held or potentially to be held by Recon and there is no certainty that the reservoir data and economics information for the lands held or potentially to be held by Recon will be similar to the information presented herein. The reader is cautioned that the data relied upon by Recon may be in error and/or may not be analogous to such lands to be held by Recon.
Abbreviations
bblbarrels of oil
bbl/dbarrels of oil per day
MMmillions
MMbblmillions of barrels of oil
boebarrel of oil equivalent
boepdbarrel of oil equivalent per day
bopdbarrel of oil per day
MMboemillion barrels of oil equivalent
km2square kilometres
A barrel of oil equivalent ("boe") may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
FAQ
What is the size of ReconAfrica's working interest in the Gabon Ngulu block?
What is the potential production capacity of the Loba field in RECAF's new Gabon block?
How many prospects has RECAF identified in the Ngulu block?
What are ReconAfrica's work commitments under the Gabon PSC?
How close is the Loba field to existing infrastructure?
What was the size of the oil discovery in the original Loba-1 well?
