Researcher Questions ReconAfrica’s Handling of Chemical Waste During Namibia Well Testing

Environmental researcher Rob Parker is calling for greater transparency from Canadian oil exploration company ReconAfrica over its latest drilling activities in northern Namibia.

Parker says the company’s recent announcement on its Cobongo West well highlighted acid stimulation tests but did not explain what happened to the chemical fluids that returned to the surface after being pumped underground. According to Parker, these fluids form a chemical waste stream that requires proper handling and disposal.

He says the well is located above an aquifer relied on by communities in the Okavango region for drinking water, while there is no licensed hazardous liquid waste facility in the area. ReconAfrica has previously stated that it follows environmental best practices, but Parker says regulators and the public need access to documents showing what chemicals were used, how much fluid returned to the surface, and how the waste is being managed.

He also raised concerns about the company’s plans for further testing and the possibility of a horizontal sidetrack at the well, saying such technology is often associated with unconventional oil and gas development. Parker says he is not claiming that hydraulic fracturing is currently taking place, but believes the company’s future plans require public scrutiny given its earlier promotion of the basin as an unconventional oil and gas prospect. ReconAfrica has previously said its exploration activities are conducted in line with Namibia’s environmental regulations. The company has not publicly responded to Parker’s latest concerns.

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