Reconnaissance Energy Africa has come under fire in the Southern African press over its plans for drilling in Namibia, close to the border with Botswana. The Canadian-listed company said in late August that it expected to spud its first well in early December. Travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 had disrupted plans somewhat.

Allegations have surfaced in the South African press that ReconAfrica lacks the required documentation for work. There are also claims that the company plans to carry out hydraulic fracturing.

Initially, at least, the company does not plan to carry out fracking in the area. An op-ed in South Africa’s Daily Maverick cited the head of the Namibian Chamber of Environment Chris Brown as saying there did not appear to have been a public consultation.