🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Oregen Energy appoints geoscientist Phil Birch as strategic adviser
via The Namibian2 min read
Canadian investment firm Oregen Energy has appointed Phil Birch, a geoscientist credited with the discovery of TotalEnergies’ offshore Namibia Venus prospect, as its strategic adviser. Oregen Energy recently acquired a stake in Petrovena’s license for oil block 2712A in the Orange Basin. Birch, who retired from Impact Oil and Gas last year, expressed enthusiasm for joining Oregen, stating his interest in assisting whoever licensed the block. His involvement in Namibian exploration began in the early 2010s with Black Star Petroleum, a company he owned. Black Star Petroleum aimed to explore along the west coast of Africa and eventually partnered with Knowledge Katti, who held the license for the block. Due to a lack of funds for a full exploration campaign, Black Star was acquired by Impact Oil and Gas. Birch estimated that drilling the prospect would cost at least US$100 million. Despite initial rejections from major oil companies, Impact Oil and Gas eventually convinced TotalEnergies to farm in. In February 2022, TotalEnergies announced a significant discovery of light oil on the block. Birch believes that oil and gas could be transformative for Namibia, emphasizing the importance of managing the resources fairly to benefit as many Namibians as possible and to build other industries.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadSouth African president Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged Namibia and South Africa to cease exporting raw materials and instead focus on beneficiation and industrialization. Speaking at the fourth session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, Ramaphosa hosted president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and emphasized the strong bond between the two nations. He stated that Africa is at a defining moment due to its vast natural resources, and the challenge lies in capturing greater value from these resources. Ramaphosa called for the development of regional value chains to create jobs and opportunities within southern Africa, rather than exporting raw materials and importing prosperity. He highlighted the Orange Basin as a promising energy frontier, suggesting its development should extend beyond oil and gas extraction to establish an integrated regional energy economy encompassing engineering, exploration, refining, logistics, maritime services, and advanced manufacturing.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, with support from conservation partners, has translocated 575 wild animals from Etosha National Park to conservation areas, including communal conservancies in the Kunene region. Tristan Cowley, founder of Conservation Travel Foundation CTF, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, communities, and conservation organizations for Namibia's conservation success. CTF, the non-profit conservation arm of ultimate.earth, contributed approximately N$2.7 million to the operation. The Kunene region hosts desert-adapted wildlife such as black rhino, elephants, and lions. Conservation partners noted that increasing prey populations is crucial for ecological balance and for reducing human-wildlife conflict. Cowley emphasized the ongoing need for cross-sector collaboration to address conservation challenges, and CTF affirmed its commitment to supporting biodiversity protection and community conservation initiatives.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has announced that playmaker Richie Mo'unga will not be part of the squad for the upcoming "Greatest Rivalry" series against the world champion Springboks. Rennie stated that he has already outlined a team for the first of four Tests next month. Mo'unga, who was New Zealand's playmaker at the last two World Cups, is currently ineligible due to the national union's rules after playing club rugby in Japan. Although he has returned to New Zealand and signed a contract, he remains ineligible until October after completing a season in the domestic provincial competition. Rennie confirmed that Mo'unga will not be joining the tour unless another fly-half sustains an injury. He noted that he observed Mo'unga's "phenomenal" performance while coaching a rival club in Japan. The All Blacks will play against South African domestic sides Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls before the opening Test in Johannesburg on August 22. Rennie indicated that while selectors have a preferred team in mind, every player will have an early opportunity to contend for Test selection.