Cormine advances use of Neuquén sands in Vaca Muerta

Neuquén Mining Corporation (Cormine) is advancing with the evaluation of local sands for hydraulic fracturing operations in Vaca Muerta. The initiative aims to increase the participation of Neuquén suppliers and to integrate mining activity with hydrocarbon development.

The studies cover areas in Añelo, Senillosa and the corridor between Cutral Co and Zapala. According to results reported by the provincial company, Senillosa and that central Neuquén zone already show favorable indicators, while further analysis is still pending for sectors located in Añelo.

Mariano Brillo, Cormine's president, noted that the characteristics of Neuquén material are not necessarily identical to sands historically used by the industry, although technological advances have expanded application alternatives. He also indicated that some companies already use Neuquén sand in all their operations, without mixing it with materials from other basins.

The development of a local supply could reduce some of the cargo movement arriving from other provinces to supply Vaca Muerta wells. According to Brillo's estimate, more than 3,000 trucks daily enter Neuquén for the transport of sands and other inputs related to the activity.

In that context, the province is planning a sand roundtable with participation from other producing jurisdictions, mining companies and hydrocarbon operators. The goal will be to share practices, organize supply and analyze the technical and economic conditions necessary to expand the use of domestic resources.

The agenda joins other work axes of Cormine, such as the reactivation of Andacollo, the evaluation of potash opportunities, the analysis of rare earth potential and the geological survey of different areas of Neuquén.

Based on information from Mejor Energía.