Mendoza Accelerates Vaca Muerta and Awards Two Conventional Areas

Mendoza is moving forward with a hydrocarbon strategy on two fronts: accelerating unconventional exploration in the northern sector of Vaca Muerta and awarding mature areas to sustain conventional production. The provincial government granted the Atamisqui and El Manzano concessions for 25 years.

In Malargüe, YPF and the JV made up of Quintana and TSB will begin exploratory drilling within an estimated timeframe of between 30 and 45 days. The companies advanced commitments originally planned for 2028, and the program includes at least seven unconventional wells.

YPF, which has already drilled two exploratory wells, is preparing a new pad with one vertical well and two horizontal wells, plus an additional drilling operation. In Cañadón Amarillo, the Quintana-TSB JV plans to invest US$ 44 million and drill one vertical well along with two horizontal wells with 1,500-meter laterals.

The 3D seismic campaign conducted by Quintana-TSB required over US$ 4 million and covered 202.5 square kilometers. For upcoming work, both operators will share a high-capacity drilling rig. Each well requires an estimated investment of between US$ 15 million and US$ 20 million.

In the conventional segment, Atamisqui, located in the Cuyana Basin, was awarded to Petróleos Sudamericano. The company committed US$ 15 million over ten years, with one new well, 26 interventions, and over US$ 3.5 million for infrastructure. El Manzano, in the Neuquén Basin, went to Venoil, which plans to invest US$ 30.9 million, drill six wells, and conduct 32 interventions.

Both concessions total commitments of US$ 45.9 million over 822 square kilometers. 68% of that amount must be executed during the first five years. The plans include secondary recovery, conversion of wells to injectors, and reactivation work in mature fields. With these awards, Mendoza reaches seven areas granted through the continuous bidding scheme launched in late 2025.