Region - Argentina

100% owned by Argenta, Loma El Divisadero Block is located in the southern part of Mendoza Province, in the Platform area of the Neuquen basin, a few kilometers north of the biggest oil fields in Argentina. The block was marginally drilled by YPF in the 1960s-80s and never put in production even though at least three wells tested oil. Argenta has recently acquired 3D seismic which is currently being processed. From the stratigraphic perspective, Jurassic-cretaceous Huitrin, Mulichinco, Quintuco and Lotena Formations all appear as potential pay zones (900 to 1,200 metres deep) and has been proved productive in nearby fields.

Covunco Block (141,000 net acres)

100% owned by Argenta, the Covunco Block is located in the south-west area of the Neuquen Province, on the edge of the so-called dorsal area and thrust belt of the Neuquen Basin. The block had some gas discoveries which were never put in production. Although the area is considered gas-prone, there have been recent oil discoveries by Apache and Repsol in nearby blocks.

The area has 2D seismic and Argenta has recently shot 3D seismic which is under process now. Potential pay zones are Lajas and Tordillo Jurassic formations (2,000 to 3,000 metres deep), and there is the potential for deeper targets.


El Corte Block (71,670 net acres)

Owned 90% by Argenta and 10% by HIDENESA (Hidrocarburos del Neuquen SA) the Neuquen provincial state owned oil and gas company, the El Corte Block is located south-west of Neuquen Province, in an area known as the “Northern flank of the Dorsal”, immediately south of the Covunco Block. The area has scarce 2D seismic data and only three exploratory wells. The area hosts two source rocks (Los Molles and Vaca Muerta Jurassic formations) and many possible reservoirs (Lajas, Lotena, Tordillo and Mulichinco formations) most of which have not been tested yet.