This block was previously under YPF’s operation but did not figure among its investment priorities. Following asset restructuring and contractual extensions approved by the provincial government, Quintana Energy–TSB assumed concession rights, committing over $44 million to pilot exploration in the next three years. The contract extension for Cañadón Amarillo runs until January 2036, aiming to consolidate sustained activity and attract further investment.
The seismic campaign, involving ten teams, represents the most significant 3D study in the province since 2017. After seismic data acquisition and processing, the UTE plans to drill two pilot wells starting in the second half of 2026, expediting the original timeline by a year. Key infrastructure, including the Crude Treatment Plant, compressor stations, and a gas injection well, were inspected during the visit. Energy Minister Jimena Latorre underscored the block’s high potential and its role in positioning Mendoza as an emerging player in the Vaca Muerta unconventional basin.
This development supports Mendoza’s dual objectives of boosting petroleum production while fostering employment and investment, aligned with environmental stewardship that complies with global industrial best practices.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
