The Cacheuta Formation serves as the primary hydrocarbon-generating rock of the Cuyana Basin, a 66,348-square-kilometer area spanning northern Mendoza, northwestern San Luis, and southern San Juan. Approximately 3,100 wells have been drilled across the basin, though only 700—roughly 25 percent—reached or penetrated the Cacheuta Formation itself, leaving significant data gaps. The basin contains 35 delineated areas, including 12 exploitation concessions and 23 available blocks, with declared 3D seismic coverage of 1,754 square kilometers.
Energy and Environment Minister Jimena Latorre stated the initiative seeks to transform accumulated historical data into actionable knowledge for strategic decision-making. The selected firm will conduct geochemical analysis, evaluate total organic carbon content, assess thermal maturity, perform petrophysical characterization, complete mineralogical studies, and execute geomechanical analyses. The scope includes constructing structural and sedimentary maps, developing scenarios for potential development, estimating resource volumes, and prioritizing areas based on geological viability, infrastructure access, and economic competitiveness.
Hydrocarbons Director Lucas Erio emphasized the study addresses a distinct question from historical assessments. While Cacheuta’s role as a petroleum generator is well-established, the evaluation will determine how much hydrocarbon remained retained in the source rock and whether specific sectors possess suitable geological, geochemical, petrophysical, and geomechanical conditions for unconventional development.
The formation differs fundamentally from marine-origin plays like Vaca Muerta, originating instead from a continental lacustrine environment. This distinction requires specific analysis of mineralogy, mechanical behavior, maturity levels, organic content, hydrocarbon retention capacity, and potential response to stimulation technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.
The 14-month study will proceed in phases covering data compilation, integration, analysis, modeling, and final reporting. Final deliverables must include recommendations for exploratory drilling, development alternatives involving public-private partnerships, and technical viability assessments to guide future investment decisions as Mendoza’s conventional production continues its structural decline.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
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