The northern basin blocks including Curamhuele and the Corralera variants concentrate significant interest due to proximity to proven commercial developments and existing evacuation infrastructure. These areas connect to the Puesto Hernández system and OTASA and Oldelval pipeline networks, reducing infrastructure risks. However, Curamhuele presents elevated geological complexity due to its location near the Andean deformation front, potentially complicating drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations.
La Tropilla I, both Cerro Avispa blocks, and Águila Mora Noreste sit within Vaca Muerta’s oil generation window adjacent to Vista Energy developments. Technical assessments identify igneous intrusions associated with the Auca Mahuida volcanic complex as constraints in La Tropilla I and Águila Mora Noreste, creating drilling challenges. The Cerro Avispa blocks face limitations with substantial surface area positioned on the eastern boundary of the productive formation, reducing effective development zones.
Pampa de las Yeguas Noreste targets gas and condensate opportunities, attracting interest based on neighboring YPF-operated fields where multiple productive horizons within the source rock have been successfully developed. Southern blocks including Cerro Partido Este, Santo Domingo II, Chasquivil Sur, and El Corte occupy a geological transition zone requiring high-resolution seismic studies before larger drilling programs. Totoral Este and La Hoya represent frontier projects with minimal exploratory history and limited geological data, presenting the highest risk profiles.
The competitive bidding structure requires companies to submit access bonuses with a minimum floor of 500,000 dollars, with proposals enhanced through royalty commitments designed to maximize provincial revenue. Offers close August 19, 2026, when envelope opening occurs in Neuquén city. The tender incorporates environmental and safety standards alongside requirements for local supplier participation and potential infrastructure contributions if projects advance to exploitation phases.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
