Exxon makes second discovery in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta
Exxon makes second discovery in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta
BUENOS AIRES -- Exxon Mobil and Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén have made a second unconventional oil and gas discovery in Neuquén Province of Argentina.
Located in the liquids-rich area of the Vaca Muerta play, the La Invernada X-3 well was drilled to a total measured depth of 15,374 ft. The horizontal leg of the well extends for 3,280 ft. The discovery is operated by ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina S.R.L., an affiliate of Exxon Mobil.
The well was drilled on the La Invernada Block in Neuquén Province and flowed at an average rate of 448 bopd and 1.0 MMcfgd on a 12/64 inch choke in its first flow test. Data analysis and additional studies are being conducted to fully evaluate this discovery.
Appraisal wells will also need to be drilled before a commercial decision can be made. La Invernada X-3 is among the best producing wells in the Vaca Muerta. In 60 days the well produced 31,400 boe.
This latest discovery is 12.4 miles from Exxon’s oil discovery on the Bajo del Choique Block, which was announced in May.
“This second discovery adds momentum to our exploration program in the Vaca Muerta,” said Stephen M. Greenlee, president of Exxon Mobil Exploration Company. “Our second well is flowing at encouraging rates, and complements the successful initial results found at our first well.”
Governor of Neuquén Jorge Sapag said, “Both discoveries by Exxon Mobil in partnership with Gas y Petroleo del Neuquén in the Vaca Muerta formation, located in the Neuquén basin, are important and promising. We believe that these discoveries will pave the way to new and greater oil and gas production for Neuquén and Argentina.”
ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina S.R.L holds an 85% working interest in the La Invernada and Bajo del Choique blocks. Gas y Petroleo del Neuquén holds a 15% interest in both blocks.
ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina S.R.L holds interests in approximately 900,000 net acres in the unconventional shale oil and shale gas plays of the Vaca Muerta in Neuquén Province.
