Argentina Shale Gas >> Overview
Argentina : Vaca Muerta
Initially discovered by YPF in November 2011, the Vaca Muerta Shale play is quickly gaining international attention as a robust unconventional target. Located in midwest Argentina, the play is in the Neuquén Basin, which numerous operators believe could be one of the largest shale basins outside of the U.S. According to YPF's unconventional resource estimates for the Vaca Muerta shale, the target could hold anywhere from 900 to 22.5 billion barrels of oil.
Vaca Muerta Companies
YPF
Pluspetrol
Tecpetrol
Pan American LLC (BP Controlled)
Chevron
Dow
Total
Gran Tierra Energy
Vaca Muerta 2017 Development Area Map
Source : YPF via Shale Experts Presentation Manager
Well Cost in the play has steadily declined over time.
As result of the reduction in well cost, the play is now competitive with many US shale oil and gas plays.
Source : YPF
Argentina : Vaca Muerta News
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Vista Energy Acquires Equinor Non-Working Interest In Vaca Muera
February 02,2026 | -
YPF leans into Vaca Muerta as shale becomes the growth engine
December 28,2025 -
Continental Resources to Acquire 90% Stake in Vaca Muerta Shale Concession
November 19,2025 -
Vaca Muerta 2025–2026: Acceleration, Optimization, and Strategic Impact
July 12,2025 -
GeoPark Terminates Vaca-Muerta Acquisition
July 06,2025 -
Argentina/Vaca Muerta Developers to Double Well Activity; Increase Frac Fleets
July 01,2025 -
Shell Fourth Quarter, Full Year 2022 Results
March 09,2023 -
Shell CEO van Beurden to Step Down; Wael Sawan Tapped as Successor
September 15,2022 -
Calfrac Well Services Second Quarter 2022 Results
July 28,2022