YPF plans three horizontal wells in Vaca Muerta in Mendoza

YPF announced the launch of a new exploration phase in the Mendoza portion of Vaca Muerta. Company president Horacio Marín met with Mendoza Governor Alfredo Cornejo on October 9, 2026, to present plans for three horizontal exploratory wells in the CN VII A block, located in Malargüe.

The campaign builds on earlier exploration at the Paso de las Bardas Norte and Aguada Negra wells. YPF will study different formation intervals and extract core rock samples to evaluate their physical properties, geological conditions, and productive potential before determining commercial viability.

Together with two unconventional wells planned by a joint venture between Quintana Energy and TSB in the Cañadón Amarillo area, Mendoza anticipates five exploratory wells in 2026 across the Neuquén Basin. The province is also preparing concession contracts for unconventional exploitation and updating its Hydrocarbons Law in the provincial legislature to attract industry investment.