Apache Corporation tests for shale at Argentinean prospect

Apache Corportation has begun testing for shale in the western region of Argentina’s Neuquén Basin.

The company is testing the Hua.x-1 well located on the 250,000 acre Huacalera block, 12,465 feet below the Vacu Muerta Shale.

The joint venture partner and operator of the well, initiated the testing programme on the first Huacalera shale well in mid-February this year.

Barclay Hambrook, president and CEO of Americas Petrogas, which has a 39% interest in the well, said his company will continue its investment and pursue an "aggressive drilling programme" of up to 10 additional shale wells.

"These wells will focus on the world class Vaca Muerta and Los Molles shale source rocks with the main goal of increasing resources on our shale blocks, added Hambrook.

Americas Petrogas said the targeted 360-foot interval could have favorable flow potential based on its analyses, and testing will be carried out for about 90 days to collect fluid and reservoir data in the Vaca Muerta Shale.