As U.S. shale production plateaus, America’s frackers are looking at opportunities abroad to tap new growth markets and develop emerging shale basins overseas, leveraging two decades of experience and technological innovation. Opportunities abound—from Argentina to Australia—as oil and gas-producing nations look to unlock unconventional resources to increase domestic output and boost energy security. U.S. expertise is the best chance these countries have to develop their shale industries, and American p ...

Core Insights - GeoPark Limited has signed an agreement to acquire Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste blocks in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale, gaining a 100% working interest and operatorship [1][3] Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves a payment of $115 million, financed through available cash, with a security deposit of $22.7 million already paid [5] - GeoPark will receive a new unconventional exploitation license for the Puesto Silva Oeste Block, with a condition to transfer a 5% working interest to Gas y Petróleo del Neuquen S.A. [2] Reserves and Production - The acquired blocks encompass over 12,300 gross acres, estimated to hold recoverable resources of 60 million gross barrels of oil, with current production between 1,700-2,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day [3][4] - GeoPark anticipates reaching a plateau production of approximately 20,000 boe/d by the end of 2028, with 1P reserves of 11.4 mmboe and 2P reserves of 25.8 mmboe [4] Industry Context - Chevron plans to increase its production from Vaca Muerta to 30,000 bpd by the end of 2025, indicating significant growth potential in the region [6] - YPF Sociedad Anónima has announced a $3.3 billion investment in Vaca Muerta, aiming to enhance production and export capabilities [7][8]