[REVISION HISTORY]

Argentina energy and mining sector developments

4 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-15 20:56 UTC → 2026-10-16 19:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Industrial and regulatory activity in Argentina’s energy and mining sectors has seen both localized disruptions and significant new investments. In Chubut, the oil sector faced paralysis at the Manantiales Behr field due to tensions between the Truckers Union and oil workers regarding new automation technology. Union leaders described the situation as a ‘lockout patronal’ (employer lockout) stemming from disputes over service rates. However, operations in the province have also seen expansion, with Crown Point Energía resuming drilling in the Puesto Quiroga area of the El Tordillo concession. ~~This resumption includes a USD 45 million investment plan to drill eight new wells annually and perform 24 workover interventions in the Gulf San Jorge Basin.~~ In Santa Cruz, the mining sector has experienced regulatory scrutiny and intensified exploration. The provincial government ordered task cessations at Newmont’s Cerro Negro site following reports of safety and hygiene violations. ~~While authorities considered site closure, a work agenda was established to address security and environmental compliance.~~ Concurrently, mining exploration is increasing in the Deseado Massif, with 14 gold and silver projects ~~active, including drilling campaigns by Fredonia Mining and FOMICRUZ.~~ active. Recent developments show expanded activity in the Vaca Muerta region. In Neuquén, Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén (GyP) concluded its first bidding round in nearly a ~~decade, attracting 10 bidders and generating over $180 million in access bonuses.~~ decade. In Río Negro, ~~the province is seeing significant expansion, with~~ projects in the Vaca Muerta formation potentially ~~exceeding~~ exceed US$ 1.6 billion. Phoenix Global Resources has secured a 35-year non-conventional exploitation concession and plans to invest US$ 494.4 million between 2027 and ~~2031, while~~ 2031 to drill 40 wells and build a crude oil treatment plant. TanGo Energy has initiated a US$ 66 million drilling ~~program.~~ program, while Pan American Energy leads a project in the Loma Guadalosa area. Additionally, GeoPark and GyP have proposed an investment exceeding US$ 1 billion to develop the Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste blocks, aiming to increase production to 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. In mining, Patagonia Gold is launching a 10,000-meter drilling campaign at the Calcatreu project.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.