# Oil and gas drilling expansion in Argentina

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/oil-and-gas-drilling-expansion-in-argentina
> Updated: 2026-10-29T20:53:06.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Oil and gas drilling operations are expanding in the San Jorge Basin, covering the Argentine provinces of Chubut and Santa Cruz. In Chubut, PECOM has initiated a drilling program at the Manantiales Behr field, with the Venver 51 team drilling 22 new wells expected to continue into early 2027.

In Santa Cruz, Governor Claudio Vidal has noted the reactivation of hydrocarbon activities as a driver for provincial employment and economic stimulation. This activity includes campaigns by Crown Point Energía and CGC. Furthering this expansion, Quintana Energy has deployed its third drilling rig, the VENVER-52, in the Anticlinal Aguada Bandera area. This project involves a 10 million USD investment to drill five wells, including exploratory drilling in the D-129 Formation. Local labor representatives have attributed the recovery of hydrocarbon activity to cooperation between the government, companies, and workers.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Quintana Energy launches third drilling rig in Santa Cruz

Quintana Energy has deployed its VENVER-52 drilling rig in Santa Cruz, Argentina, as part of a USD 10 million investment to drill five wells in the Anticlinal Aguada Bandera area.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quintana-energy-launches-third-drilling-rig-in-santa-cruz

### 2026-10-20: Oil drilling activities expand in Argentina's San Jorge Basin

Drilling operations are increasing in Argentina's San Jorge Basin, with PECOM starting a 22-well program in Chubut and Crown Point Energía launching a new campaign in Santa Cruz.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oil-drilling-activities-expand-in-argentinas-san-jorge-basin

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Cite as: Oil and gas drilling expansion in Argentina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/oil-and-gas-drilling-expansion-in-argentina