In mid July 2020, the Mendoza provincial government signed a Technical Evaluation Agreement (TEA) with small operator Hattrick and provincial company Emesa for the exploration and eventual development of the new delineated 428 sq km Norte Rio Atuel and 315 sq km Sur Rio Atuel blocks in the northern Neuquen Basin. The contract has a duration of two years. In the new UTE, Hattrick will hold 90% and Emesa 10% interest. The companies will invest a total of US$ 771,000 including US$ 325,000 for Sur Rio Atuel and US$ 446,000 for Norte Rio Atuel in a first stage of surface prospection technical studies. By the end of the contract, companies can apply to a future bid round with the "best offer right". In case the companies do not win the award in the bid round, the province will have to refund 75% of the investment completed. Special studies through the agreement in the northern block include 2D and 3D seismic interpretation with spectral decomposition and amplitude balance processing and others, as well as petrophysical assessments, regional correlation, maps and sweet spots delineation. In the southern area, studies will also include analysis of existing wells, geochemical well modeling, structural, environmental and technical revisions. The UTE Hattrick-Emesa is already working in the Lindero de Piedra exploration permit where they produce heavy oil, adjacent to the south of these areas. 
Argentina (Neuquen B.) Rio Atuel op. by PHOENIX GL (67%), PAMPA EN (33%)