It was reported on 4 May 2020 that Neuquen provincial company, Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen, divested its 10% interest in the 97 sq km Aguada Federal license, Neuquen Basin. The company also resigned its mining rights in the contract expiring in 2033. It is assumed that partners Wintershall DEA and ConocoPhilips will now hold 50% each in the license. Wintershall DEA will remain as operator. The provincial government has approved the operation. The deal was completed for US$ 17.6 million but GyP cashed only US$ 5 millions as it owed investments to partners for US$ 12.6 million.In late November 2019, ConocoPhilips confirmed the closing of the farm-in by the company in the Aguada Federal and Bandurria Norte licenses. Both licenses were already operated by the German company Wintershall Dea. ConocoPhillips acquired 45% interest in the Aguada Federal license. Wintershall would hold 45% and provincial company Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen the remaining 10% WI. ConocoPhillips would hold 50% share in the 107 sq km Bandurria Norte Block and Wintershall Dea will retain the remaining 50% interest. ConocoPhillips invested US$ 300 million in this transaction along which also includes acquisition in the US Lower 48 areas. In March 2019, Wintershall announced plans to invest US$ 600 million over three years in its Vaca Muerta Shale projects and others in the Neuquen Basin. About US$ 200 million will be invested each year through 2021 in Vaca Muerta pilot programs with an eye to moving into a massive development stage, including Aguada Federal and Bandurria Norte. Aguada Federal was created by the subdivision of the original Aguada del Chanar license, previously operated by state-owned IEASA (former Enarsa). The company hooked to production the Aguada Federal 4(h) horizontal exploration well targeting the Vaca Muerta Shale after 118 bo/d and some gas were tested in August 2018. In November 2018, official reports from the Energy Secretary showed 38 bo/d and some gas produced from the Vaca Muerta with the La Caverna x-11(h) horizontal exploration well on Bandurria Norte. Wintershall in 2016 signed an agreement to increase its stake from 50% to 90% on this block. The company farmed-in with Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen in 2014.<P /><P />
Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen, divested its 10% interest in the 97 sq km Aguada Federal license, Neuquen Basin. 