On 8 January 2020 it was reported that ExxonMobil subsidiary, Mobil Argentina SA acquired a 3.4521% stake from Total Austral on the 867 sq km Sierra Chata license, Neuquen Basin. The main focus is on shale and tight gas development along with its remaining partner Pampa Energia, which operates the block. ExxonMobil will now have 54.4477% of the area and Pampa will keep 45.5523% WI. The agreement includes an initial payment of US$ 33.64 million, which includes a US$ 22.875 million development bonus, US$ 7.125 million in corporate social responsibility payments and US$ 3.64 million in taxes.On 10 July 2018, the Neuquen provincial government awarded a 35 year unconventional production concession for the 867 sq km Sierra Chata Block. Partners Pampa, ExxonMobil and Total would invest US$ 520 million in a five year unconventional gas project. They will spud 24 horizontal wells, 15 of which target the Vaca Muerta Shale and 9 the Mulichinco Formation. The expansion of facilities and a 3D seismic survey are also planned during the first five years. Interesting volumes of tight gas have been produced from the Mulichinco Formation and the Sierra Chata 130(h) horizontal well was fractured at 1,300m on its horizontal leg to stimulate tight gas objectives with successful results.Four wells were spud and drilled to the Mulichinco Formation, generally a conventional target but an unconventional objective in this area, and also in the Vaca Muerta Shale. 
 ExxonMobil subsidiary, Mobil Argentina SA acquired a 3.4521% stake from Total Austral on the 867 sq km Sierra Chata license, Neuquen Basin.