GeoPark wins Corralera Noreste block with two-well Vaca Muerta work program
GeoPark won the Corralera Noreste block in Argentina’s Neuquén Basin through the Ronda 1/2026 public bidding round run by provincial energy company Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén (GyP). The award adds about 26,900 gross acres (24,200 net) in northern Vaca Muerta near Rincón de los Sauces. The tender offered 15 blocks and drew 20 offers from 10 companies.
GeoPark committed to drill and frack two horizontal wells, each with a 2,000 m lateral and 30 frac stages, during the block’s four-year initial exploration period. An extended testing period will follow to establish well productivity and resource quality. GeoPark will operate the block with a 90% working interest, and GyP will hold the remaining 10%, fully carried by GeoPark.
The award is subject to execution of a joint venture agreement and approval by the Executive Branch of the Province of Neuquén. The block carries an optional second four-year exploration period, and a 35-year unconventional exploitation concession will be granted upon a declaration of commercial discovery. GeoPark also operates the Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste blocks in Vaca Muerta.
