GeoPark Limited announced on April 30 2026 that it has begun drilling lateral sections at its Loma Jarillosa Este block in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale formation. The first two wells from the five‑well pad reached their target depths on April 1 and April 15, marking an early milestone in the program.
The company is continuing drilling operations on the remaining three lateral sections at Pad‑1030, a pad that had been partially developed by a previous operator. GeoPark holds a 100 % working interest in the block and has completed a second artificial‑lift installation campaign across three wells, cutting total shut‑in time by 10 days compared with the prior intervention.
Construction has also begun on the first phase of an expansion of the Loma Jarillosa Este gathering station. The upgrade will increase the station’s capacity from 6,000 barrels of oil per day to 10,000 barrels per day, supporting the anticipated production growth from the new wells.
The drilling program is part of GeoPark’s broader strategy to establish a robust production platform in the Vaca Muerta. The company acquired the Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste blocks in October 2025 and has earmarked $80‑$100 million for 2026 to accelerate development. Management has stated that the Vaca Muerta assets are a key growth engine, with a target of 20,000 barrels of oil per day by the end of 2028.
GeoPark’s management highlighted the importance of disciplined capital allocation and cost control in executing the drilling and infrastructure projects. The company’s hedging strategy and strong operational performance in FY 2025—exceeding production guidance—provide a solid foundation for the 2026 drilling push.
The Vaca Muerta play remains a major contributor to Argentina’s oil and gas output, and GeoPark’s early drilling milestones and infrastructure expansion position the company to capture a larger share of the basin’s production growth.
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