Americas Petrogas Inc. reported that the first stage of completion of the Hua.x-1 well (TD 13,450 feet), located on the 250,000 acre Huacalera block in the western region of Argentina's Neuquen Basin, was initiated in mid-February by Apache Corporation, the operator of the well.

The first zone of interest being tested is a select 360 foot thick interval below 12,465 feet in the Vaca Muerta Shale, which has a gross thickness of 1,742 feet in the well. The zonal selection was made based on leading edge core and integrated petrophysical analyses carried out during late 2011. The selected interval appears to hold favorable flow potential based on the analyses.

The hydraulic fracture stimulation was successfully completed in late February, placing just over 300,000 lbs of proppant in the formation. The well is currently flowing gas and "load" water from the hydraulic fracture through temporary test facilities. Testing will continue for approximately 90 days, collecting valuable fluid and reservoir data in the Vaca Muerta Shale.

Tags: Americas Petrogas