The Board of Andes announces the results of a multi stage fracture and production test on the 'Las Varillas x-1' well which was drilled in the first half of 2014 and has recently been fracture stimulated, on the 'El Manzano West' block in the Neuquen basin, Mendoza Province, Argentina.

Highlights: •The Las Varillas x-1, which in 2014 was drilled and cased to a total depth of 7,851 feet (2,393 metres) and encountered 410 feet (125 metres) of gross pay in the unconventional Vaca Muerta formation, has been stimulated with a three stage vertical hydraulic fracture and tested in early 2015. •After the clean-up of the well and during the initial 48 hour testing period, the well produced through a five inch casing on managed choke sizes (4-16mm) an average rate of 90 bbl/d of 23° API crude oil under natural flow, and following the installation of an artificial lift system the well flowed at an increased rate of 108 bbl/d. The well currently continues in production and a series of mechanical works are being carried out in order to increase productivity.

Tags: Andes Energia