The Centenario operation, near the city of Neuquén, is one of the largest oil, gas and condensate fields in the province and presents a great challenge due to its proximity to urban areas.

There is also a significant potential for oil reservoirs in the Los Molles, Tordillo, Lotena and Lajas formations. Directional drilling is used in the development of fields located in urban areas. This enables different deep geological targets in different locations to be reached from the same location on the surface. By considerably reducing the number of surface locations, together with other prevention and mitigation measures, the environmental impact of the operations is reduced.

This operation includes oil, gas and condensate exploration and production, in addition to secondary and tertiary recovery. Operations in the Neuquén region are challenging because of their proximity to urban areas and the characteristics of the basin, which include the presence of unconventional resources (Vaca Muerta and Los Molles formations). Because of the proximity to local communities, directional drilling and production island techniques are applied.This area is also home to the oil reservoirs of the Tordillo, Lotena and Lajas formations, where secondary production by water injection is carried out.

From a social perspective, operating in urban areas requires using a transparent work model that includes constant interaction with the communities and authorities involved.For this reason, we identify the stakeholders within the influence areas of our operations. We provide them with information prior to the start of company projects and activities, and manage any claims or complaints that may arise.

We also carry out community programs adapted to fit the characteristics and problems of each community and that encourage the active work of its members to generate shared value.

At Pluspetrol we are committed to optimizing water consumption by implementing water reuse processes. At the Centenario site, the water used for production is reused in the secondary recovery process. There has been an outstanding increase in the water filtering and pumping capacity at treatment and saltwater injection plants. To learn more, see the report entitled “Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives.2009-2013 Statement of Operations. Pluspetrol Argentina.”