The exploration permit for Area CN-V (Cuenca Neuquina V) was awarded to Wintershall Energía SA by the Mendoza Province government.

The area is in the southernmost region of the province and covers 369 sq miles (956 sq km).

The company has performed field and lab-work over the whole area since 2004, including mapping, geochemical analysis, geological modeling as well as 2D seismic reprocessing and interpretation.

Recent evaluations indicate that the CN-V Block has potential for conventional and unconventional reservoirs (shale gas and shale oil) in two different sedimentary zones.

"The award of the CN-V exploration permit establishes Wintershall as operator. It represents an excellent opportunity to deploy the company's technical experience in unconventional reservoirs in the promising and fast growing shale projects in the Neuquen Basin, one of the most prospective shale oil and gas regions in the world," said Gustavo Albrecht, managing director, Wintershall Energía.