Pluspetrol operates legacy conventional fields and growing unconventional acreage in Neuquén, including blocks like La Calera and CNV (Centenario-Neuquén). Each hydraulic fracturing campaign requires API 19C silica proppant delivered to pad-gate. The current benchmark of US$140/ton for Ibicuy-origin sand reflects 1,400 km of freight. In-Basin Sand cuts that to ~30 km and a local-freight cost of roughly US$5/ton.
Pluspetrol's Neuquén acreage sits within the Añelo logistics radius and the broader North Zone corridor. Trucked freight from Malargüe to Pluspetrol pads is a single-day haul on paved routes, versus multi-day barge-plus-truck from Entre Ríos.
| Origin | Mode | Distance to Añelo |
|---|---|---|
| Malargüe (In-Basin Sand) | Truck | ~30 km |
| Ibicuy (Entre Ríos) | Barge + truck | ~1,400 km |
Pluspetrol's frac designs follow API 19C and ISO 13503-2. In-Basin Sand's +30/+70 and -70/+140 cuts are validated by SGS Minerals (Chile) — the same independent lab used by major proppant producers in the LatAm region.
At 15,000 t/month Phase 1 capacity, In-Basin Sand can serve a dedicated Pluspetrol pad program or act as a regional top-up supplier. The mine life of 37+ years at full throughput supports long-duration take-or-pay structures.
Proppant freight is a controllable line item in Vaca Muerta well economics. A 97% distance reduction flows directly into per-foot completed-well cost. For operators like Pluspetrol running a measured drilling cadence, that cost lever is material.
In-Basin Sand is running a €150,000 secured convertible bridge closing 29 April 2026. Public landing: https://inbasinsand.com