The +30/+70 mesh cut is the predominant proppant size used in Vaca Muerta's liquids-rich unconventional completions. Its particle size (approximately 0.212 mm to 0.600 mm) balances conductivity and proppant transport in the fracture network. In-Basin Sand produces a +30/+70 cut from Malargüe silica tested and reported under API Recommended Practice 19C and ISO 13503-2.
API 19C defines how proppant is characterised and tested. Key measured properties include sieve distribution, Krumbein sphericity and roundness, crush resistance, acid solubility and turbidity. The relevant thresholds are set by API RP 19C, Tables 4 and 5, for sand-based proppants.
| Property | API 19C threshold (sand) | In-Basin Sand (Malargüe) |
|---|---|---|
| Sieve distribution | Min 90% within designated mesh | Per SGS report |
| Krumbein sphericity | ≥ 0.6 | Per SGS report |
| Krumbein roundness | ≥ 0.6 | Per SGS report |
| Acid solubility | ≤ 2% by weight | Per SGS report |
| Turbidity (FTU) | ≤ 250 | Per SGS report |
| Crush resistance | Fines ≤ thresholds at stress class | Validated per SGS attrition report |
Exact numeric values per SGS Minerals (Chile) report available under NDA via the data room.
Liquids-rich unconventional completions — including those in the Vaca Muerta oil window — typically use +30/+70 as the primary proppant cut for the bulk stimulation. The grain size supports higher conductivity near-wellbore while still transporting effectively through the stage.
In-Basin Sand's +30/+70 cut is reported per ISO 13503-2 granulometry methodology. Sieve distribution data is included in the SGS report, with particle size retention on each US Sieve step between 30 and 70 mesh.
Phase 1 production supports 15,000 t/month at full capacity, split between +30/+70 and -70/+140 according to operator requirements. Mine life at full throughput is 37+ years.
In-Basin Sand is running a €150,000 secured convertible bridge closing 29 April 2026. Public landing: https://inbasinsand.com