Agreement formalizes SLB´s participation in the Instituto Vaca Muerta to strengthen workforce capabilities for unconventional operations in Argentina

SLB and YPF, Argentina’s state-owned energy company and a leading operator in Vaca Muerta, have signed an agreement for SLB to join the Instituto Vaca Muerta (IVM), a YPF-led initiative focused on developing workforce capabilities for unconventional oil and gas operations.

The signing took place during a joint visit by YPF President Horacio Marín and SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch to operations in Loma Campana, one of Argentina’s most active shale developments. During the visit, the teams observed drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations, reflecting the scale and operational complexity of activity in the basin.

As development of Vaca Muerta continues to accelerate, YPF plays a central role in expanding Argentina’s oil and gas production and attracting investment into the region. This growth is increasing demand for technically skilled personnel capable of operating in complex, large-scale unconventional operations.

The Instituto Vaca Muerta brings together operators, service companies and technical training institutions to build workforce capabilities aligned with the technical demands of unconventional development, with a focus on safety and execution.

“Unlocking unconventional resources requires talent, technology and collaboration,” said Olivier Le Peuch. “By working alongside our partners through initiatives like the Instituto Vaca Muerta, we are helping develop the technical skills needed to support long-term growth in Argentina’s energy sector.”

The collaboration reflects a broader shift in unconventional resource development, where technology, operational scale and workforce capability must evolve together. In Vaca Muerta, this alignment supports sustained activity while maintaining performance, safety and consistency across operations.