ConocoPhillips has teamed up with Germany's Wintershall Dea in a deal that will see the pair jointly develop shale resources across two blocks in Argentina's prolific Vaca Muerta play.

The US independent has taken a sizeable stake from the operator in two tracts in Neuquen province.

Houston-based ConocoPhillips has signed on for a 45% share in the Aguada Federal block, a tract that extends over 97 square kilometres in the Neuquen basin.

Wintershall Dea will remain operator on 45%, with local player Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen (GyP) holding the 10% balance.

ConocoPhillips has also taken a 50% share in the Bandurria Norte block, with Wintershall Dea retaining the other 50% and also holding onto operatorship.

That block, which is near to Aguada Federal, extends over 105 square kilometres.

The pair will now look to jointly develop the shale resources in both blocks. Wintershall Dea has already conducted pilot projects in both tracts, with production testing currently ongoing.

Wintershall Dea board member responsible for Latin America, Thilo Wieland, said: "ConocoPhillips’ extensive know-how developed across unconventional operations in US shale plays complements Wintershall Dea's technological expertise and decades of local experience. We are excited about this new partnership as it will allow us to expedite the development of the two blocks."

Manfred Boekmann, the German player's Argentina managing director, added: "Today’s announcement underpins our firm belief in the potential of the Vaca Muerta shale play in Argentina.

"Wintershall Dea has many years of local experience and the technical know-how to help shape the country's energy future in a sustainable and responsible manner."

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ConocoPhillips in Vaca Muerta farm-in with Wintershall Dea