Eagle Ford News

The Eagle Ford Shale (EFS) is one of the largest single economic developments in the history of the state of Texas, and ranks as the largest oil & gas development in the world based on capital invested. Almost $30 billion was spent developing the play in 2013 alone. The Eagle Ford had more than a $60 billion dollar impact on the local South Texas economy in 2012 and over 116,000 Eagle Ford jobs were supported in the 20 county area surrounding the play. Add the jobs created in adjoining counties and the picture of a modern oil boom begins to take shape.

From record drilling levels to wells producing over 4,000 b/d of oil initially, the play is redefining South Texas as an oil industry hotbed. If you own a business in South Texas, begin thinking about how the Eagle Ford is changing the economic landscape and your future. Oil & gas production is bringing new found wealth to the region.

Eagle Ford Shale Overview

The play is located in South Texas and produces from various depths between 4,000 and 14,000 feet. The EFS takes its name from the town of Eagle Ford Texas where the shale outcrops at the surface in clay form. Some operators refer to the play as the Eagleford.

The Eagle Ford is the most active shale play in the world with over 100 rigs running. Operators are indicating the play will be developed for decades to come. If the development is new to you, visit our Eagle Ford Shale Drilling and Rig Count articles to keep up oil & gas activity across South Texas. The EFS benefits from high liquids yields across much of the play, which support well economics even while natural gas prices are low.

If you're a mineral owner in South Texas, learn more about mineral rights at MineralWise.com You can also discuss mineral rights topics with Eagle Ford Shale land owners, by visiting MineralRightsForum.

Eagle Ford Shale Geology

The Eagle Ford is a geological formation directly beneath the Austin Chalk. It is considered to be the "source rock", or the original source of hydrocarbons that are contained in the Austin Chalk above it. The formation was penetrated many times as operators targeted the Edwards Limestone formation along the Edwards Reef Trend.

The formation is best known for producing variable amounts of dry gas, wet gas, NGLs, condensate and oil. The most active area lies above the Edwards Reef Trend where the formation yields a gas-condensate production stream. Unlike many other shale plays, it does not exhibit natural fracturing within the formation. Visit the Eagle Ford Shale Geology page to read more.

Eagle Ford's Location

Our Eagle Ford Shale Counties section provides a list and detail on the 30 counties where the EFS is or has been targeted. The core counties include an area that stretches from north of Gonzales down to Webb County at the Texas-Mexican border. EagleFord wells have been tested in Mexico, but results have not been widely reported and PEMEX is taking a slow approach to exploration.

Eagle Ford Companies

Petrohawk Energy is given credit for drilling the first modern-day EFS well in 2008. That year, the company began testing several areas across South Texas. The discovery horizontal well was completed with 10 frac stages along a 3,200 ft lateral. The well produced more than 7.6 mmcfd. Lewis Energy also claims part of the prize of leading the way. The company reports to have drilled the first EFS targeted well in 2002. Find more information on other companies through our Eagle Ford Operators page. You can also view midstream companies at the Eagle Ford Pipeline & Midstream page.

Eagle Ford Shale Development

This short video shows the development of the Eagle Ford Play from 2008-2017.