The Exploration and Production (E&P) industry in Texas is home to numerous companies that play a crucial role in oil and gas production. These companies focus on the discovery and drilling of natural resources like oil and natural gas, managing the initial stages in the energy production process. Some firms concentrate on onshore operations, others venture offshore. With a sharp focus on sustainable and responsible practices, these companies are continually adapting to new technologies and strategies, shaping the future of energy production. Their commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and community involvement sets the tone for the industry's trajectory in the next wave of energy generation and consumption.


Top 23 exploration and production companies in Texas

1. ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips is an energy company that specializes in oil production, exploration, and transportation. They operate in various locations worldwide, including Alaska, Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Norway, Qatar, and the United Kingdom. ConocoPhillips is committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. They prioritize safety, community engagement, and investment in the communities they operate in. With a strong workforce and a focus on sustainable energy resources, ConocoPhillips plays a significant role in the energy sector.


2. EOG Resources

  • Website: eogresources.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1999
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Post Ipo Secondary
  • LinkedIn

EOG Resources, Inc. is a company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. With a focus on sustainable practices, EOG Resources offers a comprehensive range of energy solutions to meet the demands of the market.


3. Marathon Oil Corporation

  • Website: marathonoil.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1889
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Ipo
  • LinkedIn

Marathonoil.com is a company that operates in the oil and gas industry, offering exploration, production, and refining services. They are focused on delivering high-quality petroleum-based products to their customers.


4. Apache Corporation

  • Website: apacorp.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1954
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Ipo
  • LinkedIn

APA Corporation is an energy company committed to driving global progress by providing reliable energy solutions. They specialize in exploration and production in the oil and gas industry, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.


5. Endeavor Energy Resources, LP

Endeavor Energy Resources, LP is a privately-held exploration and production company headquartered in Midland, Texas. With over 35 years of experience, the company holds a significant amount of Net Acres in multiple basins. They focus on the Core 6 Midland Basin counties and have developed a sustainable horizontal drilling program. Endeavor is known for their commitment to teamwork, discipline, capital efficiency, and growth.


6. Diamondback Energy

Diamondback Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas. The company focuses on the acquisition, development, exploration, and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. Diamondback Energy strives for excellence, integrity, and teamwork throughout its operations. The company is committed to leadership, both internally and within the industry, and aims to deliver exceptional results to its shareholders.


7. Matador Resources Company

Matador Resources Company is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States, with an emphasis on oil and natural gas shale and other unconventional plays.


8. EXCO Resources, Inc.

  • Website: excoresources.com
  • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1997
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
  • LinkedIn

EXCO Resources, Inc. is an oil and natural gas exploration, exploitation, development and production company headquartered in Dallas, Texas with operations in Texas, North Louisiana, and Appalachia.


9. VAALCO Energy, Inc

  • Website: vaalco.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

VAALCO Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company based in Houston, USA. It has production, development, and exploration assets in West and North Africa and western Canada.


10. Mewbourne Oil Co

  • Website: mewbourne.net
  • Headquarters: Tyler, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1965
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

Mewbourne Oil Company is a prominent independent oil and natural gas producer operating in the Anadarko Basin of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, as well as the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. With a successful track record since its establishment in 1965, the company continues to privately operate under the leadership of its founder, Curtis W. Mewbourne.


11. DeGolyer and MacNaughton

  • Website: demac.com
  • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1936
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Demac.com is a company involved in the oil and gas industry, specializing in exploration and production. They have operations in Colombia and Argentina. Their activities include the development of oil fields, execution of enhanced recovery projects, and optimization of production. They offer proven reserves of oil and gas, as well as expertise in drilling and development. Demac.com focuses on streamlining operations and reallocating resources to core operations. With a strong track record and experienced team, they aim to maximize profitability in the oil and gas sector.


12. TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd.

TransAtlantic Petroleum is an energy company that specializes in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. They are dedicated to providing reliable and efficient energy solutions to their customers.


13. Ring Energy, Inc.

  • Website: ringenergy.com
  • Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
  • LinkedIn

Ring Energy, Inc. (REI) is a growth oriented independent oil and natural gas company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of high-quality, oil and liquids rich assets in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico.


14. Kraken Oil & Gas

  • Website: krakenoil.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Debt Financing
  • LinkedIn

Kraken Oil & Gas is a private equity-backed exploration and production company focused on drilling and development opportunities in the Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota, primarily in the Bakken formation.


15. Rio Grande E&P

  • Website: rgep.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

Rio Grande Exploration & Production is a privately held company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of natural gas and oil reserves in South Texas. They have a strong management team with extensive experience in the industry, having drilled over 500 wells and acquired interests in over 1,000 wells. The company is focused on South Texas natural gas production, particularly in Webb County and the surrounding area of Laredo.


16. Silver Hill Energy Partners

Silver Hill Energy Partners is a leading private oil and gas company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in acquiring, developing, and selling large-scale unconventional oil, natural gas, and related infrastructure assets. With a focus on generating strong risk-adjusted returns, Silver Hill has successfully built and managed multiple operating companies and joint ventures in the highly competitive Delaware Basin of West Texas.


17. Dale Operating Company

Dale Operating Company is a privately-held oil and gas company based in Dallas, Texas. With over 35 years of industry experience, we specialize in the acquisition, exploration, and production of oil and gas reserves.


18. Elevation Resources LLC

  • Website: elevationres.com
  • Headquarters: Midland, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Private Equity
  • LinkedIn

Elevation Resources LLC is a Permian Basin focused exploration and production company with operations in Andrews County. Established in 2013, we utilize horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in both conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Backed by Pine Brook Road Partners, our strategy targets overlooked opportunities in the oil industry. We are based in Midland and actively participate in community leadership and volunteer activities.


19. Abraxas Petroleum

Abraxas Petroleum is a company in the petroleum industry that offers oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production services.


20. UpCurve Energy

  • Website: upcurveenergy.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Private Equity
  • LinkedIn

UpCurve Energy is an innovative development company focused on optimizing production in the Permian Basin. Through the acquisition of acreage and existing wells, they employ recompletions, new development, and infill development strategies.


21. Oil States Industries

  • Website: oilstates.com
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1942
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn

Oilstates.com is a company that offers a wide range of products and services in the oil and gas industry. They provide solutions for drilling, production, and exploration, as well as equipment and tools for oilfield operations.


22. Citation Oil & Gas Corp.

  • Website: cogc.com
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Founded: 1981
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Citation Oil & Gas Corp. is a stable company with strong financials, offering a small town atmosphere and generous benefits. With a focus on professional and personal integrity, the company provides opportunities for growth and learning in various field operations. Their internship and recruiting program prepares interns for full-time positions, providing them with valuable experience. The company values teamwork and creates a friendly and supportive work environment.


23. Enventure Global Technology Inc.

Enventure GT is a company specializing in solid expandable technology for the oil and gas industry. They provide innovative well construction and well intervention solutions that enhance wellbore integrity and maximize recoverable reserves.


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