UPDATE 1-Slim's Grupo Carso inks $2 billion deal with Mexico's Pemex for Ixachi wells

(Adds details on deal, Ixachi field, Pemex) MEXICO CITY, Sept 29 (Reuters) – Grupo Carso , the holding company controlled by the family of Mexican mogul Carlos Slim, said on Monday it had signed a deal with state oil firm Pemex to finance the drilling of up to 32 onshore wells in eastern Mexico, for up to $1.99 billion. The wells are set to be drilled at Mexico's Ixachi, one of the country's top natural gas fields, located in Veracruz state some 70 km (44 miles) south of the Gulf coast. President Claudia Sheinbaum had in March confirmed that Pemex was in talks with Slim's companies as the government seeks more private partnerships with the indebted state producer. Ixachi's reserves have been celebrated as one of the most important finds in more than a quarter of a century for Mexico, as the net energy importer looks to become self-sufficient. In a filing, Grupo Carso said the 28 wells drilled in the field so far are currently producing some 93,000 barrels of oil and 715 million cubic feet of gas per day. Under the contract, Grupo Carso said, Pemex will pay for each well delivered in monthly payments, starting in January 2027. "The purpose of the agreement is to drill and complete up to 32 wells over a period of three years, which will contribute to a substantial increase in oil and gas production," it said. (Reporting by Sarah Morland; Editing by Kylie Madry)

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