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Petrobras authorized to drill three new wells in Foz do Amazonas
Ibama has authorized Petrobras to drill three additional exploratory wells in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, located in the ultra-deep waters off the coast of Amapá. This decision aims to determine the commercial viability of recent oil discoveries in the Equatorial Margin, a region Petrobras considers a critical future production frontier. The company has allocated US$ 2.5 billion for exploration in this margin between 2026 and 2030.
The authorization comes with specific environmental conditions. Petrobras must submit an updated drilling schedule within 30 days and implement various environmental monitoring and prevention plans. The agency also requires the company to provide support for marine fauna rehabilitation, specifically for manatees in Pará and Amapá.
However, the expansion is facing scrutiny from the Federal Public Ministry (MPF). Prosecutors have identified discrepancies between Ibama's statements made during judicial hearings—where the activity was described as a short-term, six-month operation—and administrative documents that outline a much longer campaign involving four wells scheduled between 2025 and 2029. The MPF has requested formal explanations, noting that these inconsistencies hinder the assessment of cumulative environmental risks to marine species, local fisheries, and traditional communities.
Entities
Amapá · Federal Public Ministry · Foz do Amazonas Basin · IBAMA · Jair Schmitt · Magda Chambriard · Ministério Público Federal · Petrobras · Pope Leo XIV · World Health Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The drilling campaign is expected to involve four wells with activities scheduled between 2025 and 2029. www.metro1.com.br · oantagonista.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Petrobras has allocated US$ 2.5 billion for exploration in the Equatorial Margin for the period between 2026 and 2030. www.osul.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has raised concerns regarding discrepancies between Ibama's judicial testimony and its administrative records regarding project duration. www.metro1.com.br · oantagonista.com.br
- [● 5 SOURCES] Ibama authorized Petrobras to drill three additional exploratory wells in the Foz do Amazonas Basin. www.metro1.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · bmcnews.com.br · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.osul.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Petrobras previously identified signs of oil in the Morpho well located in the Foz do Amazonas Basin. www.metro1.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · www.osul.com.br
- [● 5 SOURCES] Petrobras is required to submit an updated drilling schedule within 30 days of receiving the license. www.metro1.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · bmcnews.com.br · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.osul.com.br