By Brazil Stock Guide – Brazil’s environmental regulator Ibama has approved the last stage of licensing that allows Petrobras (PETR4.SA) to advance with oil exploration in the country’s equatorial margin, off the coast of Amapá.
The final step, known as the Pre-Operational Assessment (APO), was carried out in late August. The exercise tested whether Petrobras’ emergency and wildlife protection plans would be feasible in the event of a drilling accident. While the assessment received a green light, Ibama technicians recommended several improvements to strengthen the company’s response protocols.
“There was no consensus among the evaluators, but given the robustness of the structure presented and the unprecedented nature of the activity — marked by significant logistical challenges — the Pre-Operational Assessment of Block FZA-59 is considered approved,” the technical opinion stated.
Some experts involved in the process said the drill exercise exposed gaps in Petrobras’ environmental and wildlife contingency plans. According to the opinion, “The strategy and resources used for wildlife response during the APO diverge from what was proposed in the Wildlife Protection Plan (PPAF). The PPAF must be revised and resubmitted, incorporating the recommendations outlined in this report.”
Ibama requested that a new simulation take place at the reservoir stage of the well, focusing on wildlife monitoring, rescue and transport, with direct oversight from the regulator.
The equatorial margin is considered one of Brazil’s most promising oil frontiers, drawing attention from global energy markets but also facing scrutiny from environmental groups due to its biodiversity and logistical complexity.
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