Petrobras received an operating license from Ibama on October 20, 2025, for drilling an exploratory well in block FZA-M-059, located in deep waters of Amapá, 500 kilometers from the mouth of the Amazon River and 175 kilometers from the coast in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. The drilling rig is positioned at the well location, and drilling is scheduled to begin immediately, with an estimated duration of five months.

Exploratory Research Objectives

Through this exploratory research, the company aims to gather more geological information and assess whether it is economically viable to extract oil and gas in the area. There is no oil production during this phase. The project represents part of Petrobras' commitment to developing the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, recognizing the importance of new frontiers to ensure the country's energy security and the necessary resources for a just energy transition.

Licensing Process and Regulatory Compliance

The licensing process took nearly five years, during which Petrobras engaged with municipal, state, and federal governments and environmental agencies. Petrobras met all requirements established by Ibama, fully complying with the environmental licensing process. As the final evaluation stage, the company conducted an on-site simulation in August, called Pre-Operational Assessment (APO), through which Ibama verified Petrobras' capacity and the effectiveness of the emergency response plan.

Company President Magda Chambriard stated that the conclusion of this process, marked by the effective issuance of the license, is an achievement for Brazilian society. It reveals the commitment of national institutions to dialogue and the viability of projects that can represent the country's development. She emphasized that during the licensing process, the company was able to prove the robustness of the entire environmental protection structure that will be available during deep water drilling in Amapá.

Operational Commitment and Technical Standards

Chambriard confirmed that Petrobras will operate in the Equatorial Margin with safety, responsibility, and technical quality. The company expects to obtain excellent results from this research and prove the existence of oil in the Brazilian portion of this new global energy frontier. The exploratory well drilling will utilize the NS-42 drilling rig, which is already positioned at the designated location.

The project is located in a strategic position within the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, an area that represents a significant new frontier for energy exploration. The deep water location, situated 500 kilometers from the Amazon River mouth and 175 kilometers from the Amapá coast, positions the exploratory effort in previously unexplored waters that could potentially contribute to Brazil's energy security and support the country's energy transition initiatives.

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