Procedure is the final step before the license for drilling at the equatorial margin; organs indicate simulation for the 24th, but date has not been confirmed
The (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) and reached an agreement on this 3rd (12.ago.2025)
to perform the APO (pre-operational evaluation) at the mouth of Amazonas. The procedure, which simulates an emergency situation, is considered the last test for the release of drilling a oil well on the Amapá coast.
Ibama suggested that the evaluation be held on August 24 or the following week. Technicians from both parties, however, state that there are still adjustments to be made. The operation requires travel and equipment displacement to a region that is difficult to access. The information is from Folha de S. Paulo.
The state -owned company considers APO the final stage to obtain the Poço Environmental License, the target of protests from environmental organizations contrary to the opening of a new oil border amid commitments to reduce emissions.
The president of the Senate, (União Brasil-AP), celebrated the agreement. Said he received with “Great joy” the news about the advance in the stages of oil exploratory research on the equatorial margin and stated that the test “probably” It will be on the 24th. The date has not yet been confirmed.
“This is a victory of Amapá and Brazil. A milestone, the result of the commitment and joint work of several actors who defend a sustainable energy future for our country.”he said alopau.
Understand
Petrobras had its request to explore the FZA-M-59 block denied in 2023. Since then, the oil company has tried to enable the drilling to verify that there is oil in the region. Recent oil and gas discoveries on the coast of Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname showed the region’s oil potential, located near the Ecuador line.
Petrobras President Magda Chambriard in 5.ago.2025 that the debate on exploration on the equatorial margin “It’s already bordering on consensus” And that there is “Few dissonant voices” As for the environmental license.
The equatorial margin comprises an extensive area on the north coast, including waters up to 2,000 meters deep, located approximately 500 km from the mouth of Amazonas. The region is characterized by the Amazonian continental shelf and intense oceanic dynamics.
Brazil currently occupies the 8th largest world oil producer, exporting more than half of its production. Project critics point out that the expansion to the equatorial margin aims mainly to produce export revenues and not to meet internal demand.
The theme is sensitive, especially on the eve of COP30 – UN conference on the climate that will be held in Belém (PA) in 2025. Oil exploration in the Amazon region can compromise the environmental image of the Lula government in the international scenario, and expand the crack between the defenders of economic development and those that prioritize environmental preservation.
Read below the full of David Alcolumbre:
“I received with great joy, this Thursday (12.ago.2025), the news about the advancement in the stages for the exploratory research of oil on the equatorial margin. It was defined a simulation exercise, with an estimated duration of three to four days, to test the response capacity of the teams. The date for pre-operational evaluation will probably be on the 24th, depending on the assessment of the technicians of Ibama and Petrobras. It is a victory of Amapá and Brazil. A milestone, the result of commitment and joint work of several actors who defend a sustainable energy future for our country.
