Man was drilling in the ground looking for water when he found the dark substance
The (National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency) confirmed that the dark liquid found by a man in Tabuleiro do Norte (CE) is crude oil. Farmer Sidrônio Moreira was drilling the ground in search of water to supply the animals on his property, in November 2024, when he found the substance. The information is from the portal.
The farmer informed the ANP about the possible find in July 2025. A team visited the site on March 12 of this year and, last Tuesday (May 19, 2026), completed the physical-chemical tests. According to the agency, the result was sent on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) to the land owner and “which may assess the need for measures and/or guidance to the owner on aspects related to environmental issues”.
The city of Tabuleiro do Norte is not part of any oil exploration block. However, the place where the substance was found is 11 km from the nearest exploration block.
The ANP is responsible for regulating and supervising all stages of oil exploration in Brazil. After a possible deposit is discovered, the agency is notified to begin studies and determine the existence of the substance. The agency then divides the region into exploration blocks, which are auctioned to companies. The process — from discovery to completion of research, auction, installation of the operation and obtaining environmental licenses — can take years.
According to g1, the ANP opened an administrative process to assess the feasibility of exploration. The agency stated that “there is no established deadline for completing the technical assessment” and that there is no guarantee of commercial exploitation of the area. The farmer may receive up to 1% of the value of the production, if there is future commercial exploitation.
