ANP Is Studying 2 Blocks in the Tacutu Basin in Roraima Aiming for Future Oil and Gas Exploration, According to Local Newspapers

Although the Path to Commercial Exploitation Is Filled with Careful Steps, the Potential to Transform Roraima’s Economy and Boost Oil and Gas Production Is Remarkable.

The National Agency of Petroleum (ANP) revealed to Norte Extremo that it is conducting advanced studies in blocks TCT-T-01 and TCT-T02, located in the Tacutu Basin, municipality of Bonfim. Although the ANP has not included these blocks in its oil and gas exploration auctions, the research results point to a promising future for the region.

ANP Advances with Studies in Blocks of the Tacutu Basin, but Awaits Preliminary Steps for Auction Inclusion

The blocks in question have not yet been included in the auctions promoted by the ANP, due to the need to complete several preliminary steps.

These include detailed studies, thorough environmental assessments, obtaining environmental opinions, and holding a public hearing.

Where the community and stakeholders can express their concerns and opinions.

According to the ANP, the current approach for auctions of areas intended for oil and gas exploration in Brazil is the “permanent offer” modality.

This implies the continuous offering of exploratory blocks and areas with marginal accumulations, covering onshore and offshore basins throughout the country.

Geologist specializing in Petroleum Geology, Vladimir de Souza, provides a detailed insight into the complex process involved.

He emphasizes the need for an Environmental Impact Study (EIA/RIMA) issued by Ibama, due to federal responsibility over the Tacutu River.

After the initial geological research stages to assess the area’s oil prospects, final evaluations are conducted.

Only then is the area presented in a public hearing and subsequently offered in auction.

Souza points out that the ANP needs to provide minimum information during the auction to spark the interest of potential buyers.

Possible Oil Exploration in Bonfim Promises to Transform Roraima’s Economy

The economic viability of this venture is highlighted by Souza, who emphasizes the potential positive impact on royalties to be received by the state of Roraima and the municipality of Bonfim.

Commercial oil exploration could bring significant investments during the infrastructure implementation phase, generating considerable economic transformations.

The magnitude of this transformation would depend on the production volume in the basin, potentially altering Roraima’s economic matrix.

Regarding the duration of the process, Vladimir de Souza mentions variability, noting that the interest of the Federal Government can accelerate or delay the procedure.

However, with the subject already gaining attention and considering the pressures resulting from recent oil discoveries in Guyana and Suriname, the possibility of an accelerated process is real.

Souza speculates that the auction of the blocks could occur in less than a year, if sufficient basic information is available.

In a proactive strategy, a third geology course has been implemented in the Northern region, focusing on oil research, along with a registration at the ANP.

This initiative has proven visionary, as the discovery of oil indications in the Tacutu Basin in Bonfim, made by researchers from the Federal University of Roraima in August, confirms the region’s potential.

The traces of oil found in samples of black shales and carbonates collected at a shallow depth of 45 meters in 2016 highlight the prospect of future explorations.

This discovery could trigger more in-depth research, opening doors for a positive economic impact in the State.