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Ibama Must Decide in October on Petrobras’ License to Explore Oil in the Amazon Mouth. Adjustments in Communication, Wildlife, and Safety Plans Still Need to Be Made by the State-Owned Company.
The Petrobras is counting down to see if it can move forward with its oil exploration plans in the Amazon mouth, as reported this Friday, 26. The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) promised to evaluate in October the adjustments made by the state-owned company in its environmental and safety plans, the last step for granting the license.
The process has gained national attention because it involves a sensitive region of great biodiversity and represents a new benchmark in Brazil’s exploratory frontier.
Adjustments Required by Ibama Before the License
On Wednesday (24), Ibama approved the Pre-Operational Assessment (APO), a simulation that tests Petrobras’ emergency plans in case of oil spills or risks to marine wildlife. However, the approval came with caveats.
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Among the points that need adjustments is the cross-border impact communication plan, which defines how to notify neighboring countries if an oil spill reaches international waters. Additionally, the agency identified flaws in the Wildlife Protection and Care Plan (PPAF).
Discrepancies in Petrobras’ Simulation
During the test, technicians found that Petrobras mobilized more vessels and professionals than were planned in the official plan. This reinforcement, although positive, may distort the analysis and not reflect what would actually be put into practice.
Another issue arose with the timelines for rescuing animals. To meet them, some drilling areas lacked adequate coverage from rescue vessels, which raised alarms among the evaluation team.
Another point raised by Ibama involves the leaders of the overflights mobilized by Petrobras. Although they are professionals from the Oiapoque region and know the Amazon Mouth area well, they still lack more in-depth training with experienced teams, especially given the complexity of the operation.
Approval of the APO with Caveats
Despite the criticisms, Ibama’s technical opinion decided to approve the Pre-Operational Assessment. The document highlighted the robustness of the structure presented by Petrobras and recognized the unprecedented logistical challenges of the operation.
The opinion was categorical:
“Considering the observations recorded by the evaluation team, the robustness of the structure presented, as well as the unprecedented nature of the activity carried out — marked by relevant logistical challenges — the Pre-Operational Assessment of Block FZA-59 is considered approved.”
Still, the recommendation was clear regarding the need for a review of the PPAF and new tests during drilling, focused on monitoring, rescue, and transport of wildlife under direct supervision of Ibama.
Petrobras Promises to Deliver Adjustments in a Short Time
The state-owned company committed to deliver all requested adjustments by Friday (26). Sources from the environmental agency indicate that the analysis will be quick and that the final response regarding the exploration license will be issued in October.
In the assessment of specialists, the additional simulation expected to occur during drilling should not prevent the issuance of the preliminary license. The understanding is that the test can be carried out later, already with the operation underway.
Ibama’s decision regarding Petrobras will have a direct impact not only on the state-owned company but also on Brazil’s energy strategy. The Amazon Mouth is seen as a high-potential area for new oil discoveries, which may increase national production in the coming years.
Furthermore, the decision will serve as a benchmark for future licensing processes in environmentally sensitive areas, where the preservation of wildlife and logistical safety are as important as economic gains.
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