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Discovery in wells drilled by Sidrônio Moreira, at Sítio Santo Estevão, was confirmed as crude oil by ANP and now depends on technical analysis, environmental assessment, and possible inclusion in bidding before any commercial exploration.
The confirmation of crude oil in the subsoil of Tabuleiro do Norte, in the hinterland of Ceará, opened a new chapter for farmer Sidrônio Moreira, owner of Sítio Santo Estevão, where ANP completed the analysis released on Tuesday (19).
For the family, the discovery does not automatically transform the property into an exploration area nor guarantee immediate profit. The case involves federal regulations, geological assessment, environmental analysis, and possible bidding before any commercial production.
Oil in Ceará belongs to the Union, even on private land
Brazilian legislation determines that mineral resources and hydrocarbon deposits belong exclusively to the Union. This rule is provided for in Law No. 9.478/1997, which deals with national energy policy and the ownership of oil and natural gas deposits.
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This means that the farmer is not the owner of the oil found during the drilling of artesian wells. Extraction and sale can only occur by the State or by companies authorized in concession or production sharing contracts.
If the deposit is confirmed to be commercially viable and exploration begins, the landowner may receive a share between 0.5% and 1% of the value produced on site. There may also be compensation if the area is used for infrastructure.
Discovery began with the search for water for the animals
The episode began in November 2024, when Sidrônio Moreira sought to ensure water for the animals due to the low pressure of the local water supply system. He took out a loan of R$ 15,000 to drill wells on the rural property.
At the first point, workers found a dark, viscous, flammable liquid with a strong odor after drilling reached more than 40 meters deep. In another attempt, about 50 meters away, the substance reappeared at 23 meters.
The recurrence of the material led to the permanent suspension of the excavations. The property, also known as Baixa do Juazeiro, covers 49 hectares and is managed by the Moreira family, who have lived there for over 20 years.
Before the official conclusion of the ANP, samples had already undergone preliminary analyses at IFCE and Ufersa. The physicochemical tests indicated a mixture of hydrocarbons with properties similar to onshore oil extracted in the Potiguar Basin.
ANP process does not yet guarantee exploration
In March 2026, technicians from ANP and Sema-CE visited the site, recommended isolating the area, and collected samples. The report confirmed that the substance found underground is a sample of crude oil.
The result was sent to the owner and the Ceará Secretariat of Environment and Climate Change, which may assess the need for measures or guidance related to environmental aspects on the land.
With the confirmation, the ANP opened an administrative process to technically evaluate the area and its geological context. One of the points under analysis is the possible inclusion of an exploratory block in the Permanent Offer of Concession.
This modality is the current main form of bidding for areas for oil and gas exploration and production in the country. However, the agency stated that there is no deadline to conclude the study and that inclusion is not guaranteed.
To be included in the tender, the area needs to go through several internal stages, as well as evaluations by environmental agencies and ministries. Until then, the case remains under technical analysis, with no authorized exploration and no immediate change in the family’s routine.
After the discovery, unofficial purchase proposals for the site emerged. The Moreira family stated that they do not intend to sell the property, despite the attention caused by the find. The investigation was prepared based on information from CNN Brasil, UOL, and data released by the ANP.
This article was prepared based on information released by CNN Brasil and UOL. The content was supported by AI tools in editorial organization and underwent human review before publication.
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