Federal Prosecution Service Seeks Court Intervention to Halt Petrobras Operation in Block FZA-M-59 in the Amazon River Mouth Basin

Written by Andriely Medeiros de Araújo

Published on 02/07/2025 at 12:29

O MPF move ação para anular autorização do Ibama à Petrobrás no bloco FZA-M-59, na Bacia da Foz do Amazonas, alegando falhas ambientais e violação de normas. Fonte; Petronoticias

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The MPF Files Action to Annul Ibama’s Authorization to Petrobras in Block FZA-M-59, in the Amazonas River Mouth Basin, Alleging Environmental Flaws and Violation of Regulations.

Petrobras faces yet another legal hurdle in its attempt to proceed with oil exploration in Block FZA-M-59, located in the Amazonas River Mouth Basin.

Last week, the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) filed a public civil action in Federal Court to annul Ibama’s decision authorizing the pre-operational evaluation (APO) at the site.

The measure aims to suspend the Brazilian state-owned company’s progress in this final phase before the environmental license for drilling is granted.

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Environmental Flaws and Ignored Experts, MPF Points Out

According to the legal action, the decision by Ibama’s president, Rodrigo Agostinho, who greenlighted the APO in Block FZA-M-59, was made in disagreement with the analysis of 29 specialists from the agency itself.

These experts stated that Petrobras’ Wildlife Protection and Response Plan (PPAF) was insufficient and had serious omissions.

The MPF also emphasized that the environmental studies presented continue to have significant deficiencies, even after requested corrections.

The lawsuit is based on reports prepared by MPF experts specialized in chemical engineering, oceanography, and biology, as well as internal analyses from Ibama itself.

Why is Block FZA-M-59, Petrobras’ Block, at the Center of Controversy?

Located off the coast of Amapá, Block FZA-M-59 belongs to the promising Equatorial Margin, considered strategic for the future of oil production in Brazil.

Despite the basin’s name, the well to be drilled is situated about 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River — a significant distance, but one that does not eliminate the environmental risks pointed out by experts.

The APO is the last step before the issuance of the environmental license, and aims to assess Petrobras’ ability to promptly respond to potential oil spill accidents.

However, the MPF questions whether the state-owned company is truly prepared for such emergencies in such a sensitive area.

Development at Risk or Necessary Precaution?

The MPF’s action reignites the debate over oil exploration in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Amazonas River Mouth.

On one hand, there is pressure to expand national oil production and ensure economic growth. On the other, there is growing concern about potential environmental damage and adherence to current environmental regulations.

While the courts evaluate the request to suspend the APO, the impasse between Petrobras and the oversight agencies continues, raising fundamental questions about how Brazil manages its natural and energy wealth.

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Federal Prosecution Service Seeks Court Intervention to Halt Petrobras Operation in Block FZA-M-59 in the Amazon River Mouth Basin

The MPF Files Action to Annul Ibama’s Authorization to Petrobras in Block FZA-M-59, in the Amazonas River Mouth Basin, Alleging Environmental Flaws and Violation of Regulations.

Environmental Flaws and Ignored Experts, MPF Points Out

Why is Block FZA-M-59, Petrobras’ Block, at the Center of Controversy?

Development at Risk or Necessary Precaution?

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Federal Prosecution Service Seeks Court Intervention to Halt Petrobras Operation in Block FZA-M-59 in the Amazon River Mouth Basin

The MPF Files Action to Annul Ibama’s Authorization to Petrobras in Block FZA-M-59, in the Amazonas River Mouth Basin, Alleging Environmental Flaws and Violation of Regulations.

Environmental Flaws and Ignored Experts, MPF Points Out

Why is Block FZA-M-59, Petrobras’ Block, at the Center of Controversy?

Development at Risk or Necessary Precaution?

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Australia installs giant concrete structures on the seabed 800 meters from the shore to create an ocean intake for desalination that will draw in saltwater and produce 30 million liters of drinking water per day.

While a traditional school may take several days just to raise walls, in Malawi a 3D-printed school had its structure ready in 18 hours, welcomed children in June, and showed a new solution to the lack of classrooms.

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