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Petrobras Obtains License and Plans to Start Exploration in 2032
Petrobras confirmed that it intends to start oil and gas production in the Amazon River Mouth Basin in about seven years, after obtaining an important environmental license.
The Ibama granted approval for exploratory drilling on October 20, 2025, marking a decisive advance in the project.
Today, October 21, CEO Magda Chambriard explained to Reuters that the timeline depends on the confirmation of large reserves and the issuance of new environmental authorizations.
Moreover, she stated that the company is working to ensure safety and speed at every stage.
Licensing and Environmental Commitment of Petrobras
Since 2020, when it took over the block FZA-M-59, Petrobras has been intensely working to meet all the requirements of Ibama.
In August 2025, the state-owned company conducted a Pre-Operational Assessment (APO) with the participation of over 400 professionals.
During the simulation, the company established a Rehabilitation and Oil Spill Response Center (CRD) in Oiapoque (AP) and added three support vessels for oil-affected wildlife response.
With this, the company reinforced its preventive actions and demonstrated commitment to the environment.
These initiatives ensure rapid responses to incidents and strengthen the image of the state-owned company as a responsible operator.
Petrobras Advances in Amapá in the Licensing Stage to Explore Oil in the Amazon River Mouth
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Drilling and Potential Discoveries
The first exploratory well authorized by Ibama will be drilled in 2025, with an estimated duration of five months.
According to Magda Chambriard, “the drill will tell if there is a discovery,” highlighting the optimism regarding the region’s potential.
If drilling confirms reserves, Petrobras will delineate the field within two years, allowing production to start between 2032 and 2033.
Additionally, the executive stated that the licensing of the next wells will proceed more quickly, as part of the requirements has been met in advance.
Thus, the timeline remains firm, and the project continues to be a strategic priority for the company.
Equatorial Margin: Brazil’s New Energy Frontier
The Amazon River Mouth Basin is part of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, which extends from Amapá to Rio Grande do Norte.
According to the Energy Research Company (EPE), studies from October 2025 indicate a potential of 6.2 billion recoverable barrels in the region.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Mines and Energy projects up to 10 billion barrels, a figure comparable to the pre-salt reserves.
Thus, the Equatorial Margin represents the main exploratory bet of the country, essential for maintaining production growth until 2035.
Meanwhile, the pre-salt is expected to begin its natural decline, making this new frontier even more strategic for the national energy future.
Strategy and Economic Impact
Petrobras has already renewed the drilling rig contract, which will remain available for eight months.
The equipment, which operates in the waters of Amapá, has a daily cost of R$ 4.2 million and was used in the Ibama simulations.
According to Chambriard, the goal is to synchronize the start of production in the Equatorial Margin with the gradual decline of the pre-salt, avoiding a drop in national volumes.
Consequently, the project will ensure continuity in revenue generation, preservation of jobs, and energy stability in Brazil.
Finally, the plan for the Amazon River Mouth consolidates as one of the most strategic pillars of Petrobras, capable of redesigning the future of the national oil and gas industry.
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