Petrobras receives license to drill in the Amazon River Basin

On October 20, 2025, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) granted Petrobras an environmental license to drill the FZA-M-059 well, located in deep waters of the Foz do Amazonas Basin, off the coast of Amapá State. The license concludes a process of a little over five years of technical evaluation and marks the beginning of a new stage in the exploration of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, regarded as one of the country’s main frontiers for oil and gas development.

The licensed area was acquired in the 11th Bidding Round of the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP), held in May 2013, and is located approximately 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River and 175 km off the coast. The drill rig is already positioned at the well site, and drilling is expected to begin immediately, with an estimated duration of five months.

Environmental Licensing

Drilling was authorized through Operating License No. 1684/2025, valid for six years, which establishes a comprehensive set of technical and environmental conditions. Among them are measures for wildlife monitoring, waste management, and emergency response simulations, reinforcing the rigor and diligence of the environmental authority in overseeing exploratory activities in deepwater operations.

Strategic Milestone and Energy Relevance

IBAMA’s decision represents a strategic step for Brazil’s energy sovereignty and underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and institutional predictability. The process demonstrates the maturity of Brazil’s environmental and regulatory framework and the country’s ability to conduct projects in a technically sound and responsible manner.

Exploration along the Equatorial Margin may reveal reserves comparable to those found in Suriname and Guyana, where other companies have made significant oil discoveries in recent years.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, emphasized that Brazil “cannot forgo understanding its energy potential,” describing the operation as a decisive advance for the country’s future energy security.

Petrobras’ Statement and Regulatory Progress

In an official statement, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard highlighted the conclusion of the licensing process as “a milestone for Brazilian society” and reaffirmed that the company is prepared to operate “with safety, responsibility, and technical excellence” in the Equatorial Margin.

The decision strengthens confidence in Brazil’s environmental and regulatory institutions, showing that it is possible to balance technical rigor, predictability, and responsible exploration.
The license also sets an important precedent for future investments, fostering the continued diversification and modernization of Brazil’s energy matrix.

Outlook and Next Steps

The start of drilling in the Foz do Amazonas Basin symbolizes the opening of a new exploratory phase in Brazil. Petrobras leads this effort with robust infrastructure, advanced technology, and internationally recognized safety standards.

For the market, this represents an important opportunity: the project’s progress is expected to attract additional operators interested in exploring the Equatorial Margin, expanding competition and supporting regional development. The business environment continues to strengthen, with potential for generating jobs, revenue, and infrastructure investments.

Should the existence of commercially viable reserves be confirmed, Brazil may consolidate a new energy hub in the country’s North, reinforcing its position among the world’s leading oil producers.

CMA’s Energy and Natural Resources and the Environmental Teams remain available to provide further information about this subject.