Estatal says it maintains the objective of exploring oil on the Equatorial Margin and will analyze the request for further studies made by the MME.| Photo: Antonio Lacerda/EFE

Petrobras confirmed, on the morning of this Friday (19), that it received a request from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) to prepare more studies on the drilling of a test well for oil exploration near the mouth of the Amazon River, in height of Amapá. The issuance of the environmental license for prospecting was denied by Ibama on Wednesday (17).

In a statement to the market, the state-owned company says it will analyze the ministry’s request “from a legal perspective and within its governance rules”, and reiterates its commitment to the development of the so-called Brazilian Equatorial Margin “recognizing the importance of new frontiers for ensure the country’s energy security” (see full text) .

“And the necessary resources for a fair and sustainable energy transition, and reinforces that it has met all the requirements set out in the licensing process,” he said in the statement.

Petrobras’ position shows an alignment of objectives with the MME itself, which claims that oil exploration in the region is aimed at “aspects related to energy security and maintenance of self-sufficiency in oil in the country”. The ministry also asked the state-owned company to keep the rig and the resources destined for drilling the well mobilized “for an additional time that allows the advancement of discussions with Ibama for the licensing”.

Also this Friday (19), vice-president Geraldo Alckmin is going to have a meeting with Minister Marina Silva, of the Environment, and with Alexandre Silveira, of the MME, to reduce the tension between the two portfolios due to oil exploration in the region.