Ibama is questioned by the Federal Prosecutor's Office about oil licensing in the Foz do

The Federal Prosecutor's Office (MPF) sent a new request for clarification to the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) after identifying inconsistencies between statements made in a judicial hearing and administrative documents concerning the licensing of oil wells in the Foz do Amazonas basin.

What prompted the MPF's demand

According to the MPF, Ibama representatives said in a hearing that the activity would be punctual, lasting about six months. In recent documents, the institute indicates that the project foresees the drilling of four wells, with operations scheduled between 2025 and 2029. This discrepancy, the prosecutorial body argues, undermines the transparency of the process.

Details of the licensing in the Foz do Amazonas basin

The block in question, identified as FZA-M-59, is located on the equatorial margin of Amapá, where Petrobras discovered hydrocarbons in a well called Morpho, about 175 km offshore. Ibama reports that the licensing covers the main well and three contingency wells, with an Environmental Impact Study (EIA/Rima) and an Individual Emergency Plan (PEI) that address all phases of the operation.

Environmental risks highlighted by the MPF

The Prosecutor's Office points out that a prolonged offshore operation could generate cumulative impacts on marine fauna, artisanal fishing, and the way of life of traditional communities in the region. The conflicting information would make it harder to assess these risks.

Ibama's response to the request for clarification

In a statement, Ibama said the licensing is being conducted with technical rigor and full compliance with all legal requirements, emphasizing that the MPF's recommendations have already been incorporated into the process. The institute also noted that part of the demands had already been answered during the procedure.

Next steps in the process

The request for clarification was forwarded to Ibama's president, Jair Schmitt, by the Support Group for the Forest, Field and Water Peoples and Specialized Socio‑environmental Action (Gapovoss). The expectation is that the institute will explain why it presented different versions to the courts and to administrative documents, allowing the MPF to assess whether new measures or adjustments to the licensing are needed.

With information from G1.