Brazilian agency Ibama rejects Petrobras’ request to drill in the Amazon

shutterstock 2201774997 Large
Aerial view of the Amazonas river

Brazil’s environmental protection agency, Ibama, confirmed on Wednesday that it has declined a request from Petrobras, the state-run oil company, to explore for oil at the mouth of the Amazon River, as reported by Reuters.

This much-anticipated decision was guided by a technical recommendation from Ibama’s experts, who advised against the move. Petrobras has spent years attempting to spearhead a new exploration campaign off the coast of Amapa state in northern Brazil, close to Guyana, a location where Exxon Mobil has previously made significant discoveries.

According to a technical report from Ibama, there were various issues that contributed to their dismissal of the Petrobras request. Discrepancies in environmental studies, ineffective strategies for engaging with indigenous communities, and the inadequacy of Petrobras’ measures to safeguard local wildlife were among the reasons cited.

Petrobras was given multiple chances to rectify controversial aspects of its project. Yet, it continued to exhibit “worrying inconsistencies” for the proposed operation in a region of “high socio-environmental vulnerability,” as highlighted by Ibama in an official statement.

More from Qonversations

International

Screenshot 2024 11 21 at 4.09.07 PM

Google’s monopoly crisis: The antitrust showdown explained

Global Affairs

Screenshot 2024 11 14 at 6.01.11 AM

Bitcoin hits $90K: Is crypto on a historic bull run or bubble?

Global Affairs

Screenshot 2024 11 12 at 9.46.34 AM

What does Donald Trump mean for money?

Global Affairs

Screenshot 2024 11 11 at 11.48.10 AM

Can Russia’s nuclear expertise fuel Rwanda’s energy future?

Front of mind