Oil workers celebrate 'jobs, income and wealth' that will be generated in Amapá
FUP celebrates Ibama's authorization for Petrobras' research on the Equatorial Margin and highlights energy sovereignty and just transition
247 - The Unified Federation of Oil Workers (FUP) celebrated the authorization granted by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) for Petrobras to drill the wildcat well FZA-M-059 on the Equatorial Margin. The statement was made by the organization's general coordinator, Deyvid Bacelar, in a social media post. The information was released following the official announcement by the federal government and Petrobras regarding the start of the exploratory phase in the region.
Bacelar stated that the decision represents a strategic advance for the country and reinforced the importance of the oil sector for the national economy. "Brazil takes another decisive step towards energy sovereignty! Petrobras has finally received authorization from Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) to drill the wildcat well FZA-M-059 on the Equatorial Margin.", he wrote.
Employment, income and wealth
In the publication, the FUP director emphasized that the drilling phase—expected to last five months and exclusively exploratory in nature, with no oil production at this stage—is essential for the country to better understand the energy potential of the Equatorial Margin. According to him, this progress has the potential to transform the economic reality of Amapá and other regions in the North and Northeast.
"FUP celebrates this achievement, the result of dialogue, research, and environmental responsibility. It represents a strategic advancement with the potential to generate jobs, income, and wealth, while also ensuring a fair energy transition and socio-environmental investments throughout the country.", said Bacelar.
Equatorial Margin at the center of the energy debate
The Equatorial Margin, a maritime region stretching from Amapá to Rio Grande do Norte, is considered by experts and the federal government to be one of the most promising areas for new oil and gas reserves in Brazil. The authorized well is located in block FZA-M-059, near the coast of Amapá.
Despite the oil sector's celebrations, the activity remains mired in controversy. Environmentalists warn of risks to marine biodiversity and question the impact of operations on the eve of COP30, which will be held in Belém. Meanwhile, industry sectors, state governments, and unions see exploration of the Equatorial Margin as an opportunity for economic development and strengthening national sovereignty.
Expectations in Amapá and the energy sector
State governments, such as Amapá, had already expressed support for the research. Petrobras claims it will follow international safety standards and that the drilling will be conducted under environmental monitoring.
With the start of the exploratory phase, the expectation is for increased investment in infrastructure, logistics, workforce training, and the production chain linked to the oil and gas sector, especially in Amapá — one of the states with the lowest GDP in the country.
