Farm in Ceará Included in New Oil Exploration Blocks

The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has approved the inclusion of a farm in Tabuleiro do Norte, Ceará, into one of 24 new terrestrial exploratory blocks in the Potiguar Basin. The property, owned by farmer Sidrônio Moreira, is part of block POT-T-551. This decision is an initial step toward the area being included in the Permanent Concession Offer (OPC), a continuous auction process for oil and gas exploration. The ANP noted that these areas will only be available for offer after the sixth cycle, which is scheduled for October 7, 2026.

The discovery occurred in November 2024 when Moreira was drilling an artesian well to secure water for his animals during a supply shortage. Instead of water, the drilling team found a dark, viscous, and flammable liquid. Initial tests by the Federal Institute of Ceará (IFCE) and the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (Ufesa) indicated hydrocarbons, and the ANP laboratory later confirmed the substance was heavy crude oil in May 2026.

Under Brazilian law, hydrocarbon deposits belong to the Union, meaning Moreira cannot sell or explore the oil himself. If the area is deemed commercially viable and a company is selected to produce, the landowner may receive between 0.5 percent and 1 percent of the production value, along with compensation for necessary installations. The family has stated they have no interest in selling the 49 hectare property despite receiving unofficial offers.

Further steps are required before extraction can begin, including environmental assessments, geological studies, and authorizations from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Environment and Climate. Moreira expressed excitement over the progress, noting that it is a step forward in resolving the situation.