Group makes new discovery at giant Brazil oilfield

A group led by Brazil's state-run energy giant Petrobras has reported the discovery of new oil deposits at the ultra-deepwater Libra field, BNamericas has learned.

Hydrocarbons were found during drilling of the 3BRSA1305ARJS well at a water depth of 1,951m, according to data compiled by local sector regulator ANP.

It is the second discovery in the field in less than a month and the seventh since drilling began in August 2014.

Petrobras holds a 40% operating stake in Libra - one of Latin America's largest offshore prospects - alongside Shell (20%), Total (20%), CNPC (10%) and CNOOC (10%).

Located in the Santos basin off Brazil's southeast coast, the field was the first pre-salt area to be auctioned in October 2013.

Tucked below a 2km-thick carbonate crust under the Atlantic seabed, Brazil's pre-salt fields are said to hold in excess of 176Bboe. Libra's reserves are estimated at 8-12Bboe.

Meanwhile, Petrobras has also reported three onshore discoveries in Rio Grande do Norte state. Two oil accumulations were found at the Estreito field and another at the Boa Esperança prospect.

In addition, the company reported a new oil find in the Campos basin's deepwater Roncador field and a gas discovery at the Pilar prospect in Alagoas state.