Exploration Blocks
The selected exploration blocks are located in basins of different environments and exploratory models. The study of different sedimentary environments and depositional models aim to expand Brazilian reserves as well as oil and gas production, amplify knowledge of sedimentary basins, decentralize exploratory investment in Brazil, establish national and foreign companies in the country, and offer opportunities to small and medium-sized companies.
- Blocks offered in the tender protocol
The current version of the tender protocol for the Open Acreage of Concession includes a total of 495 exploration blocks available for bidding. These blocks comply with the provisions of CNPE Resolution n.º 17/2017, which determines that the proposed areas must be previously assessed for environmental feasibility by the competent environmental agencies agreed upon in a Joint Statement.
The files related to the 495 exploration blocks are available at ANP website. Considering that the resolutions and other documents do not have an English version, please see the files, maps and Shapefiles (in Portuguese) on the corresponding Portuguese page: Blocos Exploratórios.
- Blocks under evaluation
A total of 1521 blocks located in 89 sectors across 24 Brazilian sedimentary basins are currently under study (updated in November/2025). Spreadsheets, maps and shapefiles of the exploration blocks and sectors under study are available for consultation in the Open Acreage of Concession process.
Considering that the resolutions and other documents do not have an English version, please see the files, the maps and Shapefiles (in Portuguese) on the corresponding Portuguese page: Blocos Exploratórios.
- How a block is included in the OPC
The studies of blocks for possible inclusion in the Open Acreage of Concession (OPC) involve shared competences by several public administration bodies: ANP, federal and state environmental agencies, Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA). The process is ultimately evaluated by the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU).
The process begins with the performance of a geological and economic assessment, by ANP's technical area and approval by the Agency's Collegiate Board, of the block or set of blocks that may be offered in the Open Acreage.
The environmental agencies then evaluate the areas for possible restrictions on carrying out exploration and production activities and the opinions produced indicate possible needs for adjustments to the boundaries of the blocks, make recommendations for subsequent environmental licensing and support a joint statement by MMA and MME, under the terms of Interministerial Ordinance MME/MMA No. 01/2022.
For more information on the issuance of environmental guidelines and the joint MMA/MME statement, see the Environmental Guidelines page.
After the issuance of the joint MMA/MME statement, if necessary, ANP conducts a new geological and economic assessment for the blocks and fields considered environmentally suitable for inclusion in the Open Acreage of Concession.
In the next stage, ANP updates the draft of the tender protocol, including the definition of the technical parameters (minimum bonus, Minimum Exploration Program - PEM, exploration period, etc.) and improvements to the criteria.
This draft is submitted to a public hearing, preceded by a public consultation, if there is a change to the rules of the tender protocols. After evaluating the contributions received from society, ANP's Collegiate Board approves the final version of the tender protocol to be submitted for analysis by TCU, in accordance with TCU Normative Instruction No. 81/2018.
After TCU analysis, the tender protocol is published by ANP and the blocks become available for declaration of interest and opening of a Open Acreage of Concession cycle.