Brasília – The auction of the Libra field, the first auction for the pre-salt area, should feature two to four consortia. The forecast was made by the Brazilian minister of Mines and Energy, Edison Lobão. The tender is scheduled for October 21st. “The possibility of a truly competitive process, involving seven of the world’s 11 leading companies, leads us to believe that this first auction will be a great success,” said Lobão.
According to an estimate released recently by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP), up to three consortia were expected to take part in the auction. A total of 11 companies have accredited themselves to participate, and nine of them have deposited guarantees for the auction. The winning company will the one which offers the higher percentage of surplus oil to the Brazilian Federal Government.
Lobão said the government also has great expectations regarding the 12th Tender Round, scheduled for November, and focusing on unconventional gas exploration. “We entertain high expectations for that round.”
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
