Peru Natives Are Against Oil Exploration by Petrobras in Amazon

Peruvian natives have long dealt with some of the ugly side of oil production in the Amazon such as water pollution resulting from discharges.

Some groups claim that studies of water and blood levels reveal poisoning. Oil companies operating in the northern Amazon have done much work in recent years - and after negotiations with native communities - to re-inject water used in production into crude oil wells.

The Peruvian government has told natives it has in place an environment ministry in addition to an environment regulator. It also requires environmental impact studies where approvals depend on votes by nearby communities.

Additionally, there are in the country areas where any oil prospecting is banned. Peruvian government officials have said those protections are enough.

Exploration by Petrobas of the area in the northern side of Amazon is still at a very preliminary stage,according to past reports.

The area is included in a map of oil exploration areas by the state-run royalty and licensing agency Perupetro as block area 117. Perupetro's website says the area was given in concession in 2006.

Petrobras is also exploring other areas of Peru particularly in the southeastern Amazon relatively near the Camisea fields where it is looking for natural gas.

Source: Platts

Author: Ksenia Kochneva