The Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB) and Petrobras signed cooperation agreements on Thursday (23) for the construction and acquisition of equipment for the SGB's Geosciences Reference Center. This initiative represents the first step toward realizing the future Scientific and Cultural Complex of Urca in Rio de Janeiro.

SGB's CEO, Inácio Melo, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Petrobras: "I am immensely grateful for this strategic partnership, which makes possible the construction of the Geosciences Reference Center. This project symbolizes our joint commitment to valuing geological knowledge, science, and culture, promoting a legacy of innovation and education for future generations."

Following today's signing, the project will advance to the construction and equipment acquisition phase, with a total investment of approximately R$ 271 million, sourced from the R&D clauses of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).

Sylvia Anjos, Petrobras's Executive Director of Exploration and Production, representing President Magda Chambriard, highlighted the historical partnership with SGB: "This Center represents what we believe is the development of knowledge and technology. Today is just the beginning of a very important activity. SGB has a long history of work, with significant advancements. It is a great satisfaction to collaborate with institutions that strengthen our actions through the competence of their teams. I am certain that many projects are yet to come." Sylvia also noted that the Cooperation Agreement to revitalize the Museum of Earth Sciences (MCTer) and its associated laboratories will be formalized in a specific event at a date yet to be defined.

An advisor from the ANP, representing Director-General Patricia Baran, emphasized the relevance to the geosciences research field: "I believe today we take a big step and make history. This is one of the most important investments in geoscience laboratory infrastructure in the last 30 years. Revitalizing and modernizing will be fantastic. It's a gain for geosciences and for Brazil," he stated.

Carla Viviane Araújo, President of the Brazilian Association of Petroleum Geologists (ABGP), stressed that deep knowledge about mineral resources is the pillar of building a country's sovereignty and energy security. She added that the set of projects within the Scientific and Cultural Complex of Urca represents a milestone for the advancement of national geosciences.

Scientific and Cultural Center of Urca

The construction of the Geosciences Reference Center will be a landmark for SGB. The facility will occupy an area of 2,400 m² and will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, such as:

• Micro-Imaging and Mineral Analysis Laboratory

• Advanced Isotope Laboratory

• Petrochronology and Isotopic Tracers Laboratory

• Spaces for scientific and cultural exhibitions

In addition to being a center of excellence in geosciences, its privileged location—near major oil exploration companies and science and technology hubs in Rio de Janeiro, such as COPPE at UFRJ, CENPES, and others—enhances the complex's potential.

Scientific and Cultural Impact

The project integrates Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) initiatives, notably isotopic and geochronological analyses that will allow detailed study of sedimentary basins and the discovery of areas with high mineral potential. These analyses will also contribute to developing solutions aimed at energy transition/diversification and decarbonization.

Impact on the Oil and Gas Sector

According to Noevaldo Teixeira, head of the Center for Applied Geosciences (CGA), "the laboratories of the Geosciences Reference Center place SGB, in isotopic and geochronological terms, on the same level as the main geological surveys worldwide. Additionally, the CRG will strengthen partnerships with the private sector on topics such as energy and metals, contributing to new discoveries of critical minerals essential for energy diversification."

The project reflects the commitment of SGB and Petrobras to scientific and technological development, consolidating Brazil as a global reference in geosciences.