One of the largest investments in geosciences laboratory infrastructure in the past three decades will be made possible through resources from the Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D) Clause of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). On Friday (Sept. 19), the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB) and Petrobras will launch the bidding processes for the construction of the Urca Scientific and Cultural Center in Rio de Janeiro, with an investment of approximately R$ 200 million.

Since 1998, the R&D Clause (Law No. 9,478/1997) has required oil and gas exploration and production concessionaires to allocate a percentage of gross revenue from highly profitable fields (with high production factors and large volumes) to R&D in Brazil. The aim is to ensure that part of the wealth generated from resource exploration and production is reinvested in the country. The new center exemplifies the direct impact of this regulatory mechanism, consolidating state-of-the-art laboratories that will support both academic and industry-driven research.

With this project, SGB will advance studies in several geoscience areas, including critical minerals for energy diversification, paleoclimate and global warming, as well as facilities for storing and preserving rock and fluid samples from petroleum basins. Research will also cover coal, oil, and natural gas, focusing on sustainable exploration. These studies will be essential to enhance Brazil’s competitiveness and support strategic decision-making.

The Center will integrate three key structures:

• Museum of Earth Sciences (MCTer): to be revitalized with modernized paleontology, petrography, and mineralogy laboratories.

• Geosciences Reference Center (CRG): featuring cutting-edge labs for studies on rock formation (isotopy), rock age, fossils and minerals (geochronology), and analyses of rock and mineral composition (mineralogical analyses and petrochronology).

• SGB Core Repository (Litoteca): dedicated to storing and preserving rock and fluid samples from petroleum basin R&D projects and core samples from Brazilian mining boreholes. It will accommodate up to 100,000 core boxes, along with thin sections derived from oil and gas exploration in Brazilian sedimentary basins.

“The joint effort of SGB, Petrobras, and ANP will create world-class laboratories capable of supporting strategic research for Brazil. We are establishing a milestone for Brazilian science, especially in areas related to energy transition and critical minerals,” said SGB’s Director-President, Inácio Melo.

The launch of the bidding processes for the construction of the Urca Scientific and Cultural Center will take place on Friday (Sept. 19) at 3:00 p.m., at the Museum of Earth Sciences (MCTer). The ceremony marks the official start of the project, with construction scheduled to begin in December.

New Agreement with Petrobras
In addition to the bidding launch, the ceremony will also include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SGB and Petrobras, strengthening cooperation in new R&D projects focused on energy diversification and the sustainable use of mineral resources.

Event Details
Launch ceremony of the bidding processes for the Urca Scientific and Cultural Center
Date: Sept. 19, 2025 (Friday)
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Museum of Earth Sciences (MCTer) – Main Hall
Address: Av. Pasteur, 404, Urca – Rio de Janeiro