The first extension well in the Libra area, known as 3-BRSA-1255-RJS (3-RJS-731), has proven the discovery of high-quality oil in the northwest portion of the structure, the Libra consortium said in a news release.

The well, informally known as NW1, is located in the presalt Santos Basin, at about 170 km (106 miles) off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro and about 4 km (2 miles) southeast of the discovery well, 2-ANP-2A-RJS.

The oil-bearing interval was observed by means of fluid profiles and samples, which will subsequently be characterized through laboratory analysis. The well is still being drilled, currently at a depth of 5,326 m (17,474 ft), and drilling will continue until 5,850 m (19,193 ft), according to the release.

The consortium will continue with the operations to complete the well drilling plan until the planned depth is hit, to verify the extension of the new discovery, and to characterize the conditions of the reservoirs found.

The Libra consortium is composed of Petrobras, operator with a 40% stake; Shell, 20%; Total, 20%; CNPC, 10% and CNOOC Ltda., 10%. The contract manager is Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. (PPSA). Libra was the first area auctioned by Brazil’s National Oil, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP) under the production-sharing regime.