Petrobras confirmed that there has been a leak during drilling 175 kilometers from Amapá state, on the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. The leak was identified last Sunday (Jan. 4). Since then, activities have been halted at the site. The company has not yet announced when activities will resume.

In a statement, the state-run company says it “has taken all necessary control measures and notified the relevant authorities. The fluid used complies with permitted toxicity limits and is biodegradable, so there is no harm to the environment or people.”

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According to the oil giant, what happened was a loss of drilling fluid in two auxiliary lines connecting the drilling rig to the Morpho well.

Drilling fluid is used to clean and lubricate the drill bit during the drilling of oil and gas wells. The substance mixes water, clay, and chemicals. The compound helps control well pressure and prevent wall collapse.

The company states that “there are no problems with the rig or the well, which remain in a completely safe condition. The incident also poses no risk to the safety of the drilling operation.”

The Morpho well is located in an exploratory block (FZA-M-059) about 175 kilometers off the coast of Amapá state and 500 kilometers from the mouth of the Amazon river.