Aug. 2012 - Petrobras is currently testing the Carcara prospect, exploratory well 4-SPS-86B (4-BRSA-971-SPS), on Block BM-S-8 in the ultra-deep waters of the pre-salt area in the Santos Basin. The operator is inside the oil zone at a depth of 20,384 feet (6,213 meters) to determine the total thickness of the oil reservoirs, as well as the presence of deeper pay zones. Oil samples were collected at a depth of 20,115 feet (6,131 meters), which have proven a good 31 degree API oil quality, stated the operator. The well has also proven that the carbonate reservoirs carry outstanding porosity and permeability characteristics. The in-progress drilling has confirmed over 1,312-foot (400-meter) column of oil, featuring mostly continuous and connected reservoirs.

Mar. 2012 - Petrobras has made a discovery of a high-quality oil accumulation in Block BM-S-8 in the pre-salt area of the Santos Basin. The discovery was found during the drilling of well 4-SPS-86B (4-BRSA-971-SPS), unofficially known as Carcara, 144 miles (232 kilometers) off the coast of Sao Paulo State. Sampling confirmed the presence of oil at approximately 31 degree API in reservoirs 18,865 feet (5,750 meters) deep. The well continues to be drilled with the aim of determining the lower limit of reservoirs and to identify other possible zones of interest. Carcara is the third well drilled in the area of the Discovery Evaluation Plan of 1-BRSA-532A-SPS (Bem-te-vi prospect), and is 12.43 miles (20 kilometers) from the discovery well at a water depth of 6,650 feet (2,027 meters).