SAO PAULO, Brazil — A consortium including Shell, Total, two firms from China won the auction for an offshore oil field, according to the Brazilian government.
The auction, held amid protests and heightened security, saw Shell and Total win a 20 percent stake in the oil field and the Chinese firms win 10 percent each, according to the Associated Press.
The rules of offshore auctions dictate that Petrobras must hold a minimum 30 percent stake in oil fields and be the sole operator. In this case, Petrobras retained 40 percent stake.
In a statement, Shell said, "The consortium will work together in an integrated fashion to support Petrobras, the most experienced operator in the Brazilian pre-salt, and will incorporate each company’s deep water skills, people and technology for the success of the venture."
The contract, expected to be signed in November, lasts for 35 years.
Around 1,100 Brazilian troops were deployed in the west end of Rio de Janeiro ahead of the auction. Security forces clashed with protesters, firing tear gas to disperse crowds on the streets of Rio.
Unions representing oil workers from Petrobras were among those protesting the partial sale of Brazil's oil reserves. They accuse the government of "selling off" the country's riches.
The oil field up for sale — named Libra — holds an estimated eight billion to 12 billion barrels of recoverable oil, according to Brazil's oil regulator. Such a projection could potentially double the nation's oil reserves.
Workers from more than 40 oil platforms and major refineries have been on strike since last Thursday, protesting the auction.
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Members of the Black Bloc, which has been present at the other protests that have swept across Brazil, were seen among the crowd that gathered at the auction site.
Black bloc among the protesters against Libra auction in Rio. Great photos guaranteed later today. This one from G1. pic.twitter.com/Cd3WHLpqMw
— Kety Shapazian (@KetyDC) October 21, 2013
The anarchist group has also been accused of destroying vehicles during clashes with troops.
Black bloc destroying a car now in Rio (screenshot) #Libra pic.twitter.com/jJldm70hnP
— Kety Shapazian (@KetyDC) October 21, 2013
Brazilian troops fired back at the crowd with rubber bullets and tear gas.
Rio now: national force firing rubber bullets against protesters. #Libra pic.twitter.com/k1RS8ORlgU
— Kety Shapazian (@KetyDC) October 21, 2013
Rio now: National troops (sent by president Dilma Rousseff to make sure Libra auction goes as planned) using teargas pic.twitter.com/dCTzRMUXUo
— Kety Shapazian (@KetyDC) October 21, 2013
At least two protesters and a police officer have been injured during the clashes so far.
Protester hurt during clashes with national force in Rio. Photo: Estadao Conteudo. #Libra pic.twitter.com/iN1GM5pLpc
— Kety Shapazian (@KetyDC) October 21, 2013
Protester Marcelo Tigre, shot with rubber bullets in the ear and leg. Photo: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters #Libra #Rio pic.twitter.com/Y8TzudxCRP
— Kety Shapazian (@KetyDC) October 21, 2013
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The area around Hotel Windsor was cordoned off for the duration of the auction, according to RT, forcing residents of Rio to take a detour along the beach to get to work.
Two naval ships were also reportedly anchored in front of the hotel.
Eleven international oil companies took part in the auction, fewer than the Brazilian government was hoping to attract.