But says he is optimistic about the oil major's plan to resume its development.

The force majeure will be lifted as soon as the project's operator determines conditions are in place to resume operations.

The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Estevao Pale said this on the side-lines of a meeting with Japan's industry minister, Muto Yoji.

The plant will have an annual capacity of 13.12 million metric tons.

--Reuters--