SAO PAULO — While Brazil potash is world-renowned for its agricultural success, it remains highly reliant on imported potash, an essential fertilizer used to increase crop growth and yields. The country consumes more than 96% of its potash from international sources – and the majority of that is from Russia and Belarus, both countries currently under economic sanctions by the US.
Toronto-based miner Brazil Potash is working to keep its plan for extracting the commodity from beneath the Amazon rainforest on schedule despite legal challenges that could derail or delay the project. The company says it is committed to consulting with the Mura, a tribe in the state of Amazonas, about its proposed mine and processing facilities in the town of Autazes.
The Economic Impact of Brazil’s Potash Industry
Increasing the nation’s supply of potash would help Brazil reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and allow it to compete with global exporters, which are currently enjoying high demand for their products. A large portion of the global potash supply is sourced in Russia, Canada, and Belarus – all subject to trade sanctions imposed by the US.
A key benefit of the Autazes Project is that it can use the energy generated from its mining operations to produce potash. This means the process will emit far less carbon compared to the current method of producing potash which is primarily done using fossil fuels. This will also be a boost to the local economy, as it will reduce the need for the country to import fertilizer from abroad.