A study carried out by the Geological Service of Brazil (SGB-CPRM) has revealed Brazil’s potential to produce potash. The plan is to make Brazil less dependent of fertilizer imports. According to data from the Association of Fertilizer Mixers of Brazil (Ama), by 55% of the phosphate, and 96% of the potash are imported. NPK fertilizer, which stands for phosphate, potash, and nitrogen, is commonly used in the Brazilian agriculture. The demand for these inputs will increase in the next decade, as food production in Brazil is likely to increase by 27%, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. NPK imports hit a record last year, totaling over 32.8 million tons, while shipments totaled 40.5 million tons. On the other hand, domestic production declined 11% when compared to 2019. The study in question has found new occurrences of the mineral in the Amazon Basin, increasing the potential for deposits of potassium salts by 70%. An area of 500,000 square kilometers in the Amazon Basin shows great potential for potash.
Sources: Agrolink/Portal GH (*Translated by Ia Niani)