Brazil Potash submits indigenous consultation study for Autazes potash project

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Canadian producer Brazil Potash said it is advancing further on its Autazes potash project located in the state of Amazonas and has submitted an indigenous consultation study (ECI) and has completed an update of the engineering technical report.

The company said there are currently 78 items to be completed and approved by several Brazilian government agencies, but they have completed 76 of the tasks and just submitted another item with ECI to the government indigenous rights protection agency.

That agency has 90 days to review the proposal and give Brazil Potash a response. Then after obtaining clearance, the company will need to provide it to the Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (IPAAM) and three indigenous support programmes.

Brazil Potash said with the ECI submission, it is seeking the reinstatement of its preliminary licence from the Court overseeing the process, at which point IPAAM can issue the installation licence.

Company management has also recently updated the engineering, cost and economic technical report to provide a current view of key project metrics which it noted will help provide an overview and clear picture ahead of raising funds for construction.

The last comprehensive study was completed in 2016, and the 2022 assessment does reflect that there has been an escalation in costs for construction capital and general operating expenses, but that increase is being offset by an upward trend in potash prices and a more positive exchange rate.