The existence of 'potassium' in Amazonas was proven ten years ago. Experts collected samples in more than forty locations in the region of the city of Autazes, in the interior of the state.
The city is located 120 kilometers from Manaus.
Sylvinite, a mineral, is used to extract potassium chloride.
The material is used around the world to make fertilizers.
Today, Brazil is the largest global importer of potassium, bringing in 96% of what is used in the country from other countries.
What is produced in Brazil is mined in Sergipe, which supplies 3% of the fertilizer consumed annually in the Brazilian market.
Studies have shown that Amazonas has one of the largest potassium deposits in the world.
The exploration project covers an area that is close to 2 indigenous lands, one approved and the other demarcated.
In addition to several communities that are home to indigenous and non-indigenous people.
The indigenous people were consulted about the use of the lands for studies and exploration.
The project obtained the last licenses for its installation.
These were the remaining permissions for the project activities to begin fully.
In total, 21 licenses were issued, including authorizations for Capture, Collection and Transport of Wildlife.
The licenses were issued by the Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (IPAAM).
The company Potássio do Brasil has four and a half years to begin operations.
It is a partnership with international companies.
230 million dollars were invested in mineral research such as geological and seismic surveys.
According to the company responsible for the production, the production capacity is more than two million tons of potassium chloride.
Source: Amazon Agency