Potássio do Brasil Firm Licensed to Build New River Port in the Amazon

Potássio do Brasil Ltda., seeking to undertake mining exploration in Amazon state, located 112 kilometers from Manaus, has secured four out of the 11 licenses it applied for. The Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (Ipaam) has granted the company three Installation Licenses for the Autazes Potassium Project.

These licenses encompass the construction of a river port along the banks of the Madeira River, an Ore Shipping Terminal, and the drilling of two water collection wells.

Potássio do Brasil asserts that the barge port’s capacity will surpass Northern Arc ports (Itacoatiara, Vila do Conde, and Santarém) combined, which serve as the primary entry points for imported fertilizers into the Amazon Basin, handling approximately 1.7 million tonnes. The Potássio do Brasil port in Vila de Urucurituba, Autazes, is anticipated to dispatch 2.4 million tons of potassium chloride, exclusively directed towards Brazilian agribusiness.

The initial license, issued on April 8th, pertained to the construction of underground mine shafts. Potássio do Brasil states its compliance with the United Nations Protocol to the International Labor Organization Convention (ILO-169), ensuring free, prior, and good-faith consultation with indigenous populations.

According to the company, the Potássio Autazes Project received approval from 90% of the 34 villages out of a total of 36 comprising the Mura people, exceeding the requisite approval threshold of at least 60% of voters.

The potential environmental and socioeconomic impact on indigenous communities influenced the Amazonas Government’s decision to grant authorizations. Indigenous Leaders have voiced grievances, claiming a lack of consultation regarding mineral exploration.

Potássio reports nearing completion of a second geotechnical hole, 1,000 meters deep, to acquire crucial technical data for well drilling and construction.

“With the issuance of the Installation Licenses for the mine, port, shipping terminal, and water collection wells, the company is poised to commence construction activities in the field, mobilizing personnel and equipment within the approved areas,” stated Potássio do Brasil President, Adriano Espeschit.

Initiated in 2009, Brazil Potash Corp began implementing the Potássio Autazes Project in Amazonas through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Potássio do Brasil Ltda. The company boasts investors from Brazil, England, Australia, and Canada, comprising 15% national and 85% foreign investors, with plans to attract additional Brazilian investors as the project advances.

Source: Amazonas Atual

Click here to read the original news report: https://amazonasatual.com.br/potassio-do-brasil-tem-licencas-para-porto-e-pocos-de-agua-em-autazes/

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