Brazil Potash Corp. has announced a series of significant progress updates at the Autazes Project, including the receipt of federal water extraction rights, the commencement of indigenous community partnership work, and the advancement of construction financing initiatives.
The Project has obtained 21 Installation Licenses, permitting construction of the mine shafts, processing plant, and upgrades to 8 miles of road connecting the plant to the port and river barge port.
“The progress we are announcing demonstrates the continued forward momentum at Autazes across multiple critical workstreams,” said Matt Simpson, CEO of Brazil Potash. “Securing federal water rights from ANA is both a regulatory milestone and an engineering improvement that simplifies our design and reduces costs. WSP Global’s engagement with the 36 Mura communities reflects our deep commitment to developing this project in genuine partnership with indigenous peoples – ensuring that the communities closest to the project share meaningfully in its benefits. On the financing side, the Build, Own, Operation & Transfer (BOOT) proposals for key infrastructure and the advancing discussions with DFIs, ECAs, and equipment suppliers demonstrate the breadth of interest from credible parties in supporting the construction of this strategically important project. Every milestone we achieve brings Brazil one step closer to breaking its dependence on imported potash and securing its future as the world's agricultural leader.”
Federal water extraction rights granted
Brazil Potash has obtained approval from ANA, Brazil’s National Water and Sanitation Agency (Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico - ANA), to extract water from the Rio Madeira for use in the processing of potash ore at the Project. The grant of water rights, dated 30 January 2026, authorises the company to extract up to 2400 m3/hr for 12 hr/day, equivalent to a volume of approximately 10.5 million m3/yr, for a 10-year term.
This approval represents a meaningful design optimisation for the project. As originally planned, the company expected to sink approximately 16 groundwater wells to a depth of roughly 250 m to extract groundwater for ore processing. The ANA approval instead allows the company to utilise surface water from the Rio Madeira river which is anticipated to result in a reduction in construction costs by eliminating the need for these deep wells. According to the Amazonas State Environmental Protection Agency IPAAM, this solution aligns with regulatory guidelines that prioritise surface water use when environmentally appropriate and economically viable.
The company’s water management strategy includes recycling the vast majority of water used in processing, collecting natural surface water runoff, and operating a water purification plant as an integral part of the project design with fresh makeup water used to meet water quality and flow requirements.
Indigenous community partnership advancement
WSP Global, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, has initiated technical support activities with the Mura Indigenous communities previously consulted as part of the process to obtain the construction Installation Licenses, in line with internationally recognised engagement practices.
The initiative seeks to support the Mura people in the systematisation and refinement of their own development priorities, contributing to the strengthening of the Mura Wellbeing Plan and to the identification of opportunities for social inclusion, capacity building, and community wellbeing. The activities are designed to inform future dialogue and collaborative actions, respecting the autonomy, cultural values, and self-determined vision of the Mura communities.
Third-party infrastructure financing proposals
The company has recently received proposals for third-party funding to Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) construction of several key infrastructure components, including the river barge port facility, the steam plant, and a 20 MW construction power system that is designed to convert to backup power during the operations phase. These proposals are currently being analysed and, if advanced, have the potential to reduce the Company’s direct capital requirements by shifting certain infrastructure costs to third-party operators.
Construction financing discussions progressing
Discussions with various groups including Global Development Finance Institutes (DFIs), Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), and major equipment suppliers to fund construction of the Autazes Project are progressing well. The company continues to engage with multiple parties across these categories as it advances toward securing the financing necessary to commence full scale construction.