In a significant milestone for the region, the Mura indigenous community, comprising 36 villages with approximately 12,000 members, located 112 kilometers from the capital, decided to support the Potássio Autazes Project during a General Assembly held on September 21 and 22.
This historic event, involving indigenous leaders from the municipality, was presented to Governor Wilson Lima in a ceremony held on Monday, September 25, at the Government of Amazonas headquarters.
Potássio do Brasil, the company responsible for the project, was invited to participate in both the Assembly and the presentation event, which included the presence of legislators, state secretaries, and the president of the Amazonas State Environmental Protection Institute (IPAAM), the agency responsible for the project’s environmental licensing.
According to Governor Wilson Lima, the Mura community’s support is not only crucial for the development of Autazes but also for the entire state of Amazonas, opening up the prospect of a new economic framework for the region.
“The exploitation of potash in Autazes represents a fundamental step in establishing a new economic base in Amazonas. We have the Zona Franca, which is important, and we have made progress in natural gas. Now, the next step is the issue of potash,” emphasized Wilson Lima.
José Cláudio dos Santos Pereira, General Coordinator of the Mura Indigenous Council (CIM), handed the governor an official document and a report from the General Assembly highlighting the project’s significance for the economic future of Autazes and Amazonas. He emphasized the Mura community’s commitment to cooperating with the Federal Justice and respecting IPAAM as the licensing authority.
Impact of the Potássio Autazes Project
Adriano Espeschit, President of Potássio do Brasil, emphasized the global relevance of potassium production, an essential component for agricultural fertilizers. Brazil currently depends on the import of this mineral.
“This is a new chapter for Autazes, Amazonas, Brazil, and, why not say, for the world. Global food security relies on fertilizers for agriculture and fighting hunger. This project is strategic to eliminate hunger worldwide. We will advance in the licensing process and the implementation of the venture in Autazes,” stated Espeschit.
In addition to indigenous leaders and the Potássio do Brasil team, the meeting with the governor was attended by state legislators Roberto Cidade, President of the Amazonas State Assembly, Sinésio Campos, Felipe Souza, and Delegado Péricles.
Also in attendance were the state secretaries of Economic Development, Science, Technology, and Innovation (Sedecti), Serafim Corrêa; of Mining, Gas, and Energy (Semig), Ronney Peixoto; the Chief of the Civil House, Flávio Antony; the CEO of the Amazonas State Environmental Protection Institute (IPAAM), Juliano Valente; and the mayor of Autazes, Andreson Cavalcante.
The Project’s Potential
The Potássio Autazes Project has the potential to produce approximately 20% of Brazil’s annual potassium consumption, totaling 2.2 million tons per year. Potássio do Brasil already has a project ready to begin constructing the exploration structure in Autazes, which is currently in the environmental licensing phase. The estimated investment is USD 2.5 billion, with a projected project lifespan of 23 years.
Source: Brasil Mineral
