Mosaic Fertilizantes, the Sao Paulo, Brazil-based business unit of The Mosaic Co., announced on March 7 that it plans to invest more than R$800 million (US$154 million) to increase potash production in Sergipe, northeast Brazil, to 450,000 mt in 2024 from 370,000 mt last year.
The expansion at the Taquari-Vassouras Mineral Chemical Complex in Rosário do Catete will focus on the extraction of sylvinite used in the processing of potash. The investment in machinery and local infrastructure is expected to extend the life of the operation to at least 2030, the company said, with investments in labor, contracting services, and purchasing materials contributing to Sergipe’s economy.
“Aware of the importance and viability of this operation for the domestic market, we decided to make this investment to extend the useful life of this operation and increase its production capacity in a market that should continue to grow,” said Corrine Ricard, President of Mosaic Fertilizantes. “We know how relevant it is to have a competitive operation in one of the countries with the highest growth rate in potash demand.”
Since taking over the operation of the Taquari-Vassouras Mineral Chemical Complex following the purchase of Vale’s fertilizer assets (GM Jan. 12, 2018; Jan. 5, 2016), Mosaic Fertilizantes said it has invested resources and technical efforts to study economically viable and long-term solutions for continuing the exploration of potash in Sergipe.
“All of this points to the continuity of commitment and commitment to the local operation, essential for the national agribusiness,” Ricard said. “We maintain a constant dialogue with employees, the community, and authorities about the evolution of our operation and about opportunities and challenges for the growth of the fertilizer industry in the region.”
In February (GM Feb. 24, p. 23), Mosaic Fertilizantes announced plans to invest R$400 million (US$80 million) in the construction of a 1 million mt blending and distribution facility at Palmeirante, in Tocantins state, expanding the company’s presence in Brazil’s northern agricultural region.
The site will start operations in 2025, employing around 200 people. The unit will produce 500,000 mt in the first year, the company said, reaching its targeted annual production capacity of 1 million mt in 2028.
Mosaic Fertilizantes said it is now Brazil’s largest distributor of fertilizer. When combined with direct sales from the production business, the company said its total sales volumes account for 23% of all fertilizer sales in Brazil.