Potassium mining in Brazil advances and opens up business opportunities

Potassium mining is a great opportunity for companies in Brazil. The product has been shown to be one of the most demanded in the world, given its application in high-productivity agriculture.

The chemical element is part of the formulation of fertilizers, whose main function is to increase food production in tropical or colder countries.

However, most global suppliers are located in regions far from our hands, with expensive shipping costs.

Where is there potential in Brazil? Why does the country produce so little today?

Operationally, many entrepreneurs ask themselves: is a crushing plant, also called a complete plant, the best option for potassium mining? Or is individual equipment sufficient?

Stay with us and we will talk about all of this, as well as point out the reasons why exploration has been recommended for over 70 years in Brazil.

Potassium is in fertilizer formulas

Potassium is a mineral present in most fertilizers for agribusiness, which makes up the chemical element K, generally referred to as NPK (chemical symbols, respectively, for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium).

Fertilizers help plants and simply provide them with nutrients. In other words, we are talking about greater productivity in crops such as corn, soybeans, sugar cane, oranges, rice, among others. They also help improve the quality of pastures that feed livestock, generating more meat.

We have already talked here on the blog about the opportunities for mining companies that generate products aimed at agribusiness. 

Brazil feeds nearly 800 million people on the planet, adding up domestic consumption and imports – according to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). Much of the high productivity achieved in the country comes from the use of fertilizers. This way, there is more food without needing to cultivate new areas.

Today we are the second largest consumer of potassium in the world. However, we only produce 5% of this mineral here in the country.

Potassium deposits in Brazil will supply until 2100

Recent advances in technology have made it possible to source more potassium domestically. In addition, there is a global logistics crisis. The price of sea freight has been rising. Priced in dollars, fertilizer puts pressure on farmers' costs.

Brazil is seeking to reduce its dependence on suppliers such as Russia and Belarus. These countries are very far from ours, which makes shipping more expensive. They are also located in regions with great political instability.

A recent study by the Federal University of Minas Gerais showed that we have deposits with the potential to produce potassium until 2100. There are more than 70 years of good business prospects.

Today, operations are concentrated in Amazonas and Pará. However, there are reserves with potential in São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Sergipe, in a volume that could radically change Brazil's role – changing from a buyer to an exporter of the mineral. After all, the potential is necessary for planting in tropical countries, such as ours, and in nations with colder climates, such as the United States.

Potassium removal will also benefit animal feed and chemical industries. In most cases, production work involves underground mining techniques.

Furlan offers the market customized equipment and crushing plant

Mining companies can count on Máquinas Furlan for their new business. The company is one of the leading suppliers of mining equipment, accessories and steel castings for wear and restoration. Its equipment catalog includes more than 150 models for crushing, grinding and screening in quarries.

This way, the client can work with just one supplier, which makes the project schedule easier.

The operation with potassium, extracted from the rock called sylvinite, requires equipment such as a Hammer Mill, Vibrating Screens, Silo, Bucket Elevator, Rotary Dryer and Cooler, Feeder and Belt Conveyors.

Click here and learn about Furlan vibrating screens on our website.  

How does Furlan act in these cases? First, it is available to meet the needs of the mining company that will start the new business. Increasing productivity or reducing the number of stops on the line are objectives that can also be included in projects already in operation.

Whether in equipment or in a complete crushing plant, the customer will only have to detail the desired products, the intended volume and the characteristics of the processed rock. The complete plant requires other information, such as the geographic issue of the deposit.

Choosing a supplier like Furlan, with 60 years of experience and constant evolution, means reliability in the project and guaranteed delivery. The company is an expert in each stage of the production of a machine or worn part – such as steel manufacturing, heat treatment, machining, boilermaking and equipment assembly.

So, let's register: for the operation with pot, access the data related to the deposit and its commercial options; then, seek authorization from government agencies; and speak to Furlan's team. On our website, there is a number for contact via WhatsApp.

If you prefer, send an email by clicking here . 

Your project will have the best analysis on the market, ensuring efficient investment to generate a product with great commercial prospects: potassium.