WHO WE ARE
Learn about Brazil Potash
Our company is starting construction of a new facility to extract and process potash ore, an essential nutrient for the global agricultural sector. The goal is to create a complete cycle of development, extracting potash from underground soil layers so it can be used to fertilize soil to grow various types of crops.
Potash is taken from the earth and returned to it, strengthening the crops grown, enhancing the quality and productivity of plantations, and helping to sustain the continuous growth of agribusiness, which contributes roughly 25% to Brazil’s GDP.
Our operation will reduce an estimated 1.4 million tons per year of Green House Gas emissions through a combination of using primarily renewable sourced electricity supplied by Brazil’s national electricity grid and avoidance of substantial unnecessary international transportation by supplying Brazil with ~20% of its potash domestically.
Timeline
Our History
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2009
Founding of Brazil Potash, a private company in Brazil, controlled by both Brazilian and foreign investors.
2010
Received permits required under Brazilian legislation and began exploratory drilling in the region where the potash deposits lie: the Amazon.
2013
Commerced the environmental studies needed to implement the project.
2014
Delivery of the final survey report to the National Department of Mineral Production (DNPM).
2015
Approval of the report by the DNPM and granting of the preliminary license by the Environmental Protection Institute of the Amazon (IPAAM).
2016
Conclusion of the Technical and Economic Feasibility Study conducted by an independent company.
2018
Preparation of the environmental and social plans and programs.
2019
Indigenous Consultation and development of Sustainable Project.
2020
Over USD 180 million has already been invested on the discovery and development of the project. USD 2 billion will be invested by the time construction is complete.
2022
Resumption of consultations with the execution of the SECOND STEP – The Urucurituba Assembly and the start of local meetings in each of the villages as part of the THIRD and FOURTH STEPS of the Protocol.
Timeline
Our History
Tap the Photo
2009
Founding of Brazil Potash, a private company in Brazil, controlled by both Brazilian and foreign investors.
2010
Received permits required under Brazilian legislation and began exploratory drilling in the region where the potash deposits lie: the Amazon.
2013
Commerced the environmental studies needed to implement the project.
2014
Delivery of the final survey report to the National Department of Mineral Production (DNPM).
2015
Approval of the report by the DNPM and granting of the preliminary license by the Environmental Protection Institute of the Amazon (IPAAM).
2016
Conclusion of the Technical and Economic Feasibility Study conducted by an independent company.
2018
Preparation of the environmental and social plans and programs.
2019
Indigenous Consultation and development of Sustainable Project.
2020
Over USD 180 million has already been invested on the discovery and development of the project. USD 2 billion will be invested by the time construction is complete.
2022
Resumption of consultations with the execution of the SECOND STEP – The Urucurituba Assembly and the start of local meetings in each of the villages as part of the THIRD and FOURTH STEPS of the Protocol.
Our Team
Corporate Leadership
Brazil Potash is a growing company that employs experienced professionals and is supported by a board of directors with extensive market knowledge and international experience.
Mayo Schmidt
Mr. Schmidt has served as Executive Chairman of the Company since January 2025. Most recently, Mr. Schmidt served as the chairman of the board of directors of VersaCold from May 2021 to August 2022. Mr. Schmidt previously served in a number of roles with Nutrien Ltd. (TSX: NTR), one of the world’s largest fertilizer manufacturers, including as a member and the chairman of the board of directors, as well as the transitional president and chief executive officer for one-year term, from February 2013 to December 2021. Mr. Schmidt was instrumental in the merger of Agrium Inc. and PotashCorp., which resulted in the formation of Nutrien. Mr. Schmidt also served as the president, chief executive officer and a director of Hydro One Ltd. (TSX: H) from 2015 to 2018, during which he led one of the largest IPOs in Canada, executed five acquisitions, and achieved significant cost reductions for Hydro One. Prior to Hydro One, Mr. Schmidt served as the president, chief executive officer and a director of Viterra Inc. from 2000 to 2012, during which he completed 24 acquisitions and transformed Saskatchewan Wheat Pool from a regional cooperative into a major global agriculture and food processing corporation with presence in 14 countries on four continents. Prior to Viterra Inc., Mr. Schmidt held senior management positions at several Fortune 100 companies, including General Mills, Inc., ConAgra, Inc., and ConAgra’s global KBC Trading and Processing Company. Mr. Schmidt has over 30 years of experience in global agriculture, energy, and supply chain management. Mr. Schmidt received an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce degree in business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from Washburn University in 2016 and 1980, respectively.
Matt Simpson
Mr. Simpson has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a director on our board of directors since October 2014. Mr. Simpson has also been the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Black Iron, Inc., a Toronto Stock Exchange listed iron ore exploration and development company, since October 2010. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Simpson worked for the Iron Ore Company of Canada (which we refer to as “IOC”), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc and Mitsubishi Corp, from 2002 to 2010. At IOC, he held several progressive roles in Business Evaluation, Operations Planning, Continuous Improvement, and, in his last three years, as Mine General Manager. His work with IOC primarily took place at their Carol Lake iron ore deposit in Labrador. Prior to joining IOC, Mr. Simpson worked as a process engineer for Hatch Ltd., designing and debottlenecking metallurgical refineries around the world. Mr. Simpson has extensive experience in mine design, operations and project management. Mr. Simpson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree, from Queen’s University in Canada.
Ryan Ptolemy
Mr. Ptolemy has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2011. Mr. Ptolemy is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant, and CFA charter holder. Mr. Ptolemy is also the Chief Financial Officer of various Toronto Stock Exchange and Cboe Canada listed public companies in the investment, fintech, and mining industries, as part of the Forbes & Manhattan, Inc. group of companies, such as Aberdeen International Inc. (since October 2010), Belo Sun Mining Corp. (since March 2010), and DeFi Technologies Inc. (formerly knowns as Valour Inc.) (since October 2009). Mr. Ptolemy also served as the Chief Financial Officer of EV Technology Group Ltd. from November 2020 to March 2024, and Sulliden Mining Capital Inc. from June 2020 to January 2024. Mr. Ptolemy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administrative and Commercial Studies from Western University in Canada.
Sergio Leite
Mr. Leite has ~40 years of executive experience successfully delivering large-scale steel plants, mining and infrastructure projects for which he raised billions in capital by leading negotiations with key stakeholders in Brazil and abroad. As Chief Executive Officer of Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém, a joint venture between Vale S.A. and Korean steel companies POSCO and DongKuk, he led a team that negotiated a US$2.9 billion loan contract with a pool of banks including Brazil’s BNDES, Korean Export Credit Agencies and a syndicate of eight banks. His extensive experience also includes senior roles at Vale S.A., where he served as Operational Director, CEO of Vale Oman, and Institutional Relations and Sustainability Director, developing strong networks with key government ministries and regulatory authorities.
Raphael Bloise
Recognized as one of the most experienced professionals in mining project implementation in South America, with over 40 years dedicated to the execution of major projects in Brazil. He has led large-scale projects in mining, power transmission, port infrastructure, oil and gas, hydroelectric plants, railways, and ports. A strong advocate of PMBOK® tools for WBS, he introduced and applied key technical concepts in project analysis, ensuring efficient resource planning and cost control. Throughout his career, he has managed projects totaling over US$15 billion in investments, generating approximately 50,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs.
Rebeca Larrat
Lawyer with 11 years of experience, specialized in Civil Law and Civil Procedure, as well as Business and Legal Management and Controllership. She also holds training in Negotiation and Arbitration from CBMAE – the Brazilian Chamber of Mediation and Business Arbitration. She has solid experience in handling strategic cases, managing legal proceedings and contracts, and resolving complex disputes. She has worked at nationally recognized law firms and at the largest law firm in the Northern Region of Brazil, where she followed the Autazes Potash Project since 2018. She joined Potássio do Brasil in 2024, where she leads the company’s internal legal structure.
Alexandre Bernstein
Economist from UFRJ, with more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector, specialized in Finance from IBMEC and Business Management from Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC). He has extensive experience in financial governance, CAPEX control, cash flow management and credit risk, having served as CFO and CEO in several companies of the Vale Group, in Brazil and abroad.
As CFO of Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém, he participated in the structuring of approximately US$3 billion in financing for the implementation of a steel complex, involving BNDES, a pool of national and international commercial banks, and Korean export credit agencies.
He has solid experience in structuring funding for large-scale projects and in managing relationships with financial institutions, shareholders and government agencies.
Oscar Morgado
He is 55 years old and was born in Chile. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the School of Engineering of São Paulo and has over 27 years of experience in Supply Chain, Administration, and Finance, having worked for major mining companies such as Vale, Atlantic Nickel, Caraíba Metais, CSN Mineração, and Caterpillar. He has proven skills in managing strategic contracts, implementing inventory management systems, and reducing operational costs. In 2023, at the 11th Latin American Contract Management Congress, he was recognized as a standout professional in the sector by ANGC (National Association of Contract Managers).
Davidson Aquino
Administrator with a solid background in administrative, financial, and project management, having served as Chief Administrative and Financial Officer at SAAE of Itabira (MG) and Operations Director at Culturinvest Investimentos S.A., as well as manager in companies within the mining and industrial sectors, such as Vale S.A. and Progen/Valpro. He has international experience, including serving as Administrative and Financial Manager in India, and has worked on projects across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. He holds a degree in Business Administration from PUC Minas, a postgraduate degree in Management from UFLA, an MBA in Strategic Finance from UFMG, and a Master’s degree in International Business Management from the Universities of Deusto (Spain), Audencia (France), and Bradford (England).
Lúcio Rabelo
Economist with a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability in the Amazon, and specializations in Irrigation Engineering (UFPB) and Technological Education Management (University of Oklahoma, USA). With over 40 years of experience in socio-environmental projects, he has extensive expertise in environmental licensing, sustainable development, and public policy. He has served as President of IPAAM, Director of IFAM, and Coordinator of programs such as PROSAMIM. He has solid experience in internationally funded projects (IDB, CAF), particularly in the areas of sanitation, housing, and solid waste management. Recognized for his leadership in sustainability in the Amazon, he has been a member of councils such as CONAMA, participated in international missions, and was a speaker at numerous national and international forums.
Marcos Pedrini
Professional with over 35 years of experience in the fertilizer industry, with a strong background in sales, marketing, and logistics, particularly in the Brazilian potash market. Since 2015, he has been working in marketing at Potássio do Brasil. He spent nearly two decades at Vale Fertilizantes S.A., where he held leadership positions in potash sales and animal nutrition. He also has extensive experience in port logistics and operations at the Ponta da Madeira Port with Vale S.A., and began his career as an engineer assembling industrial equipment. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (UFES), with specializations in Supply Chain Management (USP), Engineering Economics (UFMA), and Business Development (FDC).
José Roberto da Fonseca
José Roberto has over 35 years of experience in the mining sector, with a solid background in administrative roles. Since 2008, he has served as Administrative Supervisor and later as Operations Manager at Potássio do Brasil, with a strong track record in organizational resource management, strategic planning, meeting support, community relations, and handling land and environmental matters. He previously worked at companies such as Xstrata, Unamgen, and São Bento Mineração, gaining experience in logistics, procurement, technical and financial support, as well as various administrative services. He is also trained through courses in accounting and procurement processes.
Marcelo Tacon
Administrator with 28 years of experience in administrative, financial, procurement, and controllership areas, with a strong track record in managing high-complexity projects in the heavy construction, energy, oil & gas, infrastructure, and concessions sectors. He holds two MBAs: one in Project Management and another in Financial Management and Controllership. He has solid experience in managing CAPEX/OPEX, leading cross-functional teams, contract management, financial control, supplier negotiation, and providing strategic support to operations. He also has strong expertise in performance indicators (KPIs), strategic planning, and risk and deadline management.

