In the heart of the Amazon, Brazil is preparing to mine for fertilizers instead of gold or oil. With geopolitical tensions rising and the country relying on imports for 90% of its fertilizers, the Brazilian Potash company is investing $2.5 billion to build an underground mine near the town of Uatuma. The project, located in one of the world's most environmentally sensitive areas, aims to supply nearly a fifth of Brazil's potash needs for 30 years. In a potential deal, China could buy the potash in exchange for guaranteed future soy and cotton shipments. While the company has secured permits and promised benefits to local communities, environmentalists warn that legal mining could set a dangerous precedent for deforestation and land conflicts in the Amazon.
