Mosaic Co., one of the world’s leading producers of phosphate and potash fertilizers, has officially completed the sale of its Taquari-Vassouras potash mine in Sergipe, Brazil, to VL Mineração Ltda. The transaction marks Mosaic’s strategic exit from potash production in Brazil, allowing the company to focus more sharply on its core phosphate operations and global distribution network.
The Taquari-Vassouras mine, once Brazil’s only active potash mine, was placed on care and maintenance by Mosaic in 2016 after decades of production. The sale to VL Mineração represents a key step in revitalizing local potash development under new ownership.
In a statement, Mosaic said the divestment aligns with its long-term portfolio optimization strategy, aimed at maximizing shareholder value and streamlining global operations. The company will continue to support Brazil’s agricultural sector through fertilizer imports and blending operations, maintaining a strong presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing agribusiness markets.
VL Mineração, a Brazil-based mining firm, plans to restart exploration and production activities at the site with a focus on leveraging modern extraction techniques and sustainability measures. The company said it aims to help reduce Brazil’s dependence on imported potash, a key nutrient for crops like soybeans, sugarcane, and corn.
Analysts have viewed the sale positively, noting that it could bring new investment and employment opportunities to Sergipe while allowing Mosaic to free up capital for higher-margin projects in North America and other regions.
The transaction, completed after regulatory approvals and due diligence, underscores the growing trend of localized investment in Brazil’s fertilizer industry, as the nation seeks to strengthen its domestic supply chain amid global uncertainties.