Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSE-A: GRO), a developer and builder of Brazil's largest potash fertilizer project, has appointed Sergio Leite, a highly experienced executive with around four decades of experience in mining, steel, railway, and port infrastructure to serve as President of Potássio do Brasil Ltda., its Brazilian subsidiary responsible for advancing the Autazes Potash Project toward construction.
The incoming leader brings a proven track record in securing multi-billion-dollar project financing, operating industrial plants and executing large-scale mining projects, experience that aligns directly with Brazil Potash’s next phase of growth.
Matt Simpson, CEO of Brazil Potash is delighted to welcome him,
“Mr. Leite brings ~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. His extensive background positions him ideally to advance the Autazes Project as we accelerate our path to construction."
Potash is an essential crop nutrient used to improve soil fertility and increase agricultural yields, making it one of the most important fertilizers in global food production. It is classified as a critical mineral in several countries, including the USA, Canada, and Brazil, reflecting its importance to food production, trade competitiveness, and national sovereignty.
As the country remains heavily reliant on imported potash, Brazil Potash aims to develop a domestic supply source that could meaningfully reduce this vulnerability while supporting lower-emission logistics through river-barge transport partnerships.
A highlight of Sergio Leite’s accomplished career includes his tenure as CEO of Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém, a joint venture between Vale S.A. and Korean steel companies POSCO and DongKuk. In that role, he led a team that negotiated a US$2.9 billion loan package with Brazil’s BNDES, Korean Export Credit Agencies and a syndicate of eight banks.
And as CEO of BAFER – Bahia Ferrovias, he led efforts to secure substantial funding for major railway infrastructure development.
He also brings deep institutional and governmental relationships built during his tenure at Vale S.A. Collectively, his experience strengthens Brazil Potash’s ability to advance and de-risk the Autazes Project through its next phase.
Sergio Leite emphasized the strategic importance of Autazes for Brazil:
"I am honored to join Brazil Potash at this pivotal moment in the Company's development,"
"The Autazes Project represents a transformational opportunity for Brazil's agricultural sector and food security. I look forward to leveraging my relationships with BNDES and other important banks, government authorities, and international financial institutions to help secure the funding needed to build Brazil's premier domestic potash operation."
Brazil relies on imports for more than 95% of its potash, even though the country sits atop one of the largest undeveloped deposits globally. Management estimates that, once developed, the Autazes Project could meet around 20% of domestic demand, helping mitigate geopolitical and supply-chain vulnerabilities.
That’s because Brazil Potash’s domestic location eliminates the long shipping routes faced by offshore suppliers, reducing delivery costs and supply-chain risks while supporting Brazil’s broader food security objectives.
Learn More About Brazil Potash
Appointment: Investor-Relevant Highlights
An experienced executive, Sergio Leite brings a proven track record in raising multi-billion-dollar funding and successfully delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
He previously led construction financing efforts for projects totaling nearly US$20 billion across mining, steel, railway, and port infrastructure sectors in Brazil and abroad.
Mr Leite has four decades of Brazil-based leadership experience with strong networks across government, financial, and industrial sectors.
He has a proven track record in leading teams to raise the multi-billion-dollar funding necessary to successfully deliver large-scale projects.
His appointment strengthens Brazil Potash’s path toward constructing the Autazes Potash Project.
The Autazes Project targets up to 2.4 million tons of annual potash production for domestic use.
The company aims to supply ~20% of Brazil’s potash demand and reduce reliance on imports.
Sergio Leite, President of Potássio do Brasil Ltda.
The appointment aims to address the company’s most immediate challenge: securing the capital and institutional backing required to move Autazes into construction. With a leader deeply experienced in structuring complex financing, navigating government processes, and delivering multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, Brazil Potash is better positioned to progress the project toward key milestones that directly influence valuation and investor confidence.
#About Brazil Potash
Brazil Potash Corp (NYSE-A: GRO) is a Toronto-headquartered, pre-revenue developer advancing a fully permitted potash project in Brazil. Permitted for construction, the Autazes Project is designed to produce up to 2.4 million tonnes of locally supplied potash per year, supporting Brazil’s agricultural heartland and helping reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported fertilizer.
Led by former Nutrien and Rio Tinto executives, the company is aligned with Brazil’s national food security objectives and operates under rigorous environmental standards. The project features an underground mine with dry-stacked tailings, a process that removes water from waste material, minimizing water use and surface impact while being developed entirely on non-rainforest cattle farmland.
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#FAQs for Retail Investors
Why is this leadership change important for Brazil Potash shareholders?
Because advancing Autazes depends heavily on securing large-scale project financing, appointing an executive with a record of closing multi-billion-dollar deals materially increases the project’s probability of execution.
Is the appointment expected to accelerate project financing efforts?
The company emphasizes the new executive’s financing experience as a key asset, but investors should note that securing project financing depends on multiple external factors, including regulatory approvals, market conditions, and lender due diligence.
Does this announcement change the project’s construction timeline?
The release highlights momentum toward construction, but no new timelines or guarantees are provided.
How significant is Autazes to Brazil’s fertilizer supply?
Brazil imports over 95% of its potash despite hosting one of the world’s largest undeveloped basins. Management believes the Autazes project could potentially supply roughly 20% of Brazil’s current potash demand if developed as planned, reducing exposure to geopolitical and supply-chain risks. Actual production volumes will depend on construction, permitting, and market conditions.
How could this appointment impact project timelines?
With deep networks at BNDES and among international lenders, the new president may accelerate financing milestones, often the longest gating factor for major mining developments. However, no assurance can be given that these initiatives will occur as expected or within anticipated timeframes.