Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSE-A: GRO), a potash developer advancing its Autazes Project, a high-value agricultural asset, is excited to share that it has begun an advanced Artificial Intelligence X-ray Transmission (XRT) ore sorting trial to assess pre-concentration technology that could materially reshape the project’s construction and long-term operating costs.
The company is trialing this advanced optical system to pre-sort mined ore prior to concentrating. This approach uses AI and optical sensors to spot valuable potash ore and separate it from waste potentially even underground right at the extraction point.
Matt Simpson, CEO of Brazil Potash sees great potential in its use,
"This optical sorting trial represents a potential game-changer for the Autazes Project economics,"
"Recent successful applications of this technology at comparable potash operations have demonstrated the ability to concentrate ore by approximately 50% underground before it even reaches the processing plant. If we can replicate these results at Autazes, the implications for our capital requirements and operational efficiency are profound."
#What’s Happening in the Trial?
At the Autazes project, this AI optical sorting technology will trial the process of identifying and separating valuable potash minerals from barren waste, with the goal of reducing the amount of material that needs to be concentrated and potentially hoisted from underground.
By combining advanced X-ray sensing with machine learning, this ore-sorting technology can identify and separate valuable potash minerals from waste rock in real-time. The system reads each rock's density and makeup as it moves through the sorter, then instantly sends it to the concentrate or waste stream.
At a similar pilot running at a German potash mine since 2022, the system removed 50% of waste rock and doubled the ore potash grade before winching to the surface for concentration. If similar results can be replicated at Autazes it will mean a chance to completely re-rate the costs associated with developing the mine and further enhance the site’s ESG profile.
#Learn more about Brazil Potash
Investor-Relevant Highlights
Waste Cut, Grade Doubled: A pilot scale AI X-ray sorting trial at a German potash mine, running since 2022, has removed half of the waste rock and doubled the potash grade of the ore before hoisting to the surface for concentration.
Reduced Processing Plant Size: By concentrating ore underground prior to hoisting, the required capacity of the surface processing plant could potentially be sharply reduced, thereby cutting construction capital.
Optimized Shaft Infrastructure: The technology could allow Brazil Potash to either construct smaller diameter shafts, cutting construction time and cost, or maintain the current shaft specifications to support substantial future production increases with minimal additional capital investment.
Enhanced Efficiency and Sustainability: Pre-sorting reduces the amount of material moved and processed, cutting costs and energy demand.
Higher Delivered Ore Grade: By stripping out waste underground, the processing plant should receive a much higher grade feed, which boosts efficiency and recovery rates.
If results similar to the German pilot are achieved at Autazes the Project could see meaningfully reduced plant sizing, smaller shaft infrastructure, lower energy consumption, and improved overall economics. For a project positioned to initially supply up to 20% of Brazil’s potash demand, such efficiency gains could accelerate timelines and enhance returns.
#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.
#FAQs for Retail Investors
Why is AI XRT ore sorting important for valuation?
Because processing plant size and shaft infrastructure are major capital drivers. Pre-concentration that cuts hoisted waste by ~50% could meaningfully lower initial capex and reduce operating intensity, factors that directly influence project NPV and investor upside.
Does this technology reduce financing risk?
Potentially. Smaller plants and reduced infrastructure requirements could shrink the project’s funding envelope. For a large-scale potash development, lower capex can improve bankability and accelerate development milestones.
How could this impact Autazes’ long-term production profile?
Smaller shafts could reduce upfront cost, while maintaining current shaft sizing could allow significant future production growth without major additional investment thereby giving Brazil Potash optionality for expansion.
Is this technology already proven?
A comparable German pilot has been running since 2022 with strong results; 50% waste removal and doubled ore grade. The Autazes trial aims to validate applicability under Brazilian geological conditions.
Could this accelerate Brazil’s potash independence goals?
Yes. With Brazil importing over 95% of its potash, any improvement that accelerates Autazes’ development or reduces costs strengthens the domestic supply chain and reduces reliance on foreign imports.