As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on August 20, 2024.

Registration No. 333-    

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

BRAZIL POTASH CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Ontario, Canada		1400		Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

198 Davenport Road

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 1J2

Tel: +1 (416) 309-2963

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

CT Corporation System

28 Liberty Street

New York, New York 10005

Tel: +1 (302) 777-0200

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

With copies to:

Rebecca G. DiStefano William Wong Greenberg Traurig, P.A. 333 S.E. 2nd Avenue Suite 4400 Miami, Florida 33131 Tel: +1 (305) 579-0541 Fax: +1 (305) 579-0717		Michael Rennie Wildeboer Dellelce LLP 365 Bay Street, Suite 800 Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2V1 Canada Tel: +1 (416) 361-4781 Fax: +1 (416) 361-1790		Samir A. Gandhi Daniel A. O’Shea Sidley Austin LLP 787 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019 Tel: +1 (212) 839-5300		James Clare Christopher J. Doucet Bennett Jones LLP 3400 One First Canadian Place P.O. Box 130 Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A4 Canada Tel: +1 (416) 863-1200

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

				Emerging growth company		☑

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933. ☐

 

†	The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is declared effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer, solicitation, or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 20, 2024

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

 

BRAZIL POTASH CORP.

     Common Shares

 

 

This is the initial public offering of our common shares, no par value per share (which we refer to as our “Common Shares”). We are offering     Common Shares. We currently expect the initial public offering price of our Common Shares to be between $    and $    per Common Share.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Common Shares. We intend to apply for the listing of our Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GRO”.

We are existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada. We are also an “emerging growth company” and a “foreign private issuer”, as defined under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, and are eligible for reduced public company reporting requirements. See “Prospectus Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer.”

Investing in our Common Shares involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any Common Shares, you should carefully read the discussion of material risks of investing in our Common Shares under the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 26 of this prospectus.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

		Per Common Share				Total
Initial public offering price		$				$
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)		$				$
Proceeds to us (before expenses)(2)		$				$	.

 

(1)

We have also agreed to issue to the underwriters warrants exercisable for the number of our Common Shares equal to 5% of the total number of Common Shares sold in this offering (which we refer to as the “Underwriters’ Warrants”). See “Underwriting” for additional information regarding underwriting discounts and commissions, expenses, and other compensation payable to the underwriters.

(2)

The proceeds to us (before expenses) presented in this table does not give effect to any exercise by the underwriters of (i) the option we have granted to the underwriters to purchase additional Common Shares from us as described below, or (ii) the Underwriters’ Warrants.

 

 

We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to    additional Common Shares from us at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any.

The underwriters expect to deliver the Common Shares to purchasers on or about    , 2024.

 

Cantor		Bradesco BBI

Freedom Capital Markets				Roth Capital Partners

		Clarksons Securities

The date of this prospectus is    , 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			ii
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			iv
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY			1
RISK FACTORS			26
USE OF PROCEEDS			54
DIVIDEND POLICY			57
CAPITALIZATION			58
DILUTION			59
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION			62
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS			64
BUSINESS			83
DESCRIPTION OF THE AUTAZES PROJECT AND THE AUTAZES PROPERTY			111
MANAGEMENT			127
EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION			139
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS			155
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS			157
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SHARE CAPITAL			160
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE			170
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS			173
UNDERWRITING			180
EXPENSES RELATED TO THE OFFERING			193
LEGAL MATTERS			194
EXPERTS			195
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES			196
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION			196
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			F-1
ANNEX – GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS			A-1

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different, and neither we nor the underwriters take any responsibility for, or provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any information, other than the information in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us. We are offering to sell our Common Shares, and seeking offers to buy our Common Shares, only in jurisdictions where such offers and sales are permitted. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, our Common Shares in any jurisdictions where, or under any circumstances under which, the offer, sale, or solicitation is not permitted. The information in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus prepared by us is accurate only as of the date on its respective cover, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any free writing prospectus or the time of any sale of our Common Shares. Our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects may have changed since those dates. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this prospectus.

Before you invest in our Common Shares, you should read the registration statement (including the exhibits thereto and the documents incorporated by reference therein) of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

i

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires or otherwise states, references to “Brazil Potash”, our “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”, and similar references refer to Brazil Potash Corp., a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, and its subsidiaries.

Financial Information

Our audited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (which we refer to as “IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (which we refer to as the “IASB”), and audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (which we refer to as the “PCAOB”).

Our fiscal year ends on December 31 of each year as does our reporting year. Therefore, any references to 2023, 2022 and 2021 are references to the fiscal and reporting years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. See Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, and Note 2 to our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, included elsewhere in this prospectus, for a discussion of the basis of preparation of our financial statements.

Our Company’s functional currency and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, the legal currency of the United States (“USD”, “US$” or “$”). Our local subsidiary in Brazil, Potássio do Brasil Ltda., determines its own functional currency based on its own circumstances. The functional currency of Potássio do Brasil Ltda. is the Brazilian real (“R$”).

Rounding

Certain figures and some percentages included in this prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, the totals included in certain tables contained in this prospectus may not correspond to the arithmetic aggregation of the figures or percentages that precede them.

Mineral Disclosure

As used in this prospectus, references to the “Technical Report” are to the Technical Report, Update of the Autazes Potash Project—Pre-Feasibility Study (dated October 14, 2022) with respect to our potash mining project located in the Amazon potash basin near the city of Autazes (which we refer to as the “Autazes Project”), which was prepared by ERCOSPLAN Ingenieurgesellschaft Geotechnik und Bergbau mbH (which we refer to as “ERCOSPLAN”) in accordance with the requirements of subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K—Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations (which we refer to as the “SEC Mining Modernization Rules”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (which we refer to as the “Securities Act”), which governs disclosure for registrants with material mining operations. Certain numeric values describing the Autazes Project disclosed herein have been converted from the metric system of measurement, which is used in the Technical Report, to the imperial system of measurement commonly used in the United States. A summary of the Technical Report is included as Exhibit 96.1 to our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Additionally, we have filed a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, other than Quebec, in connection with the initial public offering of our Common Shares in Canada. As part of this filing process, ERCOSPLAN has also prepared the Technical Report, Update of the Autazes Potash Project—Pre-Feasibility Study (dated October 14, 2022) with respect to the Autazes Project, which was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101—Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (which we refer to as “NI 43-101”), and will be filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities in accordance with NI 43-101. NI 43-101 is an instrument, developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators and administered by the provincial and territorial securities commissions in Canada, that governs how issuers in Canada publicly disclose scientific and technical information about their mineral projects.

 

ii

For the meanings of certain technical terms used in this prospectus, see the Annex to this prospectus, “Glossary of Technical Terms”.

Market and Industry Data

This prospectus contains references to market data and industry forecasts and projections, which were obtained or derived from publicly available information, reports of governmental agencies, market research reports, and industry publications and surveys. These sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of that information is not guaranteed. Although we believe such information to be accurate, we have not independently verified the data from these sources. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and additional uncertainties and risks regarding the other forward-looking statements in this prospectus due to a variety of factors, including those described in the sections entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forecasts and projections. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing stated in this paragraph operates to relieve our Company or the underwriters from liability under applicable securities laws for any misrepresentation contained in this prospectus.

For Investors Outside of the United States and Canada

Neither we nor the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering, or the possession or distribution of this prospectus, in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States and Canada. You are required to inform yourselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, this offering and the distribution of this prospectus. Our Common Shares offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering materials in connection with the offer or sale of such securities be distributed or published, in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of such jurisdiction.

 

iii

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Various statements contained in this prospectus, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunity, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “could”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “continue”, “predict”, “project”, “potential”, “target”, “goal” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

 

•

our ability to achieve profitability in the future;

 

•

our ability to obtain the necessary permits and licenses for the Autazes Project, and the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory and permitting matters;

 

•

proposed expenditures for exploration work, and general and administrative expenses;

 

•

the development and construction of the Autazes Project;

 

•

maintaining access to, including acquiring, leasing and/or purchasing, the land for the development and operation of the Autazes Project;

 

•

our capital requirements and need for additional financing, and our ability to raise additional capital;

 

•

the estimated results of planned development, mining and production activities;

 

•

the estimated results of our GHG Emissions Analysis (as defined herein);

 

•

the supply and demand of potash;

 

•

general economic and financial conditions;

 

•

governmental regulation of mining operations and related matters;

 

•

our prospects, strategies, and business objectives and milestones;

 

•

industry trends; and

 

•

our use of net proceeds from this offering and other available funds.

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, they are inherently subject to significant business, competitive, economic, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including, among others, those discussed in this prospectus under the headings “Risk Factors”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business”, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this prospectus. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this prospectus include:

 

•

the need for significant capital resources for the development and construction of the Autazes Project;

 

•

the cost, timing, and results of our future development, mining and production activities;

 

•

our ability to obtain the necessary permits and licenses for the Autazes Project, including that, once obtained, such permits and licenses may be terminated or not renewed by governmental authorities;

 

iv

•

our ability to maintain access to, including to acquire, lease and/or purchase, the land for the development and operation of the Autazes Project;

 

•

issues with the urban areas, rural communities, and indigenous communities which surround our operations and the procedures required for their prior consultation;

 

•

our ability to manage our development, growth and operating expenses;

 

•

our lack of operating history on which to judge our business prospects and management;

 

•

the possible material differences between our estimates of Mineral Reserves and the mineral quantities we will actually recover;

 

•

lower than expected metallurgical assumptions;

 

•

mining industry operational risk, such as operator errors, mechanical failures and other accidents, including risks relating to tailings impoundments;

 

•

environmental, social and governance impacts and risks with respect to the development and operation of the Autazes Project;

 

•

availability of capable labor near our mine;

 

•

our ability to compete and succeed in competitive potash mining industry;

 

•

our ability to raise capital and the availability of future financing;

 

•

changes in Brazilian and international governmental and regulatory policies that apply to our operations;

 

•

fluctuations in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar or Canadian dollar and the Brazilian real;

 

•

the risks and uncertainties relating to Brazilian and international economic and political conditions; and

 

•

potential delays in the different developmental and operational phases of the Autazes Project.

Given the foregoing risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this prospectus. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results of operations and financial condition may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. In addition, even if our results of operations and financial condition are consistent with the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, they may not be predictive of results or developments in future periods.

Any forward-looking statement that we make in this prospectus speaks only as of the date of this prospectus. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this prospectus.

 

v

 

1

 

2

 

3

 

4

 

5

 

6

 

7

 

8

 

9

 

10

 

11

 

12

 

13

 

14

 

15

 

16

 

17

 

18

 

19

 

20

 

21

 

22

 

23

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following tables set forth a summary of our consolidated financial information as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. You should read the following summary consolidated financial information in conjunction with, and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and the related notes thereto, our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and the related notes thereto, and the sections entitled “Capitalization”, “Selected Consolidated Financial Information” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, each of which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Our summary consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss information for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, and our related summary consolidated statements of financial position information as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, prepared in accordance with IFRS, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our summary consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss information for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and our related summary consolidated statements of financial position information as of March 31, 2024, have been derived from our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, prepared in accordance with IFRS, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our management believes that the unaudited interim financial information below includes all adjustments, consisting of only normal nonrecurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information. Our historical selected consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss information for the interim period ended March 31, 2024 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. Our historical results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods.

 

		Three months ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2023				2022				2021
Statements of Loss and Other Comprehensive Loss Information:
Expenses:
Consulting and management fees		$	577,465			$	3,796,388			$	5,441,156			$	2,713,548			$	2,023,284
Professional fees			54,380				407,909				1,453,310				2,185,220				644,117
Share-based compensation			629,033				(103,985	)			4,703,254				24,474,191				357,189
Travel expenses			82,541				127,713				390,531				2,704,879				231,821
General office expenses			36,605				32,262				120,228				183,843				148,715
Foreign exchange loss			(3,054	)			(3,680	)			(10,552	)			62,479				68,243
Communications and promotions			59,392				60,130				1,251,155				398,880				62,528
Operating loss		$	1,436,362			$	4,316,737			$	13,349,082			$	32,723,040			$	3,535,897
Finance costs		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	405,249
Finance income			(4,444	)			(115,727	)			(302,720	)			(259,019	)			(5,056	)
Loss for the period before income taxes		$	1,431,918			$	4,201,010			$	13,046,362			$	32,464,021			$	3,936,090
Income taxes		$	20,687			$	33,466			$	160,838			$	155,360			$	93,276
Loss for the period after income taxes		$	1,452,605			$	4,234,476			$	13,207,200			$	32,619,381			$	4,029,366
Other income (expense):
Items that subsequently may be reclassified into net income:
Foreign currency translation		$	2,204,377			$	(1,697,715	)		$	(4,912,866	)		$	(3,881,076	)		$	4,131,016
Total comprehensive loss for the period		$	3,656,982			$	2,536,761			$	8,294,334			$	28,738,305			$	8,160,382
Basic and diluted loss per share		$	0.01			$	0.03			$	0.09			$	0.23			$	0.03
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted			142,358,675				140,929,082				141,569,049				139,629,405				131,176,764

 

24

		March 31,				December 31,
		2024				2023				2022				2021
Statements of Financial Position Information (end of period):
ASSETS:
Current
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,143,184			$	2,450,239			$	11,804,907			$	15,144,419
Amounts receivable			92,108				149,757				167,854				2,616,544
Prepaid expenses			258,013				236,329				98,884				99,566
Total current assets		$	1,493,305			$	2,836,325			$	12,071,645			$	17,860,529
Non-current
Property and equipment		$	980,892			$	1,012,032			$	936,707			$	866,961
Exploration and evaluation assets			126,628,457				129,298,494				120,216,752				112,188,359
Total assets		$	129,102,654			$	133,146,851			$	133,225,104			$	130,915,849
LIABILITIES:
Current
Trade payables and accrued liabilities		$	1,842,526			$	1,730,103			$	1,154,872			$	2,005,960
Total current liabilities		$	1,842,526			$	1,730,103			$	1,154,872			$	2,005,960
Non-current
Deferred income tax liability			2,148,494				2,196,087				1,883,661				1,617,383
Total liabilities		$	3,991,020			$	3,926,190			$	3,038,533			$	3,623,343
EQUITY:
Share capital		$	243,237,728			$	242,487,728			$	235,611,237			$	227,154,731
Share-based payments reserve			63,078,202				64,280,247				63,924,814				43,023,258
Warrants reserve			604,000				604,000				604,000				604,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(67,623,860	)			(65,419,483	)			(70,332,349	)			(74,213,425	)
Deficit			(114,184,436	)			(112,731,831	)			(99,621,131	)			(69,276,058	)
Total equity		$	125,111,634			$	129,220,661			$	130,186,571			$	127,292,506
Total liabilities and equity		$	129,102,654			$	133,146,851			$	133,225,104			$	130,915,849

 

25

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our Common Shares is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. We operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing industry that involves numerous risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the factors described below, together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this prospectus, before deciding whether to invest in our Common Shares. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price of our Common Shares could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to our Business

We are a development stage company, and there is no guarantee that the Autazes Project will result in the commercial extraction of potash.

We are currently in the development stage of the Autazes Project, and have not yet commenced commercial extraction, processing, sale, or distribution of potash ore. Accordingly, we do not expect to realize profits in the short term, and we also cannot assure you that we will realize profits in the medium to long term or ever. Any profitability in the future from our business will be dependent upon further development of the Autazes Project, which is subject to various risks.

The exploration and development of potash ore involves a high degree of financial risk over a significant period of time. There is no guarantee that current development plans will result in profitable commercial mining operations. The profitability of our operations will be, in part, related to the cost and success of our development plans, which may be affected by several factors. Additional expenditures are required to construct, complete and install mining and processing facilities for the Autazes Project.

Additionally, development-stage projects like ours have no operating history upon which to base estimates of future operating costs and capital requirements. Operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that we will ever be able to develop and produce potash from a commercially viable mine on the Autazes Property, or achieve or sustain profitability. Items such as future estimates of reserves or operating costs will to a large extent be based upon the interpretation of geologic data, obtained from a limited number of drill holes and other sampling techniques, as well as the Technical Report. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks encountered by mining companies in the early stage of project development. Actual operating costs and economic returns from our mining operations once they have commenced may materially differ from our estimated operating costs and economic returns, and accordingly, our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

The commencement of our mining operations for the Autazes Project is subject to various risks.

Our level of profitability, if any, in future years will depend to a great degree on prices of potash set by global markets and whether the Autazes Project can be brought into production. Whether we can commence our mining operations depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

 

•

the willingness of lenders and investors to provide project financing;

 

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the particular attributes of the potash deposit on the Autazes Property, such as its grade;

 

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prices for potash;

 

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mining, processing and transportation costs;

 

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labor costs; and

 

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governmental regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, land use, protection of local indigenous communities, importing and exporting materials, foreign exchange, environmental protection, employment, worker safety, transportation, and reclamation and closure obligations.

The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but any of these factors on their own or a combination of these factors may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Significant long-term changes in the agriculture space could adversely impact our business.

The agricultural landscape is evolving at an increasingly fast pace as a result of various factors, including farm and industry consolidation, agricultural productivity and development, and climate change. Farm consolidation in developed markets has been ongoing for decades and is expected to continue as farmer demographics shift and advancements in innovative technology and equipment enable farmers to manage larger operations to create economies of scale in a lower-margin, more capital-intensive environment, which will also provide such consolidated agricultural entities with more bargaining power in connection with their purchases of potash. The advancement and adoption of technology and digital innovations in agriculture and across the value chain have increased and are expected to further accelerate as farmer demographics shift and pressures from consumer preference and governments evolve. The development of seeds that require less crop nutrients, development of full or partial substitutes for potash, or developments in the application of crop nutrients such as improved nutrient use or efficiency through use of precision agriculture could also emerge, all of which have the potential to adversely affect the demand for potash and our results of operations.

Additionally, increased consolidation in the crop nutrient industry has resulted in greater resources dedicated to expansion and research and development opportunities, leading to increased competition in advanced product offerings and innovative technologies. Some of our competitors have greater total resources or are state-supported, which make them less vulnerable to industry downturns and better positioned to pursue new expansion and development opportunities.

These factors as well as others (such as changes in dietary habits) could adversely affect long-term demand for our products and services, and materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Shifting global dynamics may result in a prolonged agriculture downturn.

Global macro-economic conditions and shifting dynamics, including trade tariffs and restrictions and increased price competition, or a significant change in agriculture production or consumption trends, could lead to a sustained environment of reduced demand for potash, and/or low commodity prices. The potash market is subject to intense price competition from both domestic and foreign sources, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities which are better able to absorb these shifting dynamics. Potash is a global commodity with little or no product differentiation, and customers make their purchasing decisions principally on the basis of delivered price and, to a lesser extent, on customer service. Supply is affected by available capacity and operating rates, raw material costs and availability, government policies, and global trade. Periods of high-demand, high-capacity utilization, and increasing operating margins tend to result in investment in production capacity, which may cause supply to exceed demand and capacity utilization and realized selling prices for potash to decline, resulting in possible reduced profit margins. Competitors and potential new entrants in the market for potash have in recent years expanded capacity, begun construction of new capacity, or announced plans to expand capacity or build new facilities. The extent to which current global or local economic and financial conditions, changes in such conditions, or other factors may cause delays or cancellation of some of these ongoing or planned projects, or result in the acceleration of existing or new projects, is uncertain. Future growth in demand for our products may not be sufficient to absorb excess industry capacity.

 

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We are impacted by global market and economic conditions that could adversely affect demand for crop nutrients, or increase prices for, or decrease availability of, raw materials and energy necessary to produce potash. This includes the relative value of the U.S. dollar and its impact on the importation of fertilizers, foreign agricultural policies, the existence of, or changes in, import or foreign currency exchange barriers in certain foreign markets, and other regulatory policies of foreign governments, trade wars and measures taken by governments which may be deemed protectionist, as well as the laws and policies affecting foreign trade and investment. Furthermore, some customers require access to credit to purchase potash, and a lack of available credit to customers in one or more countries, due to this deterioration, could adversely affect demand for crop nutrients as there may be an inability to replenish inventories in such conditions. We currently do not intend to provide credit to customers in connection with their purchases of potash from us, however, certain of our competitors may do so, and customers may choose to purchase potash from such competitors for this reason.

Our ability to raise additional financing may be affected by global market conditions that we do not control and cannot predict.

In order for us to complete the development and construction of the Autazes Project and commence commercial extraction of potash, we will need to raise additional financing after the completion of this offering, which may include additional equity and/or debt financings. Recent global financial conditions, however, have been characterized by increased volatility, and access to public financing, particularly for development stage companies, has been negatively impacted. These conditions may affect our ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on terms favorable to us or at all. If such conditions continue, we may not be able to complete the development and construction of the Autazes Project, and our business and prospects could be materially and adversely impacted.

We are subject to various levels of political, economic and other risks and uncertainties associated with operating in Brazil.

The Autazes Project and the Autazes Property are located in Brazil, and, as a result, our operations are exposed to various levels of political, economic and other risks and uncertainties associated with operating in a foreign jurisdiction. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

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fluctuations in currency exchange rates, restrictions on foreign exchange, currency controls, and currency remittance;

 

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price controls;

 

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import or export controls;

 

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high rates of inflation;

 

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labor unrest;

 

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community relations;

 

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renegotiation or nullification of existing concessions, licenses, permits, applications and contracts;

 

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expropriation and nationalization;

 

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illegal mining;

 

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tax disputes and changes in tax policies;

 

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governmental regulations that may require the awarding of contracts of local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction;

 

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changing political conditions, including corruption;

 

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terrorism and hostage taking; and

 

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risks of war or civil unrest, including military repression.

 

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Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitudes in Brazil may adversely affect our operations. We may become subject to local political unrest or poor community relations that could have a debilitating impact on our operations and could result in damage to site infrastructure and injury to personnel. Additionally, our planned operations may be affected to varying degrees by government regulations with respect to, among other things, restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, currency remittance, income taxes, expropriation of property, foreign investment, maintenance of claims, environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use, and mine safety. Any failure by us to comply with applicable laws, regulations and local practices may result in loss, reduction or expropriation of entitlements, and enforcement actions, including corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installing of additional equipment, increasing security at the site, or other remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage as a result of mining activities, and may have administrative, civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Furthermore, on October 31, 2022, Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva (“President Lula”) was elected as the next president of Brazil with a four-year term commencing in January 2023. As part of President Lula’s electoral campaign, he made public statements regarding being committed to stopping illegal mining, but was also supportive of legal, permitted mining in Brazil. Nonetheless, it is difficult to predict how President Lula’s new term will affect Brazil’s mining industry and regulatory regime at this time. In the event that President Lula determines to pass more stringent regulations on Brazil’s mining industry, our business and prospects could be materially and adversely impacted.

The occurrence of any of these various factors and uncertainties cannot be accurately predicted and could have an adverse effect on our operations and profitability.

Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by inflation.

Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation. Inflation, as well as government efforts to combat inflation, has had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy. The Brazilian federal government’s measures to control inflation have often included maintaining a tight monetary policy with high interest rates, thereby restricting the availability of credit and reducing economic growth. Inflation, actions that may be implemented to combat inflation, and public speculation about any possible additional actions may also contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil and weaken investor confidence in Brazil, which may adversely impact our ability to access the capital markets. Conversely, more lenient government and Brazilian Central Bank policies and interest rate decreases may trigger increases in inflation and, consequently, growth volatility and the need for sudden and significant interest rate increases, which could materially and adversely affect our business.

As a result, Brazil may continue to experience high levels of inflation in the future, which may negatively impact domestic demand for our products, result in higher labor, transportation, machinery and raw materials costs, and consequently cause our development, construction, and operating costs for the Autazes Project to be substantially higher than initially estimated. Inflationary pressures may also lead to further government intervention in the economy, including the introduction of government policies that may materially and adversely affect the overall performance of the Brazilian economy, which in turn may limit our ability to obtain additional financing at acceptable interest rates and terms, if at all, and materially and adversely affect our business. In addition, we may not be able to adjust the prices we charge to our customers to offset the effects of inflation on our cost structure.

Our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations.

We are subject to risks related to currency exchange rate fluctuations. Our reporting currency is the dollar of the United States of America, which is exposed to fluctuations against other currencies. Our primary operations

 

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are located in Brazil where expenditures and obligations are incurred in the Brazilian real. As such, our results of operations are subject to foreign currency fluctuation risks and such fluctuations may adversely affect our financial position and operating results. We have not undertaken any actions to mitigate transactional volatility in the United States dollar to the Brazilian real at this time. While we may enter into foreign currency forward contracts in the future in order to match or partially offset existing currency exposures, there is no guarantee that such contracts would fully mitigate our currency exposure.

The nature of our business includes risks related to litigation, regulatory and administrative proceedings, including the costs of such proceedings and the potential for damage awards that could materially and adversely affect our business and financial performance in the event of an unfavorable ruling.

The nature of our business exposes us to various risks related to litigation, including regulatory and administrative proceedings, governmental investigations, tax matters, environmental matters, health and safety matters, labor matters, civil liability claims, tort claims, and contract disputes, among others. Litigation and other proceedings can be inherently costly and unpredictable, making it difficult to accurately estimate the outcome of existing or future litigation. In addition, responding to such claims and defending such actions may be distracting to our management team. Although we establish provisions as we deem necessary in accordance with IFRS, the amount of provisions that we record could vary significantly from any amounts we actually pay, due to the inherent uncertainties and shortcomings in the estimation process. Future litigation costs, settlements or judgments could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business and on our results of operations and financial condition, through increased litigation costs, settlements or judgements, diversion of resources, distraction of our management team, reputational damage, or otherwise.

Unpredictable events, such as the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated business disruptions, could delay our operations, affect our ability to raise capital, increase our costs and expenses, and seriously harm our future results of operations and financial condition.

Our operations could be subject to unpredictable events, such as extreme weather conditions, acts of God and epidemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak, and other natural or manmade disasters, or business interruptions, for which we may not be adequately prepared or self-insured. For example, Brazil has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with over 38.2 million cases and over 708,000 deaths as of December 31, 2023. The Amazon city of Manaus, which is the largest city near the Autazes Project, has been particularly hard hit, which resulted in temporary lockdown measures put into place to contain the surge of COVID-19 cases. Our additional consultations with indigenous communities near the Autazes Project in accordance with International Labour Organization Convention 169, which initially started in November 2019, were suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we were allowed to resume such consultations in April 2022 following the lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions.

We do not carry insurance for all categories of risk that our business may encounter. The occurrence of any such business disruptions could increase our costs and expenses and seriously harm our operations and financial condition. The ultimate impact on us and the potash mining sector of any such business disruptions is unknown, but our operations and financial condition could suffer in the event of any of these types of unpredictable events. Furthermore, any significant uninsured liability may require us to pay substantial amounts, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

 

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Risks Related to Mining

We do not currently have an operating mine, and the development of the Autazes Project into an active mining operation is highly speculative in nature, may be unsuccessful, and may never result in the development of an operating mine.

The Autazes Project is at the development stage. Mine development is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and uncertainties, and is frequently unsuccessful. First, mineral exploration must be performed to demonstrate the dimensions, position and mineral characteristics of mineral deposits, estimate Mineral Resources, assess amenability of the deposit to mining and processing scenarios, and estimate potential deposit size. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial exploration phases before mineral development and production is possible, during which time the potential feasibility of the project may change adversely. Even if mineralization is discovered, that mineralization may not be economic to mine. A significant number of years, studies, and substantial expenditures are required to establish economic mineralization in the form of Proven Mineral Reserves and Probable Mineral Reserves, to determine processes to extract the metals, to obtain the rights to the land and the resources (including capital) required to develop the mining operation, and to construct mining and processing facilities.

Additionally, whether developing an operating mine is economically feasible will depend upon numerous additional factors, most of which are beyond our control, including the availability and cost of required development capital, movement in the price of potash, as well as obtaining all necessary consents, permits and approvals for the development of the mine. The economic feasibility of development projects is based upon many factors, including the accuracy of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; metallurgical recoveries; capital and operating costs; government regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting, and environmental protection; and commodity prices, which are highly volatile. Development projects are also subject to the successful initial completion and any required subsequent updating of the Technical Report. Any of these factors and uncertainties may result in us being unable to successfully develop a commercially viable operating mine.

The failure to acquire or purchase all of the land intended for the operation of the Autazes Project could adversely impact our development of the Autazes Project.

Under our current development plan for the Autazes Project, we intend to own, through Potássio do Brasil Ltda., 39 properties on which the facilities and infrastructure for the Autazes Project will be located. We currently have rights of access to 24 properties consisting of a total area of approximately 5.4 square miles, which include surface rights on the land on which our proposed mine shafts, processing plant, and port for the Autazes Project will be constructed. We believe that, through administrative land regularization proceedings with Brazilian governmental agencies (such as the Brazilian Institute of Settlement and Land Reform, the Brazilian Ministry of Industry and Trade, and other agencies), we will be able to, and intend to, convert such current rights of access into ownership of these 24 properties. Additionally, in March, April and May 2024, we entered into agreements to lease, for a term of six years, the remaining 15 properties consisting of a total area of approximately 4.2 square miles, which primarily will be used for the sites of our dry stacked tailings piles (see also “Business—Foreign Investment Restrictions and Control—Foreign Investment Restrictions”). Each of these lease agreements also provides us with a right of first refusal to purchase the applicable leased property in the event of a sale of such property. However, there can be no assurance that we will exercise such right of first refusal options, or otherwise acquire the remaining land at a price or on terms favorable to us, or at all. To the extent we are unable to exercise the right of first refusal options for, or otherwise do not purchase, the 15 remaining properties, the Brazilian National Mining Agency is allowed to grant mining easements (servidões minerárias) in properties of third parties in relation to a given mining title, provided that such mining easement is necessary for the proper exploration and exploitation of the mineral deposit. After the granting of an easement by the Brazilian National Mining Agency, through the issuance of a “Public Utility Statement”, the holder of the mining title to which the Public Utility Statement refers must pay an indemnification amount to the owner of the servient property before entering such property. If such indemnification amount cannot be agreed upon between the holder of the mining title and the property owner, it will be determined

 

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by a court. However, the process to obtain such mining easements can be costly and time consuming. There can be no guarantee that, despite having the right to obtain such mining easements in order to carry on our planned mining activities, we will be able to do so in a cost-and time-efficient manner. Even if any mining easements are granted to us by the Brazilian National Mining Agency, we still need to negotiate a satisfactory arrangement and indemnification amount with the owner of the servient property. Furthermore, in circumstances where no agreement can be reached, we may need to rely on a court to determine such indemnification amount, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. Our inability to secure access to areas where we currently plan to construct certain of our facilities and infrastructure, such as our two planned tailings piles, could materially and adversely affect our timing, cost, or overall ability to develop and construct the Autazes Project.

If we fail to convert our rights of access to the 24 properties into ownership of such properties, or renew the lease agreements for, or acquire, the remaining 15 properties, we may be forced to find replacement sites for our facilities at the Autazes Project, which sites may be less convenient or difficult to access, which in turn would increase the time and/or costs to develop and construct the Autazes Project, decrease productivity at the Autazes Project once operational, and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our mining operations may be impaired due to restrictions on the acquisition or lease of rural properties by foreign investors or by Brazilian entities under foreign control or with the majority of its capital stock held by foreign persons.

Pursuant to applicable Brazilian laws and regulations, including Decree No. 74965/1974, Opinion CGU/AGU dated as of August 23, 2010, issued by the General Counsel of the Federal Government Office of Brazil (which we refer to as “Opinion CGU/AGU”), foreign individuals and foreign legal entities are subject to restrictions on the acquisition or lease of rural properties in Brazil. Such restrictions also apply to Brazilian legal entities controlled by foreign investors or with the majority of their capital stock held by foreign investors, such as in the case of Potássio do Brasil Ltda., our operating subsidiary. As such, our future ownership and/or possession of any rural properties in Brazil may be subject to legal challenges, and our operations at the Autazes Project may be impaired due to such restrictions on the acquisition or lease of rural properties.

The legality of Opinion CGU/AGU has been, and is currently being, challenged, however, prior challenges to Opinion CGU/AGU have been unsuccessful. Under current Brazilian laws and regulations, a foreign investor may only acquire or lease rural property in Brazil, without violating Opinion CGU/AGU, if certain conditions are met, including, among others, that (i) foreign investors obtain approvals from the Brazilian Institute of Settlement and Land Reform and from the applicable Ministries; (ii) the aggregate amount of rural property held by a foreign investor may not exceed 25% of the total surface area of the municipality in which such property is located; (iii) the acquisition of areas in excess of 100 indefinite exploitation modules will be subject to prior approval by the Brazilian Congress; (iv) the acquisition must be formalized by means of a public deed of sale and purchase; and (v) the acquisition of rural properties located at or near Brazil’s border areas is subject to the fulfilment of additional requirements, such as the prior authorization by the Brazilian National Defense Council. Pursuant to these laws and regulations, any agreements relating to the lease and/or direct or indirect ownership or possession of rural properties by foreign individuals or entities, as well as any agreements relating to corporate changes which might imply indirect acquisition or lease of rural properties by foreign individuals or entities, may be considered null and void. Thus, our future ownership and/or possession of any rural properties in Brazil could be subject to legal challenges and/or be considered null, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Governmental regulations, including mining and environmental laws, regulations and other legislation, may increase our costs of doing business, restrict our operations, or result in the imposition of fines, the revocation of permits, or the shutdown of our facilities.

Our exploration and development activities are, and, once commenced, our mining operations will be, subject to governmental legislation, policies and controls relating to prospecting, development, production,

 

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environmental protection (including plant and animal species), mining taxes, and labor standards. In order for us to carry out our activities and operations, our various permits and licenses, including the Mining Concession, must be obtained and kept current. There is no guarantee that our permits and licenses, including the Mining Concession, will be granted, or that once granted, will be maintained and extended. Additionally, the terms and conditions of such licenses or permits, including the Construction Licenses, could be changed, particularly as a result of the May 2024 Civil Lawsuit, and there can be no assurances that any application to renew any existing permits or licenses will be approved. There also can be no assurance that all permits and licenses that we require will be obtainable on reasonable terms, or at all, particularly considering that the May 2024 Civil Lawsuit is still currently pending. Delays or a failure to obtain any such permits or licenses, or a failure to comply with the terms and conditions of any such permits or licenses that we have obtained, including the Construction Licenses, could have a material adverse impact on us.

Additionally, based on our current development plan for the Autazes Project and discussions with relevant governmental authorities, we will be required to contribute approximately $160 million to partially fund the cost of providing the required infrastructure to facilitate the development of the Autazes Project, primarily consisting of the cost of construction of a new power transmission line that will connect the Autazes Project to Brazil’s national electricity grid. Moreover, we will have to obtain and comply with our permits and licenses, including the Construction Licenses and the Mining Concession, that may contain specific conditions concerning operating procedures, water use, waste disposal, spills, environmental studies, abandonment and restoration plans, and financial assurances. There can be no assurance that we will be able to fund any such contribution costs or comply with any such conditions, and any non-funding of any such contribution costs or non-compliance with any such conditions may result in the loss of certain of our permits and licenses for the Autazes Project, which may have a material adverse effect on us.

Furthermore, future taxation of mining operators cannot be predicted with certainty so planning must be undertaken using present conditions and best estimates of any potential future changes. There is no certainty that such planning will be effective to mitigate adverse consequences of future taxation on us.

We are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations.

Our operations are subject to extensive Brazilian federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner that is creating stricter standards, while enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are more stringent. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has the potential to reduce the profitability of our operations. Furthermore, any failure to comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations could have significant adverse effects on us, including the suspension or cessation of our operations.

Our current and future operations, including development and mining activities, are subject to extensive Brazilian federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection, including regarding the protection of endangered and other special status species and the protection and remediation of mining sites. Activities at the Autazes Property may give rise to environmental damage and create liability for us for any such damage or any violation of applicable environmental laws. To the extent we are subject to environmental liabilities, the payment of such liabilities or the costs that we may incur to remedy environmental pollution would reduce otherwise available funds and could have a material adverse effect on us. If we are unable to fully remedy an environmental problem, we may be subject to administrative, civil or criminal fines or penalties, and/or be required to suspend operations or enter into compliance measures pending completion of the required remedy. The potential exposure may be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our mining project.

We are required to obtain or renew further government permits and licenses for our current development and contemplated future operations, including the respective issuances of the Operational License and the Mining Concession with respect to the Autazes Project. Additionally, we are required to maintain and comply with the terms and conditions of the Construction Licenses. See “Business—Regulatory Overview—Brazilian Mining

 

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Regulations.” Obtaining, reinstating, amending or renewing the necessary Brazilian governmental permits and licenses can be a time-consuming process, potentially involving a number of regulatory agencies, public hearings, indigenous consultations, and costly undertakings by us. The duration and success of our efforts to obtain, amend and renew such permits and licenses are contingent upon many variables not within our control, including the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the relevant permitting or licensing authorities and staffing shortages at such permitting and licensing authorities. We may not be able to obtain, reinstate, amend or renew permits or licenses that are necessary to advance the development of the Autazes Project or for our contemplated operations, or the cost to obtain, reinstate, amend or renew such permits or licenses may exceed what we believe we can ultimately recover from our mine once in operation. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the permitting and licensing process could impede the construction and eventual operations of the Autazes Project. In the event that such permits or licenses are not obtained, reinstated, amended or renewed, as applicable, or are subsequently suspended or revoked, we may be curtailed or prohibited from proceeding with our planned development, operational, and commercialization activities. Such curtailment or prohibition may result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, or prospects.

Additionally, it is possible that future changes in applicable laws, regulations and authorizations or changes in enforcement or regulatory interpretation could have a significant impact on our activities. Those risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that regulatory authorities may increase bonding requirements beyond our or our subsidiaries’ financial capabilities. Brazilian authorities may also challenge the jurisdiction for environmental licensing of the Autazes Project, which creates uncertainties on whether the Autazes Project should be licensed by Brazilian federal or state authorities. Brazilian public prosecutors also have influence on those challenges or disputes, including through judicial actions.

We are subject to strict tailings impoundment safety regulations.

Mining companies face inherent risks with respect to their operations of tailings impoundments, which are structures built for the containment of the mining waste, known as tailings, and, as such, we are exposed to such risks. Such risks, if they were to occur, could materially adversely affect our reputation and ability to conduct our operations and expose us to liability, and, as a result, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Additionally, the changes in regulation that may occur as a result of recent impoundment failures, such as those that have occurred in Brazil, could increase the time and costs to obtain new licenses or renew existing licenses to build or expand tailings impoundments or to build, operate, inspect, maintain and decommission tailings impoundments, or could require the use of new technologies. New regulations enacted in Brazil during 2020 may also impose more restrictive requirements that may exceed our current standards, including mandated compliance with emergency plans and increased insurance requirements, or require Potássio do Brasil Ltda. to pay additional fees or royalties to operate our planned dry stacked tailings piles. See also “Business—Environmental, Social and Governance—Environmental—Tailings and Waste Management” for more details regarding our planned dry stacked tailings piles.

We are subject to extensive health and safety laws and regulations.

Our operations are subject to various health and safety laws and regulations that impose various duties on us in respect of our operations, relating to, among other things, worker safety and the surrounding communities. These laws and regulations also grant the relevant authorities broad powers to, among other things, close unsafe operations and order corrective action relating to health and safety matters. The costs associated with the compliance with such health and safety laws and regulations may be substantial and any amendments to such laws and regulations, or more stringent implementation thereof, could cause additional expenditure or impose restrictions on, or suspensions of, our operations. We expect to make significant expenditures to comply with the extensive laws and regulations governing mine development, worker safety, and waste disposal, and, to the

 

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extent reasonably practicable, to create social and economic benefit in the surrounding communities near the Autazes Project, but there can be no guarantee that these expenditures will ensure our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and any non-compliance may have a material and adverse effect on us.

Our business is highly dependent on the market demand for and prices of the potash we plan to mine and produce, which are both cyclical and volatile.

Our ability to access the capital required to finance our development activities and our results of operations in the future may be adversely affected by decreased market demand for, and declines in the price of, potash. The market for potash and potash prices are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, such as the sale or purchase of potash by various dealers, increased production due to improved mining and production methods, global and regional supply and demand, production and consumption patterns, central banks and financial institutions, interest rates, currency exchange rate fluctuation, inflation or deflation, speculative activities, government regulations relating to prices, taxes, land use, environmental protection and importing and exporting of minerals, and international political and economic trends, conditions and events. If any of these or other factors continue to adversely affect the price of potash, our ability to access the capital required to finance our development activities and our results of operations in the future may be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, the potash and fertilizer industry in general is intensely competitive and there is no assurance that, even if we commence commercial mining and processing of potash, a market will exist for the profitable sale of our products. Commercial viability of potash deposits may be affected by other factors that are beyond our control, including the particular attributes of the deposit such as its quantity and quality, the cost of mining and processing, proximity to infrastructure, the availability of transportation and sources of energy, financing, and government legislation and regulations. It is impossible to assess with certainty the impact of various factors that may affect commercial viability such that any adverse combination of such factors may result in us not receiving an adequate return on invested capital or having the Autazes Project be rendered uneconomic.

Our estimates of potash ore resources and reserves may be materially different from the quantities of potash we actually recover, and market price fluctuations and changes in operating and capital costs may render certain potash ore reserves uneconomical to mine.

Potash Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates will be based upon estimates made by our personnel and independent geologists and Qualified Persons. These estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty, since they are based on geological interpretations and inferences drawn from drilling results and sampling analyses and may require revision based on further exploration or development work. The estimates of our potash resources and reserves may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, or other relevant issues. As a result of the foregoing, there may be material differences between the estimated and the actual potash resources and reserves, which may impact the viability of the Autazes Project and have a material impact on our business.

The grade of potash that may ultimately be mined and processed may differ from that indicated by drilling results, and such differences could be material. The quantity and resulting valuation of potash resources and reserves may also vary depending on, among other things, commodity prices (which may render potash resources and reserves uneconomic), cut-off grades applied, and estimates of future operating costs (which may be inaccurate). Production can be affected by such factors as permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations, and work interruptions. Any material changes in quantity of potash resources and reserves, grade, or stripping ratio may also affect the economic viability of the Autazes Project. Additionally, there can be no assurance that potash recoveries on a small scale, and/or pilot laboratory tests will be duplicated in a larger scale test under on-site conditions or during production. To the extent that we are unable to mine and produce our potash as estimated and expected, our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

 

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There is no certainty that any of the potash resources or reserves identified on the Autazes Property will be realized, that any anticipated level of recovery of potash will in fact be realized, or that the identified potash resources or reserves will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit that can be legally and economically exploited. Until a deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of potash resources and reserves and related grades must be considered as estimates only, and investors are cautioned that we may ultimately never realize profitable commercial mining production with respect to the Autazes Project.

Mining operations involve inherent risks and uncertainties, some of which are not insurable.

Our business and future operations will be subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including unexpected equipment failures, accidents resulting from underground mining activities, such as drilling, blasting and removing and processing minerals, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes, adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labor disputes, and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage on the Autazes Property or our mining and production facilities, personal injury or death, delays in our ability to undertake future development activities, monetary losses, increased costs, possible legal liability, and the imposition of additional significant environmental and/or health and safety oversight. Additionally, mining regulatory authorities could impose more stringent conditions and requirements in connection with the licensing of our development activities and operations for the Autazes Project.

Although we may maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider to be reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production is not generally available to us or to other companies in the mining industry on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which we may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations and financial performance.

The potash mining industry is highly competitive.

The potash mining industry is highly competitive in all of its phases, both domestically and internationally. We may be at a disadvantage in competing with other potash mining companies, many of which have greater financial resources, operational experience, and technical capabilities than us. We may also encounter competition from other potash mining companies in its efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Competition for services and equipment could result in delays if such services or equipment cannot be obtained in a timely manner due to inadequate availability, and could also cause scheduling difficulties and cost increases due to the need to coordinate the availability of services or equipment. Competition could adversely affect our ability to attract necessary funding. Any of the foregoing effects of competition could materially increase project development and construction costs and result in project delays, and even if we successfully develop the Autazes Project, the foregoing effects of competition could subsequently make it unprofitable for us to continue operating and materially and adversely affect us and our business and prospects.

Climate change and changes in climate change regulations could have a material adverse impact on our operations.

Climate change could have an adverse impact on our operations. The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the circumstances affecting the Autazes Project. These may include changing average temperatures, changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, and changing sea levels. These changes in climate could have a material adverse impact on the cost of development or production on the Autazes Project and adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

 

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Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to climate change and its potential impacts. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting, and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such regulations. Given the emotion, political significance, and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our operating performance, ability to compete, and financial condition. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about the potential impacts of climate change as it relates us or other companies in the natural resources industry could harm our reputation.

Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, crop diseases, pests and other natural conditions could materially and adversely affect agricultural businesses, which in turn could significantly reduce the demand for potash and negatively impact our business.

Agricultural businesses are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, crop diseases, pest infestations and other natural conditions, including floods, drought and temperature extremes, the effects of which may be influenced and intensified by ongoing global climate change. Unfavorable growing conditions can reduce both crop size and crop quality, and in extreme cases, entire harvests may be lost in some geographic areas. Such adverse conditions can result in increased costs, harvesting delays and/or loss of crops for farmers, which in turn could significantly reduce the demand for potash and materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Our long-term success will depend ultimately on our ability to achieve and maintain profitability and to develop positive cash flow from our mining activities.

Our long-term success, including the recoverability of the carrying values of our assets and our ability to continue with development, commissioning, and mining activities for the Autazes Project, will depend ultimately on our ability to achieve and maintain profitability, to develop positive cash flow from our operations by establishing ore bodies that contain commercially recoverable potash, and to develop these into profitable mining activities. We cannot assure you that any ore body that we extract potash from will result in achieving and maintaining profitability and developing positive cash flow.

We depend on our ability to replenish our potash reserves for our long-term viability.

Potash reserves data is not indicative of future results of operations, and potash reserves will be depleted as we mine. We intend to use several strategies to replenish and increase our potash reserves, including additional exploration activities, the acquisition of mining concessions, and investing in technology that could extend the life of our mine by allowing us to cost-effectively process run-of-mine potash ore that was previously considered uneconomic. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully implement a strategy to replenish or extend the life of our potash reserves. If we are unable to replenish our potash reserves, our business, results of operations and prospects would be materially adversely affected.

Land reclamations and mine closures may be burdensome and costly.

Land reclamation and mine closure requirements are generally imposed on mining companies, such as ours, which could require us, among other things, to minimize the effects of land disturbance. Such requirements may include controlling the discharge of potentially dangerous effluents from a site and restoring a site’s landscape to its pre-exploration form. The actual costs of land reclamations and mine closures are uncertain and planned expenditures may differ from the actual expenditures incurred. Therefore, the amount that we may be required to spend could be materially higher than any current or future estimates. Any additional amounts required to be

 

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spent on land reclamations and mine closures may cause us to alter our operations, and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operation and financial condition. Additionally, we may be required to maintain financial assurances, such as letters of credit, to secure reclamation obligations under certain laws and regulations. The failure to acquire, maintain or renew such financial assurances could subject us to fines and penalties or suspension of our operations. Letters of credit or other forms of financial assurance may represent only a portion of the total amount of money that will be spent on reclamation over the life of a mine’s operations.

Risks of water inflows and costs associated with pumping water inflows during the mining process could adversely affect our operational results.

Our potash ore body is located approximately 820 feet to 1,300 feet below an aquifer, and although our proposed mining operations are designed to use a conventional underground room and pillar mining system that will utilize an approximately 260-foot thick salt back and consolidated materials to protect the potash ore body, a crack could occur in the ground between the potash ore body and the aquifer, which could lead to water ingress. As potash is a salt that will dissolve when exposed to water, it is critical to keep the potash ore body from being exposed to water inflows. Any exposure to water can result in significant damage to the Autazes Project, the mine shafts and our equipment, additional pumping costs, and operational disruptions, which would adversely affect our mining operations, operating results, and financial condition.

Although we believe that our mine and processing plant will be located at an elevation high enough to withstand significant floods, and we have commissioned studies on flood projections that we have used to determine the best areas for the installation of our proposed processing plant, dry tailings stockpile areas, and port, there can be no assurance that the preventative measures to be implemented at our mine and processing plant will be sufficient to address risks associated with water inflows. Flooding in the future resulting from a failure in connection with pumping water inflows or water related infrastructure could pose an unpredicted “force majeure” type event, which could result in financial liability for us, and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Furthermore, to protect the mined potash from being exposed to water, we will transport our final product from our processing plant to our port using covered trucks. Our port, including the vessel loading areas, will be covered, and the barges used for river transportation will be also covered. However, there is no assurance that all or any portion of our final product will not be exposed to water during transportation, which would result in increased costs and lost revenues, and have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Inadequate infrastructure may prevent the development, construction and operation of the Autazes Project.

The development, construction and operation of the Autazes Project depend on adequate infrastructure. In particular, reliable power sources, water supply, ventilation systems, surface facilities, and transportation are all necessary for the planned development, construction and operation of our contemplated mine at the Autazes Project. For example, we expect that the power for the Autazes Project will be provided by a planned 500 kV power transmission line which will be an interconnection between an existing power station at Silves and a new power station at Autazes. The power station at Silves is connected to Brazil’s national power grid and located in the Silves region, which is approximately 75 miles from the proposed location for our processing plant. Our new station at Autazes will be connected to the station at Silves using an overhead transmission line crossing the Amazonas River. Prior to the completion of the power transmission line, the construction of the Autazes Project will be powered through the use of diesel generators, which will subsequently serve as emergency back-up power sources once the power transmission line is in place. Failure to meet these infrastructure requirements, in particular, power shortages caused by a failure or delay in the construction of power transmission lines or by the use of lower-output diesel generators, or a substantial increase in the cost of meeting such requirements, could affect our ability to develop, construct, and operate the Autazes Project, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, or prospects.

 

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Unusual weather, such as excessive rains and flooding occurring in Brazil, other natural phenomena, sabotage, or governmental or other external interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could impact the development of a project, reduce mining volumes, increase mining or exploration costs, or delay the transportation of raw materials to the Autazes Project or products from the Autazes Project to customers. Furthermore, any failure or unavailability of our operational infrastructure (for example, through equipment failure or disruption of our transportation arrangements) could adversely affect our development of the Autazes Project or reduce or limit the potential production output from our contemplated mine.

We will primarily depend on river barges to deliver fuel, wood, steel and other supplies to our operations. We will deliver our potash product to our customers by a combination of river barges and trucks. These transport services in some cases may not be adequate to support our planned operations. Disruptions of these transportation services because of weather related problems, poor road conditions or infrastructure, key equipment failures, strikes, lock-outs or labor shortages (particularly with respect to river barge operators or trucker drivers), or other events could temporarily impair our ability to supply our potash products to our customers, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Company

We have no history of mining operations on which to judge our business prospects and management, and may never achieve active potash production.

The Autazes Project is at the development stage, and we do not currently have an operating mine. We also have no operating history upon which to base estimates of future operating costs, capital spending requirements, site remediation costs, or asset retirement obligations. Operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that we will ever be able to develop and produce potash from a commercially viable mine on the Autazes Property, or achieve or sustain profitability. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks encountered by mining companies in the early stage of project development. Future operating results will depend upon many factors, including our ability to obtain financing, such as this offering, our ability to successfully develop and commence our mining operations, our success in attracting and retaining motivated and qualified personnel, our ability to control costs, and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address any of these risks.

We have a history of negative operating cash flows and net losses, and we have never achieved and may never achieve or sustain profitability.

We have a history of negative operating cash flows and net losses. We expect to continue to incur negative operating cash flows and net losses until such time as the Autazes Project generates sufficient revenues to fund our continuing operations. We had negative cash flows from operating activities of approximately $(0.7) million, $(8.2) million, $(8.2) million and $(9.6) million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. We also had net losses of approximately $1.5 million, $13.2 million, $32.6 million and $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Given our history of negative operating cash flows and net losses, and potential future negative operating cash flows and net losses, we expect to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund our continuing operations. See “Use of Proceeds”.

Additionally, we have never achieved and may never achieve or sustain profitability. To become and remain profitable, we must succeed in generating significant revenues from the Autazes Project, which will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities and is subject to numerous risks, including the risk factors set forth in this “Risk Factors” section. Furthermore, we may encounter unforeseen difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors which may adversely affect our revenues, expenses and profitability. Our

 

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failure to achieve or sustain profitability would depress our market value, could impair our ability to execute our business plan, raise capital or continue our operations, and could cause our shareholders to lose all or part of their investment.

Our financial situation creates substantial doubt whether we will continue as a going concern.

Since inception, we have not generated revenues and have incurred losses, and, as of March 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $114.2 million. Additionally, we expect to incur a net loss in the foreseeable future, primarily as a result of the estimated operating expenses related to the planned development of the Autazes Project. There can be no assurances that we will be able to develop the Autazes Project or achieve a level of revenues adequate to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain funding from this offering or additional financing through private placements, public offerings and/or bank financings necessary to support our working capital requirements. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available, or if available, will be on acceptable terms. These conditions represent material uncertainties that could result in our inability to continue as a going concern. If adequate working capital is not available, we may be forced to discontinue operations, which would cause investors in our Common Shares to lose their entire investment.

We will need but may be unable to obtain additional funding on satisfactory terms, which could dilute our shareholders or impose burdensome financial restrictions on our business.

We have relied upon our borrowings under loan agreements, the proceeds from private placements of our Common Shares, including to our majority shareholders, and the proceeds from an offering under Tier 2 of Regulation A promulgated under the Securities Act (which we refer to as our “Regulation A Offering”), to finance our exploration and development activities to date. However, there can be no assurance that such financing sources will continue to be available to finance our operations or that we will be able to generate any significant cash from our operating activities in the future. Future financings may not be available on a timely basis, in sufficient amounts, or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.

Additionally, there are significant uncertainties in the capital markets impacting the availability of financing for the purposes of mineral exploration and development, including uncertainties relating to the global economy, increasing geopolitical risk, increasing volatility in the prices of potash and other minerals, as well as increasing volatility in the foreign currency exchange markets. Our intended operations are also exposed to various levels of regulatory, economic, political and other risks and uncertainties that may impact our ability to raise new capital.

Furthermore, any debt financings or other financings through the sale and issuance of securities senior to our Common Shares will likely include financial and other covenants that will restrict our flexibility. Any failure to comply with these covenants would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and prospects because we could lose our existing sources of financing and/or impair our ability to secure new sources of funding. If we do not obtain additional financing, our mining operations may never commence, in which case you may lose the entirety of your investment in us.

Our business and financial condition are subject to liquidity risk.

Liquidity risk arises when our financial obligations exceed our available cash and credit at any point in time. As we do not currently generate any revenue and do not expect to have revenue in the foreseeable future, we will be reliant upon debt and equity financings to mitigate our liquidity risk. As of March 31, 2024, our cash position and working capital were approximately $1.1 million and $(0.3) million, respectively. Without taking into account the anticipated net proceeds from this offering, we estimate our currently available non-contingent financial resources are sufficient to fund our ongoing operations (excluding exploration and development activities) and meet our administrative costs for the next six months.

 

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The total cost and timing of our planned development and construction activities are not currently determinable, and it is not currently known precisely when we will require additional financing after this offering. There is no guarantee that additional financing will be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and our inability to finance future development and operational activities would have a material and adverse effect on us and our business and prospects.

We may face potential opposition to the Autazes Project, which could increase our operating costs or result in substantial delays or a shutdown of the Autazes Project.

Opposition by any indigenous communities or governmental or non-governmental organizations to our proposed operations may require modifications to the development and/or operational plans of the Autazes Project, or may require us to spend significant amounts of time and resources in litigation or enter into agreements with such indigenous communities or governmental or non-governmental organizations with respect to the Autazes Project in order to secure necessary permits and licenses, including the Operational License and the Mining Concession, and maintain current permits and licenses, including the Construction Licenses, which, in some cases, may increase costs and cause delays to the advancement of the Autazes Project.

For example, we received our Preliminary Environmental License for the Autazes Project from the Brazilian Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute in August 2015. Brazilian law provides that any indigenous people located within six miles of a future mine site have the right to be consulted. Accordingly, in connection with our application to obtain our Preliminary Environmental License, we and Golder participated in public hearings and conducted several rounds of consultations with local indigenous communities near the Autazes Project in accordance with the guidelines and requirements established by FUNAI, which is Brazil’s governmental protection agency that establishes and carries out policies relating to indigenous peoples in Brazil. However, after receiving our Preliminary Environmental License, the Ministerio Publico Federal (which we refer to as the “Brazilian MPF”), which is Brazil’s federal prosecution office, initiated a civil lawsuit in December 2016 (which we refer to as the “December 2016 Civil Lawsuit”) that questioned the validity of our Preliminary Environmental License based on a motion from a non-governmental organization that our consultations with indigenous communities were not conducted in compliance with International Labour Organization Convention 169. As a result of the December 2016 Civil Lawsuit, in March 2017, we agreed with the Lower Court overseeing the December 2016 Civil Lawsuit (which we refer to as the “Lower Court”), the Brazilian MPF, the Brazilian Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute, the Brazilian National Mining Agency, FUNAI, and representatives of the Mura indigenous people to suspend our Preliminary Environmental License, and to conduct additional consultations with the local Mura indigenous communities near the Autazes Project in accordance with International Labour Organization Convention 169. In April 2023, the Brazilian federal appellate court (which we refer to as the “Appellate Court”) overseeing the Lower Court directed the rescission of the suspension of our Preliminary Environmental License (which we refer to as the “April 2023 Appellate Court Decision”) based on its opinion that, by agreeing to the suspension of our Preliminary Environmental License, the Lower Court unduly interfered with the Brazilian Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute’s authority to grant and administer our Preliminary Environmental License, and accordingly, the suspension of our Preliminary Environmental License was rescinded, and our Preliminary Environmental License was reinstated. On August 25, 2023, we submitted to the Brazilian Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute our application for the Construction Licenses, prior to the expiration of our Preliminary Environmental License on August 31, 2023 in accordance with its terms. After the submission of our application, the Lower Court issued another decision (which we refer to as the “Second Lower Court Decision”), which temporarily suspended our environmental licensing process, including our application for the Construction Licenses, based on the Lower Court’s interpretation of the technical procedure that was followed in connection with the issuance of our Preliminary Environmental License. We, along with representatives from the Mura indigenous peoples and the Brazilian Federal Environmental Protection Institute, filed respective appeals against the Second Lower Court Decision, and the Attorney General of the State of Amazonas also filed an action before the Appellate Court to annul the Second Lower Court Decision, which was similar to the action that resulted in the April 2023 Appellate Court Decision, and which claimed, among other things, that the Second Lower Court Decision violated the April 2023 Appellate Court Decision. In October 2023, the Appellate Court accepted the action from the Attorney General of the State of Amazonas and granted an injunction to suspend the Second Lower Court Decision, therefore reinstating our environmental licensing process and allowing it to proceed, as well as clarifying that the Brazilian Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute has jurisdiction over issuing our environmental licenses. In

 

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November 2023, the Lower Court issued a new decision (which we refer to as the “Third Lower Court Decision”), which temporarily suspended for the third time our environmental licensing process and the results of our additional consultations with the local Mura indigenous communities. We then filed an Interlocutory Appeal and a Complaint Lawsuit against the Third Lower Court Decision, which sought to demonstrate that the Lower Court was repeatedly suspending our environmental licensing process despite the repeated decisions from the Appellate Court. In February 2024, the Appellate Court accepted our Complaint Lawsuit and granted another injunction to suspend the Third Lower Court Decision and reinstate our environmental licensing process. However, in May 2024, the Brazilian MPF initiated another lawsuit (which we refer to as the “May 2024 Civil Lawsuit”) contesting the environmental licensing of the Autazes Project, based on similar claims as those alleged in the December 2016 Civil Lawsuit. The May 2024 Civil Lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to suspend the environmental licensing process of the Autazes Project and all issued licenses, including the Construction Licenses. The claims asserted by the Brazilian MPF have not yet been reviewed by the Lower Court. See “Business—Legal Proceedings—May 2024 Civil Lawsuit”. Although we were ultimately successful in defending against the previous investigation and adverse decisions prior to the May 2024 Civil Lawsuit, any subsequent adverse action in the future by the Lower Court, particularly in connection with the May 2024 Civil Lawsuit, or any other governmental organizations having authority over our Company, our licensing and permitting process, and/or the Autazes Project, could cause us to spend significant amounts of time and resources to resolve such adverse actions, increase our costs, cause us to cease our development and construction activities, and cause delays to the advancement of the Autazes Project.

Our operations are subject to certain influence of third-party stakeholders.

Some of the equipment that we intend to utilize in carrying out our development activities and mining operations will be leased from, and therefore subject to interests or claims by, third-party companies. In the event that such third parties assert any claims against our leased equipment, our development activities and mining operations may be delayed even if such claims are not meritorious. Such delays may result in significant financial loss and loss of opportunity for us.

Our development depends on our management members and other key personnel and skilled labor, and our ability to attract, hire, train and retain them.

Our development depends on the efforts of our management members, such as our Executive Chairman, Stan Bharti, our Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Simpson, and the President of Potássio do Brasil Ltda., Adriano Espeschit, other key personnel, such as the Head of Environment and Licensing at Potássio do Brasil Ltda., Lúcio Rabello, and the Project Director (Engineering/Construction) at Potássio do Brasil Ltda., Raphael Bloise, and skilled labor. The mining industry is labor-intensive, and our success depends to a significant extent on our ability to attract, hire, train and retain qualified employees. Our development and construction activities for the Autazes Project, and the subsequent mining, processing, production and delivery of potash, will depend to a large degree on the availability of skilled labor in the regions where the Autazes Project is located, including the nearby city of Autazes. Additionally, it may become necessary to attract both international and local personnel to work on the project. We could experience significant delays in the development and construction of the Autazes Project, and, after commencement of our mining operations, increases in our recruiting and training costs, and decreases in our operating efficiency, productivity and profit margins, if we are unable to attract, hire and retain a sufficient number of skilled employees to support our operations.

The loss of any of these personnel, particularly to competitors, could have a material adverse effect on our business. The marketplace for skilled personnel is becoming more competitive, which means the cost of hiring, training and retaining such personnel may increase. Factors outside our control, including competition for human capital and the high level of technical expertise and experience required to develop and execute the Autazes Project, will affect our ability to employ the specific personnel required. Due to our relatively small size, the failure to retain or attract a sufficient number of skilled personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of future operations and financial condition.

Moreover, we do not intend to take out ‘key person’ insurance with respect to any of our directors, executives or other employees, and even if such policies were to be obtained, such insurance policies may not adequately

 

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compensate us for the loss of the services of one or more of our key management members or other key personnel. Such loss, or our inability to locate suitable or qualified replacements, could be detrimental to our development efforts and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We may be adversely affected by labor disputes.

We may experience labor disputes in the future, including work slowdowns, work stoppages, strikes, and disputes related to unions or collective bargaining agreements that our workforce could be a part of in the future, which could disrupt our business operations. We do not currently intend, and are currently not required by Brazilian law, to enter into any collective bargaining agreements with our employees. However, it is possible that our employees may voluntarily join or form a union, or that Brazilian law will require us to use only a unionized workforce for our mining operations, in the future. Although we consider our current relations with our employees to be good, we may not be able to maintain a satisfactory working relationship with our employees in the future, and there can be no assurance that we will not experience work slowdowns, work stoppages, strikes or other labor disputes in the future, particularly in the context of negotiating or re-negotiating any collective bargaining agreements that we may enter into with our unionized employees, if any, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Conflicts of interest may exist between us and certain of our directors and executives.

We may be subject to various potential conflicts of interest because of the fact that some of our directors and executives may be engaged in a range of business activities. All of our directors are also directors and/or officers of other companies, and certain of our directors and executives also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development, and consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and executives to have conflicts of interest with us. Any decisions involving our Company or our business that are made by any such directors and executives must be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to our Company to deal fairly and in good faith with a view to our best interests and the best interests of our shareholders.

Additionally, our directors and executives may devote time to their outside business interests, so long as such activities do not materially or adversely interfere with their duties to us. These business interests could require significant time and attention of our directors and executives. In some cases, our directors and executives may have fiduciary obligations associated with these business interests that interfere with their ability to devote time to our business and affairs, which could adversely affect our operations.

Our executives, directors, major shareholders, and their respective affiliates will continue to exercise significant control over us after this offering, which will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could delay or prevent a change in corporate control.

Immediately following the completion of this offering, and disregarding any Common Shares that they purchase in this offering, if any, the current holdings of our executives, directors, and major shareholders will represent beneficial ownership, in the aggregate, of approximately    % of our outstanding Common Shares, assuming we issue the number of Common Shares set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. See also “Principal Shareholders.” As a result, these shareholders will be able to influence our management and affairs and control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including matters such as the election of directors and any sale, merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. These shareholders acquired their Common Shares for substantially less than the per share price of our Common Shares being acquired in this offering, and these shareholders may have interests, with respect to their Common Shares, that are different from those of the investors in this offering. In addition, this concentration of voting power among one or more of these shareholders may adversely affect the market price of our Common Shares by:

 

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delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control in us;

 

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impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us; or

 

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discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

Failure to develop our internal controls over financial reporting as we grow could have an adverse impact on us.

As a public company, we will be required to establish and maintain appropriate internal controls over financial reporting. As we mature, we will need to continue to develop and improve our current internal control systems over financial reporting and related procedures. Failure to establish appropriate internal controls, or any failure of those internal controls once established, could adversely impact our public disclosures regarding our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Additionally, our management’s review and assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting may identify weaknesses and conditions in our internal controls or other matters that may raise concerns for investors that we will need to address. Any actual or perceived weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in our internal controls over financial reporting may have an adverse impact on the price of our Common Shares.

We will continue to incur significantly increased costs and devote substantial management time as a result of operating as a public company.

As a public company, we will continue to incur significant accounting, legal and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. For example, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and Canadian securities laws and regulations, and will be required to comply with the applicable requirements, rules and regulations of the SEC, the Canadian Securities Administrators (which we refer to as “CSA”), and the NYSE, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls, the implementation of changes in our corporate governance practices, and required filings of annual and current reports with respect to our business and results of operations. We expect that compliance with these requirements will increase our financial and legal compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. Additionally, we expect that our management and other personnel will need to divert attention from operational and other business matters to devote substantial time to these public company requirements. In particular, we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management efforts toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will increase when we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will also need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge.

We are subject to business and reputational risks related to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Our business faces increasing scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance (which we refer to as “ESG”) issues, including sustainable development, renewable resources, environmental stewardship, climate change, diversity and inclusion, workplace conduct, human rights, philanthropy, and support for local communities. Implementation of our ESG initiatives will require financial expenditures and personnel resources. If we fail to meet applicable standards or expectations with respect to these ESG issues, our reputation and corporate image could be damaged, and our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely impacted. These failures could also result from the conduct of third parties, such as our customers or other partners.

Additionally, certain influential institutional investors are also increasing their focus on ESG practices and are placing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. If our ESG initiatives and practices do not meet the standards set by these investors, they may choose not to invest in our Company, or if our peer companies outperform us with respect to their ESG practices, potential or current investors may instead elect to invest with our competitors. If we do not meet investor or shareholder expectations and standards with respect to our ESG initiatives and practices or are perceived to have not responded appropriately to address ESG issues within our Company, our business and reputation could be negatively impacted, and the market price for our Common Shares could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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As a “foreign private issuer”, we will have different disclosure and reporting requirements than U.S. domestic issuers, which could limit the information publicly available to our shareholders.

We are a “foreign private issuer”, as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and are not subject to the same SEC disclosure and reporting requirements that are imposed upon U.S. domestic issuers. As a foreign private issuer, we will be subject to different reporting and disclosure requirements that, in certain respects, are less detailed and less frequent than those applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. For example, as a foreign private issuer, we will not be subject to:

 

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the same disclosure and reporting requirements as a U.S. domestic issuer under the Exchange Act, including the requirements to prepare and issue quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or to file current reports on Form 8-K upon the occurrence of specified significant events;

 

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the proxy rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers under Section 14 of the Exchange Act;

 

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the insider reporting and short-swing profit rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, which means that our shareholders may not know on as timely a basis when our directors, executives, and principal shareholders purchase or sell our Common Shares; or

 

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Regulation FD, which regulates selective disclosures of material information by issuers.

Additionally, foreign private issuers are required to file their annual report on Form 20-F within four months after the end of each fiscal year, while U.S. domestic issuers that are non-accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. As a foreign private issuer, even though we are required to furnish reports on Form 6-K to disclose material information that we are required to make public pursuant to Canadian law or are required to distribute to our shareholders generally, our shareholders may not receive information of the same type or scope, or as frequently, as is required to be disclosed by U.S. domestic issuers. Furthermore, as a foreign private issuer, we are also exempt from the requirements of Regulation FD which, generally, are meant to ensure that select groups of investors are not privy to specific information about an issuer before other investors.

As a result of such varied reporting obligations, our shareholders should not expect to receive the same information at the same time as information provided by U.S. domestic issuers.

As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to, and we intend to, rely on exemptions from certain NYSE corporate governance standards, which may afford less protection to our shareholders.

As a foreign private issuer, we may take advantage of certain accommodations under the NYSE listing rules that allow foreign private issuers, such as our Company, to follow “home country” corporate governance practices rather than certain corporate governance standards of the NYSE that are otherwise applicable to U.S. domestic companies listed on the NYSE. We currently intend to follow the NYSE corporate governance requirements, except for the general requirement set forth in Section 310.00 of the NYSE listing rules that a listed company’s bylaws provide for a quorum for any meeting of the holders of the company’s voting shares that is sufficiently high to ensure a representative vote. Our bylaws provide that the holders of not less than 10% of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. See also “Management—Corporate Governance Practices.”

Except as noted above, we currently intend to comply with all of the other corporate governance standards of the NYSE generally applicable to U.S. domestic companies, however, we may in the future decide to take advantage of other foreign private issuer exemptions with respect to some of the other corporate governance standards of the NYSE. Following our home country governance practices, as opposed to the corporate governance requirements that would otherwise apply to U.S. domestic companies listed on the NYSE, may provide our shareholders with less protection than is accorded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance standards of the NYSE.

 

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We may lose our “foreign private issuer” status in the future, which could result in additional costs and expenses to us.

We may in the future lose foreign private issuer status if a majority of our Common Shares are held in the United States and we fail to meet the additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status, namely if: (i) a majority of our directors or executives are U.S. citizens or residents; (ii) a majority of our assets are located in the United States; or (iii) our business is administered principally in the United States. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer will be significantly more than the costs incurred as a Canadian foreign private issuer. If we lose our status as a foreign private issuer, we would be required to file periodic and current reports and registration statements on forms applicable to U.S. domestic issuers with the SEC, which are generally more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. Additionally, we may lose the ability to rely upon the exemptions from the NYSE corporate governance requirements that are available to foreign private issuers as described above. Therefore, a loss of our foreign private issuer status could result in additional regulatory and compliance costs and expenses, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements that apply to other public companies, including those relating to auditing standards and disclosure about our executive compensation.

We are an “emerging growth company”, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to reporting companies that make filings with the SEC. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to, among other things:

 

•

present more than two years of audited financial statements and two years of related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure in our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part;

 

•

have an auditor report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

 

•

comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOB regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report to provide additional information about the audit and our financial statements (i.e., an auditor discussion and analysis);

 

•

disclose certain executive compensation related items; and

 

•

seek shareholder non-binding advisory votes on certain executive compensation matters and golden parachute arrangements, to the extent applicable to us as a foreign private issuer.

We currently intend to take advantage of the exemptions described above, other than the exemption that permits us to present only two years of audited financial statements and two years of related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure in our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (iii) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Exchange Act, which means the market value of our Common Shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period. See also “Prospectus Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer.”

To the extent that we rely on any of the exemptions available to emerging growth companies, you will receive less information about our executive compensation and internal control over financial reporting than issuers that are not an emerging growth company. If some investors find our Common Shares to be less attractive

 

46

as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Shares or the trading price of our Common Shares may become more volatile.

We may be subject to tax risks in connection with carrying on our business in multiple jurisdictions.

We will operate and, accordingly, will be subject to income taxes and other forms of taxation in multiple jurisdictions. We may be subject to income taxes and non-income taxes in a variety of jurisdictions, and our tax structure may be subject to review by both Canadian and Brazilian tax authorities. Those tax authorities may disagree with our interpretation and/or application of relevant tax rules. A challenge by a tax authority in these circumstances could require us to incur costs in connection with litigation against the relevant tax authority or reaching a settlement with such tax authority and, if such tax authority’s challenge is successful, could result in additional taxes (perhaps together with interest and penalties) being imposed on us, and as such an increase in the amount of taxes payable by us. Additionally, we may be subject to different taxes imposed by the Brazilian government, and changes within such tax, legal and regulatory framework may have an adverse effect on our financial results.

Taxation laws and rates which determine taxation expenses may vary significantly in different jurisdictions, and legislation governing taxation laws and rates are also subject to change. Therefore, our earnings may be affected by changes in the proportion of earnings taxed in different jurisdictions, changes in taxation rates, changes in estimates of liabilities, and changes in the amount of other forms of taxation. The determination of our provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities will require significant judgment (including based on external advice) as to the interpretation and application of these rules. We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities or expenses.

Furthermore, dividends and other intra-group payments made by us or Potássio do Brasil Ltda. may expose the recipients of such payments to taxes in the respective jurisdiction of organization and operation, and such dividends and other intra-group payments may also be subject to withholding taxes imposed by the jurisdiction in which the entity making the payment is organized or tax resident. Unless such withholding taxes are fully creditable or refundable, dividends and other intra-group payments may increase the amount of taxes paid by us.

Our information technology systems may be vulnerable to disruption, which could place our systems at risk from data loss, operational failure, or compromise of confidential information.

We rely on various information technology systems. These systems remain vulnerable to intrusion, disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, errors by employees or contractors, computer viruses, cyberattacks, including phishing, ransomware, and similar malware, misappropriation of data by outside parties, and various other threats. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or sabotage our systems are under continuous and rapid evolution, and we may be unable to detect efforts to disrupt our data and systems in advance. Breaches and unauthorized access carry the potential to cause losses of assets or production, operational delays, equipment failure that could cause other risks to be realized, inaccurate recordkeeping, or disclosure of confidential information, any of which could result in financial losses and regulatory or legal exposure, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Although to date, we do not believe that we have experienced any cyberattacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not incur such attacks or breaches in the future. Our risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As such threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to modify or enhance our protective measures and to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.

Because we are a corporation incorporated in Ontario, Canada, and all of our directors and executives, as well as the experts named in this prospectus, reside outside of the United States, it may be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce civil liabilities against our Company, our directors, our executives, or such experts. Similarly, it may be difficult for Canadian investors to enforce civil liabilities against our directors, our executives, or such experts residing outside of Canada.

We are a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, and our corporate office is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In addition, our technical operations are based in Autazes, Amazonas, Brazil

 

47

and Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. All of our directors and executives, as well as the experts named in this prospectus, reside outside of the United States, and a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon our Company, our directors, our executives, or such experts, or to enforce judgments obtained against us or such persons, in in any actions in U.S. courts, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws or any other laws of the United States. Additionally, rights predicated solely upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws or any other laws of the United States may not be enforceable in original actions, or actions to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts that are brought in Canadian courts.

Similarly, some of our directors and executives, as well as the experts named in this prospectus, are residents of countries other than Canada, and the assets of such persons may be located outside of Canada. As a result, it may be difficult for Canadian investors to initiate a lawsuit within Canada against these non-Canadian residents, and it may be difficult to realize upon or enforce in Canada any judgment of a Canadian court against these non-Canadian residents since a substantial portion of the assets of such persons may be located outside of Canada. In addition, it may not be possible for Canadian investors to collect from these non-Canadian residents on judgments obtained in Canadian courts predicated on the civil liability provisions of securities legislation of certain of the provinces and territories of Canada. Furthermore, it may also be difficult for Canadian investors to succeed in a lawsuit in the United States, based solely on violations of Canadian securities laws.

We are governed by the corporate laws of Ontario, Canada, which in some cases have a different effect on shareholders than the corporate laws of the United States.

We are incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (which we refer to as the “OBCA”) and other relevant laws, which may affect the rights of shareholders differently than those of a company governed by the laws of a U.S. state, and may, together with our charter documents, have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of our Company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or may affect the price an acquiring party would be willing to offer in such an instance. The material differences between the OBCA and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (which we refer to as the “DGCL”) that may have the greatest such effects include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) for certain corporate transactions (such as mergers and amalgamations or amendments to our articles of incorporation), the OBCA generally requires the voting threshold to be a special resolution approved by shareholders holding not less than 66 2/3% of the voting shares, or as set out in the articles of incorporation of a company, as applicable, whereas the DGCL generally only requires a majority vote; and (ii) under the OBCA, a registered shareholder of 5% or more of our Common Shares can requisition a special meeting of our shareholders, whereas such right does not exist under the DGCL. We cannot predict whether investors will find our Company and our Common Shares less attractive because we are governed by the OBCA and other applicable Canadian laws. For additional information, see also “Description of Our Share Capital—Differences in Corporate Law”.

Certain Canadian legislation contains provisions that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.

The Investment Canada Act (which we refer to as the “ICA”) requires any non-Canadian person (as defined in the ICA) who acquires “control” (as defined in the ICA) of an existing Canadian business, where certain prescribed financial thresholds are exceeded, to file a pre-closing application for review with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Where the acquisition of control of a Canadian business by a non-Canadian person does not meet the prescribed financial thresholds for review, such non-Canadian person is required to file a notification with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada no later than 30 days after the completion of the transaction. The ICA generally prohibits the implementation of a reviewable transaction unless, after review, the relevant minister is satisfied that the acquisition is likely to be of a net benefit to Canada. Under the national security regime in the ICA, the Canadian federal government may undertake a discretionary review of a broader range of investments by a non-Canadian to determine whether such investments by a non-Canadian could be “injurious to national security”. Review on national security grounds is at the discretion of the Canadian federal

 

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government and may occur on a pre-or post-closing basis. Furthermore, limitations on the ability to acquire and hold our Common Shares may be imposed by the Competition Act (Canada) (which we refer to as the “Competition Act”), which permits the Commissioner of Competition (which we refer to as the “Commissioner”) to review any acquisition or establishment, directly or indirectly, including through the acquisition of shares, of control over or of a significant interest in our Company. In addition, the Competition Act grants the Commissioner jurisdiction, for up to one year, to challenge this type of acquisition before the Canadian Competition Tribunal on the basis that it would, or would be likely to, substantially prevent or lessen competition. The Competition Act also requires any person who intends to acquire our Common Shares to file a notification with the Canadian Competition Bureau if (i) such person (and such person’s affiliates) would hold, in the aggregate, more than 20% of all of our outstanding voting shares, (ii) certain financial thresholds are exceeded, and (iii) no exemption applies. Where a person (and such person’s affiliates) already holds, in the aggregate, more than 20% of all of our outstanding voting shares, a notification must be filed if (a) the acquisition of additional shares would bring such person’s (and its affiliates) holdings to over 50%, (b) certain financial thresholds are exceeded, and (c) no exemption applies. Where a notification is required, the Competition Act prohibits completion of the acquisition until the expiration of the applicable statutory waiting period, unless compliance with the waiting period has been waived or the Commissioner has issued an advance ruling certificate under Section 102 of the Competition Act. The Commissioner’s review of a notifiable transaction for substantive competition law considerations may take longer than the statutory waiting period.

Risks Related to this Offering and our Common Shares

We have broad discretion in how we use the net proceeds from this offering, and we may not use such net proceeds effectively, which could affect our results of operations and cause the market price of our Common Shares to decline.

We will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund our pre-operation administrative costs, including without limitation, new and ongoing development expenses, offering expenses, and working capital, and for other general corporate purposes. As a result, investors will be relying upon our management’s judgment with only limited information about our specific intentions for the use of the balance of the net proceeds from this offering. We may use the net proceeds for purposes that do not yield a significant return or any return at all for our shareholders. Additionally, pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.

There is currently no public market for our Common Shares, a trading market for our Common Shares may never develop following this offering, and the prices for our Common Shares may be volatile and could decline substantially following this offering.

There is currently no public market for our Common Shares. Although we intend to apply to list our Common Shares on the NYSE, an active trading market for our Common Shares may never develop or if one develops, it may not be sustained following this offering. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the following:

 

•

the likelihood that an active trading market for Common Shares will develop or be sustained;

 

•

the liquidity of any such market;

 

•

the ability of our shareholders to sell their Common Shares; or

 

•

the price that our shareholders may obtain for their Common Shares.

If an active market for our Common Shares does not develop or is not maintained, you may not be able to sell your shares. This may also affect the price of our Common Shares in the secondary market, the liquidity of such shares, and the extent of regulation of our Company, as the issuer of such shares. Even if an active trading market develops for our Common Shares subsequent to this offering, the market price of our Common Shares

 

49

may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. Our financial performance, government regulatory action, tax laws, interest rates and market conditions in general could have a significant impact on the future market price of our Common Shares.

Some of the factors that could negatively affect or result in fluctuations in the market price of our Common Shares include:

 

•

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

 

•

adverse market reaction to the level of our indebtedness;

 

•

our operating performance, including actual or anticipated variations in our publicly disclosed operating results, and the performance of other similar companies;

 

•

additions or departures of key personnel;

 

•

actions by shareholders;

 

•

speculation in the press or investment community;

 

•

negative publicity regarding us or our industry generally; and

 

•

general market, economic and political conditions, including an economic slowdown or downturn.

The offering price per share of our Common Shares offered in this offering may not accurately reflect the value of your investment.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Common Shares. The initial public offering price per share of our Common Shares offered in this offering was negotiated between us and the representatives of the underwriters. Factors considered in determining the price of our Common Shares include:

 

•

the history and prospects of other mining companies, and prior offerings of those companies;

 

•

our prospects for successfully developing and commencing our mining operations;

 

•

an assessment of our management and its experience in the mining industry;

 

•

our capital structure;

 

•

general conditions of the securities markets at the time of this offering; and

 

•

other factors we deemed relevant.

The offering price in this offering may not accurately reflect the value of our Common Shares, and may not be realized upon any subsequent disposition of the shares.

If the market price of our Common Shares fluctuates after this offering, you could lose a significant part of your investment.

The market price of our Common Shares could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, the risk factors described in this section of this prospectus, and other factors beyond our control, such as fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us. Additionally, the stock markets have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political, and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rate changes or international currency fluctuations, may negatively affect the market price of our Common Shares.

 

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If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our Company, or if they downgrade our Common Shares, the market price and trading volume of our Common Shares could decline.

The trading market, if any, for our Common Shares could be influenced by any research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about our Company. We do not currently have, and may never obtain, research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our Company, the trading price for our Common Shares would be negatively impacted. In the event securities or industry analysts cover our Company and one or more of these analysts downgrade our Common Shares or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our Company, the market price of our Common Shares would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn might cause demand for our Common Shares to decrease, and cause the market price and trading volume of our Common Shares to decline.

If you purchase our Common Shares in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution.

The initial public offering price of our Common Shares in this offering is substantially higher than the projected net tangible book value per share of our Common Shares outstanding upon the completion of this offering. Accordingly, if you purchase our Common Shares in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution of approximately $    in the as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share, assuming an initial public offering price of $    per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. This means that investors that purchase our Common Shares in this offering will pay a price per Common Share that substantially exceeds the per share net tangible book value of our assets. See “Dilution” for more information.

Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our Common Shares upon our liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities that may be senior to our Common Shares for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, may adversely affect the market price of our Common Shares.

In order for us to complete the development and construction of the Autazes Project and commence commercial extraction of potash, we will need to raise additional financing after the completion of this offering, which may include future offerings of debt securities that would rank senior to our Common Shares upon our liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities that may be senior to our Common Shares for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions. Upon our liquidation, holders of our debt securities and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our Common Shares. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing shareholders or reduce the market price of our Common Shares, or both. Our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control. As a result, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings, and investors purchasing our Common Shares in this offering bear the risk that any of our future offerings could adversely affect the market price of our Common Shares and dilute their ownership interest in our Company.

Future sales and issuances of our Common Shares, or other securities convertible into or exercisable for our Common Shares, could cause the value of our Common Shares to decline and could result in dilution of your shares.

In this offering,     Common Shares are being offered and sold (     Common Shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional Common Shares in this offering). In addition, up to     Common Shares may be issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of the Underwriters’ Warrants (see “Underwriting—Underwriters’ Warrants”). Furthermore, 10,118,706 Common Shares were sold and issued in our Regulation A Offering, which closed on August 2, 2022 (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Regulation A Offering”). These Common Shares will be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the

 

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Securities Act, except that (i)     Common Shares (or approximately   % of our total Common Shares issued and outstanding after the completion of this offering) acquired or held by our “affiliates” (as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) will be subject to the volume limitations and other restrictions of Rule 144, and (ii)     Common Shares (or approximately   % of our total Common Shares issued and outstanding after the completion of this offering) will be subject to certain lock-up agreements. For further information regarding Rule 144 and the lock-up agreements, see “Shares Eligible for Future Sale—Rule 144” and “—Lock-Up Agreements”, respectively. Sales of substantial amounts of such freely-transferrable Common Shares, including the Common Shares that will eventually be released from the lock-up agreements following the applicable lock-up period, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the prevailing market prices of our Common Shares.

Furthermore, our board of directors is authorized, without the approval our shareholders, to cause us to raise capital through the sale and issuance of additional Common Shares, or through the creation, sale and issuance of debt securities, options, warrants or other rights convertible into or exercisable for our Common Shares, on terms and for consideration as our board of directors in its sole discretion may determine. Sales of substantial amounts of our Common Shares, or of securities convertible into or exercisable for our Common Shares, could cause the market price of our Common Shares to decrease significantly. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that any future sales of our Common Shares, or the availability of our Common Shares for future sales, will have on the market value of our Common Shares.

Additionally, sales of substantial amounts of our Common Shares by our directors or executives or by any large shareholder, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the market price of our Common Shares.

We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Common Shares and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our Common Shares.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Shares and do not currently intend to do so in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings for the development and operation of our business. Therefore, if you purchase our Common Shares in this offering, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend upon any future appreciation of the price of our Common Shares. There is no guarantee that our Common Shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased them.

After the completion of this offering, we may be at an increased risk of securities class action litigation.

Historically, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is especially relevant for us because mining companies have experienced significant stock price volatility in recent years. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. If we were to be the subject of litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could harm our business and results of operations.

We believe that we will likely be classified as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the current taxable year, which could result in material adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences if you are a U.S. Holder.

We believe that our Company and Potássio do Brasil Ltda. will each likely be classified as a passive foreign investment company (which we refer to as a “PFIC”) for the current taxable year and the foreseeable future. If our Company or Potássio do Brasil Ltda. is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns our Common Shares, certain materially adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could result for such U.S. Holder. The determination of whether a corporation is a PFIC for a taxable year depends, in part, on the

 

52

application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules that are subject to differing interpretations. Additionally, the determination of whether a corporation is a PFIC for any taxable year generally can only be made after the close of such taxable year. Therefore, it is possible that we could be classified as a PFIC for our current taxable year or in future years due to changes in the nature of our business or the composition of our assets or income, as well as changes in our market capitalization. If we are classified as a PFIC in any year with respect to which a U.S. Holder owns our Common Shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder in all succeeding years during which such U.S. Holder owns our Common Shares regardless of whether we continue to be a PFIC, unless such U.S. Holder makes a specified election once we cease to be a PFIC. In the event that we determine that that our Company or Potássio do Brasil Ltda. is a PFIC for a taxable year, we currently intend to provide information necessary for a U.S. Holder to make a “qualified electing fund” election with respect to our Company and each lower-tier PFIC that we control, which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs. The PFIC rules are complex, and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules, the elections which may be available to them, and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of our Common Shares.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that we will receive approximately $    million of net proceeds from the sale of    Common Shares offered by us in this offering (or approximately $    million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional Common Shares from us), based on an assumed public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The principal purposes of this offering are to fund our pre-operation development expenses, increase our capitalization and financial flexibility, create a market for our Common Shares, and facilitate our future access to the public equity markets. Given that we have generated negative cash flows from operating activities in each fiscal year for which financial statements have been included in this prospectus, and that we have no history of revenues from operations and expect to have negative operating cash flows and net losses in the future, we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering primarily to fund our pre-operation development expenses and continuing operations, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. See also “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Company—We have a history of negative operating cash flows and net losses, and we have never achieved and may never achieve or sustain profitability.” The following table presents a breakdown of our intended use of the net proceeds from this offering:

 

Principal Uses of Proceeds		Amount (in millions)
Obtaining and complying with our environmental licenses		$
Engineering, procurement and construction for critical path items(1)		$
Other pre-operation administrative expenses(2)		$
Working capital and general corporate purposes(3)		$
Total		$

 

(1)

Engineering for the Autazes Project is expected to include conducting additional engineering and essential testwork for critical path items prior to starting the construction phase, such as shaft sinking and the power transmission line, and conducting engineering for the other applications and permits.

(2)

Other pre-operation administrative expenses are expected to include expenses relating to obtaining the Operational License, the Mining Concession, and other remaining required authorizations, permits and licenses for the Autazes Project, purchasing the remaining land for certain project sites, primarily consisting of the sites to be used for the dry stacked tailings piles, and maintaining our mineral rights.

(3)	Working capital and general corporate purposes are expected to include regulatory fees, audit and tax fees, rent and office expenses, travel expenses, executive compensation, and payment of other current liabilities.

We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering in the manner described above, however, the amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend upon numerous factors, including the progress of our development efforts, our general operating costs and expenditures, and the changing needs of our business. Additionally, we have no agreements or commitments for particular uses of the net proceeds from this offering, and our board of directors and management will retain broad discretion in the application, and timing of the application, of the net proceeds from this offering. As such, investors will be relying on the judgment of our board of directors and management for the application of the net proceeds from this offering. Depending on the outcome of our development activities and other unforeseen events, our plans and priorities may change and we may apply the net proceeds of this offering for different uses and/or in different proportions than we currently anticipate. There can be no assurance regarding the results and the effectiveness of our use of the net proceeds from this offering. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and our Common Shares—We have broad discretion in how we use the net proceeds from this offering, and we may not use such net proceeds effectively, which could affect our results of operations and cause the market price of our Common Shares to decline.”

Pending the use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to deposit the proceeds in our bank accounts, and/or invest the proceeds in a variety of capital preservation instruments (including short-term,

 

54

interest-bearing, investment-grade securities or short-term deposits), in accordance with our general practices for treasury management. We cannot predict whether the proceeds invested will yield a favorable return.

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $    million, assuming the number of Common Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of Common Shares we are selling in this offering. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of Common Shares offered by us in this offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $    million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

Funding of Ongoing Operations

Without taking into account the anticipated net proceeds from this offering, we estimate our currently available non-contingent financial resources are sufficient to fund our ongoing operations (excluding exploration and development activities) and meet our administrative costs for the next six months. As of March 31, 2024, our cash position and working capital were approximately $1.1 million and $(0.3) million, respectively. Subject to the successful completion of this offering, we anticipate spending approximately $9.0 million in the next 12 months, which includes, $5.3 million on general and administrative expenses, $1.2 million on personnel and staffing costs in Brazil, $0.7 million on administrative costs in Brazil, $0.4 million on the maintenance of our minerals rights, $0.3 million on additional engineering and other technical studies for the Autazes Project, and $1.1 million on environmental and social expenses associated with the Autazes Project.

Subject to successfully completing this offering, we anticipate using the net proceeds to purchase long-lead items and further advance the Autazes Project as detailed below. We believe that our existing funds, together with the net proceeds from this offering, will be sufficient to finance the development of the Autazes Project and our operations through the    quarter of 2025; however, changing circumstances may cause us to consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate, in which case we will be required to raise additional proceeds from future equity and debt financings to fund our ongoing operations. Furthermore, in addition to this offering, we expect that we will be required to raise additional funds to finance our ongoing operations until such time as we can conduct profitable income producing activities. No assurances can be made that we will be successful in obtaining additional equity or debt financing, or that ultimately, we will commence profitable operations and achieve positive cash flow. See also “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Company—We have a history of negative operating cash flows and net losses, and we have never achieved and may never achieve or sustain profitability.”

Primary Goal, Business Objectives and Milestones

Our primary goal is to win a significant share of the Brazilian potash market and be the sustainable potash supplier-of-choice for Brazilian farmers. We intend to be a significant domestic source of potash fertilizer in Brazil in order to alleviate Brazil’s dependence on imported potash and farmer supply-chain risk, while supporting economic prosperity and agricultural sustainability in Brazil and food security globally. We plan to accomplish this goal by pursuing the following strategies:

 

•

focus solely on providing our potash produced from the Autazes Project to Brazilian farmers;

 

•

establish and maintain a position as the lowest-cost provider of potash in Brazil;

 

•

establish strategic partnerships within the potash industry;

 

55

•

nurture opportunity for sustainability leadership and innovation; and

 

•

expand our potash production capabilities and growth opportunities.

For more information on our growth strategies, see “Business—Our Business Objectives and Growth Strategies”.

Our primary near- and medium-term business objectives, for which we will use the net proceeds from this offering, will be to: (i) continue the ongoing development of the Autazes Project, including to fund our pre-operation development expenses, and (ii) begin construction of the Autazes Project.

To accomplish our primary business objectives (each of which also constitute a significant event that must occur for the business objectives to be accomplished), the key milestones to be achieved, the anticipated timing, and the expected aggregate costs thereof include: (i) development of and entry into the Impact Benefit Agreement with the Mura indigenous communities near the Autazes Project, which are anticipated to occur in the second half of 2024 at an estimated cost of $2.5 million; (ii) completion of the purchases of the additional land that primarily will be used for the sites of our dry stacked tailings, which is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2025 at an estimated cost of $2.8 million; (iii) completion of additional engineering and a feasibility study for the Autazes Project that will incorporate recent optimization work on the shaft sinking technology to be used, which is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2025 at an estimated cost of $3.2 million; (iv) completion of basic engineering design work, which is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2025 at an estimated cost of $8.6 million; (v) commencement of construction on the Autazes Project, with an emphasis on critical path items including shaft sinking and the ordering of long lead items, which is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2024 at an estimated initial cost to commence construction of $     million (with the currently estimated total cost of construction for the Autazes Project being $2.5 billion (not including financing fees, working capital and potential cost overruns), and we estimate that 60%–65% of the total cost of construction will be financed by debt with the balance being financed by additional equity issuances), and (vi) obtaining debt financing to fund a substantial portion of the construction costs of the Autazes Project, which we will seek to obtain in the second half of 2025.

The above guidance as to the funding requirements and timeline for developing the Autazes Project is based on our best estimates as of the date of this prospectus. Achievement or timing of the above milestones could be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, economic and financial conditions that may affect our ability to raise additional funds. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”.

 

56

DIVIDEND POLICY

We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development of our operations, and, therefore, do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Since our inception, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Shares. Any decision to pay dividends in the future will be subject to a number of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, the level of our retained earnings, capital demands, general business conditions, and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. Accordingly, we cannot give any assurance that any dividends may be declared and paid in the future. Accordingly, you may need to sell your Common Shares to realize a return on your investment, and you may not be able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for them. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and our Common Shares—We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Common Shares and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our Common Shares.”

 

57

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents, debt, and capitalization as of June 30, 2024:

 

•

on an actual basis; and

 

•

on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the issuance of the Common Shares in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, as set forth in this prospectus.

You should read the following table in conjunction with the sections entitled “Use of Proceeds”, “Selected Consolidated Financial Information” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

		As of June 30, 2024
(in thousands, except share amounts)		Actual				As Adjusted(1)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,621			$
Debt		$	—			$
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Shares, no par value per share – unlimited shares authorized; 144,618,749 Common Shares issued and outstanding, actual; and       Common Shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted			—
Additional paid-in capital			248,125
Shares to be issued			1,602
Share-based payments reserve			68,940
Warrants reserve			604
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(74,702)
Deficit			(125,393)
Total shareholders’ equity			119,176
Total capitalization		$	119,176			$

 

(1)	The number of our Common Shares to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on the issuance of Common Shares in this offering and does not include:

 

(a)

up to    Common Shares issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional Common Shares from us;

 

(b)

up to     Common Shares issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of the Underwriters’ Warrants;

 

(c)

up to an aggregate of 1,147,500 Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding common share purchase warrants, which are exercisable at an exercise price of $1.00 per Common Share;

 

(d)

up to an aggregate of 4,605,833 Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, of which 935,000 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $1.00 per Common Share, 3,157,500 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $2.50 per Common Share, 213,333 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $3.75 per Common Share, and 300,000 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $4.00 per Common Share;

 

(e)

up to an aggregate of 16,433,333 Common Shares issuable with respect to outstanding DSUs; and

 

(f)

an aggregate of 21,692,812 Common Shares reserved and available, as of the date of this prospectus, for awards that may be granted in the future under our 2024 Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

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DILUTION

Purchasers of our Common Shares in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per Common Share paid by the purchasers of our Common Shares in this offering and the as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share immediately after, and giving effect to, this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per Common Share in this offering is substantially in excess of the net tangible book value per Common Share attributable to our existing shareholders for our presently outstanding Common Shares.

Our historical net tangible book value per Common Share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value, which is the book value of our total tangible assets less the book value of our total liabilities, by the number of outstanding Common Shares. As of March 31, 2024, the historical net tangible book value of our Common Shares was $125,111,634, or approximately $0.88 per Common Share.

After giving effect to the (i) sale by us of     Common Shares in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and (ii) receipt by us of the net proceeds of this offering, after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2024 would have been $    , or $    per Common Share. The as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share immediately after the offering is calculated by dividing the as adjusted net tangible book value of $     by  Common Shares (which is the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering). The difference between the initial public offering price per Common Share and the as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $    per Common Share to our existing shareholders, and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $    per Common Share to purchasers of Common Shares in this offering.

The following table illustrates this dilution to purchasers in this offering on a per Common Share basis:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per Common Share						$
Net tangible book value per Common Share before this offering (as of March 31, 2024)		$	0.88
Increase in net tangible book value per Common Share attributable to purchasers in this offering		$
As adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share immediately after this offering						$
Dilution in net tangible book value per Common Share to purchasers in this offering						$

The as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share immediately after this offering is based on the following:

 

Numerator:
Net tangible book value as of March 31, 2024		$	125,111,634
Net proceeds to us from this offering(1)		$
Total as adjusted net tangible book value immediately after this offering		$
Denominator:
Number of our Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to this offering			144,618,749
Number of our Common Shares being sold by us in this offering(1)
Total Number of Common Shares

 

(1)	Assumes no exercise by the underwriters of (i) their option to purchase additional Common Shares to cover any over-allotments, or (ii) the Underwriters’ Warrants.

 

59

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share immediately after this offering by $    , and increase (decrease) the dilution in as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share to purchasers in this offering by $    , assuming the number of Common Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

We may also increase or decrease the number of Common Shares we are selling in this offering. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of Common Shares offered by us in this offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share immediately after this offering by $    , and increase (decrease) the dilution in as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share to purchasers in this offering by $    , assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The tables and information above assume no exercise by the underwriters of (i) their option to purchase additional Common Shares in this offering, or (ii) the Underwriters’ Warrants. If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase up to     additional Common Shares from us, the as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share immediately after this offering would be $    per Common Share, and the dilution in as adjusted net tangible book value per Common Share to purchasers in this offering would be $    per Common Share, in each case assuming an assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The following table summarizes, as of the date of this prospectus, on the as adjusted basis described above, the differences between the number of Common Shares purchased or to be purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us in cash, and the weighted average price per Common Share that our existing shareholders and the new purchasers in this offering paid. The calculation below is based on an assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), before deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. As the following table shows, new investors purchasing Common Shares in this offering will pay a price per Common Share substantially higher than the weighted average price per Common Share paid by our existing shareholders.

 

		Common Shares								Total Consideration
		Number				Percent				Amount				Percent				Weighted Average Price per Common Share
Existing shareholders			144,618,749					%		$						%		$
Purchasers in this offering
Total(1)							100.00	%		$					100.00	%		$

 

(1)

Excludes (a) up to     Common Shares issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional Common Shares from us; (b) up to     Common Shares issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of the Underwriters’ Warrants; (c) up to an aggregate of 1,147,500 Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding common share purchase warrants, which are exercisable at an exercise price of $1.00 per Common Share; (d) up to an aggregate of 4,605,833 Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, of which 935,000 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $1.00 per Common Share,

 

60

3,157,500 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $2.50 per Common Share, 213,333 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $3.75 per Common Share, and 300,000 Common Shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $4.00 per Common Share; (e) up to an aggregate of 16,433,333 Common Shares issuable with respect to outstanding DSUs; and (f) an aggregate of 21,692,812 Common Shares reserved and available, as of the date of this prospectus, for awards that may be granted in the future under our 2024 Incentive Compensation Plan.

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering and the weighted average price per Common Share paid by all shareholders by $     and $    per Common Share, respectively, and in the case of an increase, would increase the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by    %, and in the case of a decrease, would decrease the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by    %, assuming the number of Common Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of Common Shares offered by us in this offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering and the weighted average price per Common Share paid by all shareholders by $     and $    per Common Share, respectively, and in the case of an increase, would increase the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by    %, and in the case of a decrease, would decrease the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by    %, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $    per Common Share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The table and information above assume no exercise by the underwriters of (i) their option to purchase additional Common Shares in this offering, or (ii) the Underwriters’ Warrants. If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase up to    additional Common Shares from us, the number of Common Shares held by purchasers in this offering would be increased to     Common Shares, or    % of the total number of our Common Shares outstanding immediately after this offering, and the percentage of our Common Shares held by our existing shareholders would be reduced to    % of the total number of our Common Shares outstanding immediately after this offering.

 

61

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial information as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. You should read the following selected consolidated financial information in conjunction with, and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and the related notes thereto, our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and the related notes thereto, and the sections entitled “Capitalization” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, each of which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Our selected consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss information for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, and our related selected consolidated statements of financial position information as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, prepared in accordance with IFRS, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our summary consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss information for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and our related summary consolidated statements of financial position information as of March 31, 2024, have been derived from our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, prepared in accordance with IFRS, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our management believes that the unaudited interim financial information below includes all adjustments, consisting of only normal nonrecurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information. Our historical selected consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss information for the interim period ended March 31, 2024 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. Our historical results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods.

 

		Three months ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2023				2022				2021
Statements of Loss and Other Comprehensive Loss Information:
Expenses:
Consulting and management fees		$	577,465			$	3,796,388			$	5,441,156			$	2,713,548			$	2,023,284
Professional fees			54,380				407,909				1,453,310				2,185,220				644,117
Share-based compensation			629,033				(103,985	)			4,703,254				24,474,191				357,189
Travel expenses			82,541				127,713				390,531				2,704,879				231,821
General office expenses			36,605				32,262				120,228				183,843				148,715
Foreign exchange loss			(3,054	)			(3,680	)			(10,552	)			62,479				68,243
Communications and promotions			59,392				60,130				1,251,155				398,880				62,528
Operating loss		$	1,436,362			$	4,316,737			$	13,349,082			$	32,723,040			$	3,535,897
Finance costs		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	405,249
Finance income			(4,444	)			(115,727	)			(302,720	)			(259,019	)			(5,056	)
Loss for the period before income taxes		$	1,431,918			$	4,201,010			$	13,046,362			$	32,464,021			$	3,936,090
Income taxes		$	20,687			$	33,466			$	160,838			$	155,360			$	93,276
Loss for the period after income taxes		$	1,452,605			$	4,234,476			$	13,207,200			$	32,619,381			$	4,029,366
Other income (expense):
Items that subsequently may be reclassified into net income:
Foreign currency translation		$	2,204,377			$	(1,697,715	)		$	(4,912,866	)		$	(3,881,076	)		$	4,131,016
Total comprehensive loss for the period		$	3,656,982			$	2,536,761			$	8,294,334			$	28,738,305			$	8,160,382
Basic and diluted loss per share		$	0.01			$	0.03			$	0.09			$	0.23			$	0.03
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted			142,358,675				140,929,082				141,569,049				139,629,405				131,176,764

 

62

		March 31,				December 31,
		2024				2023				2022				2021
Statements of Financial Position Information (end of period):
ASSETS:
Current
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,143,184			$	2,450,239			$	11,804,907			$	15,144,419
Amounts receivable			92,108				149,757				167,854				2,616,544
Prepaid expenses			258,013				236,329				98,884				99,566
Total current assets		$	1,493,305			$	2,836,325			$	12,071,645			$	17,860,529
Non-current
Property and equipment		$	980,892			$	1,012,032			$	936,707			$	866,961
Exploration and evaluation assets			126,628,457				129,298,494				120,216,752				112,188,359
Total assets		$	129,102,654			$	133,146,851			$	133,225,104			$	130,915,849
LIABILITIES:
Current
Trade payables and accrued liabilities		$	1,842,526			$	1,730,103			$	1,154,872			$	2,005,960
Total current liabilities		$	1,842,526			$	1,730,103			$	1,154,872			$	2,005,960
Non-current
Deferred income tax liability			2,148,494				2,196,087				1,883,661				1,617,383
Total liabilities		$	3,991,020			$	3,926,190			$	3,038,533			$	3,623,343
EQUITY:
Share capital		$	243,237,728			$	242,487,728			$	235,611,237			$	227,154,731
Share-based payments reserve			63,078,202				64,280,247				63,924,814				43,023,258
Warrants reserve			604,000				604,000				604,000				604,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(67,623,860	)			(65,419,483	)			(70,332,349	)			(74,213,425	)
Deficit			(114,184,436	)			(112,731,831	)			(99,621,131	)			(69,276,058	)
Total equity		$	125,111,634				$129,220,661				$130,186,571			$	127,292,506
Total liabilities and equity		$	129,102,654			$	133,146,851			$	133,225,104			$	130,915,849

 

63

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the sections of this prospectus entitled “Selected Consolidated Financial Information” and “Business”, our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and the related notes thereto, and our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and the related notes thereto, included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current plans, expectations, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in the sections entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”.

Our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (which we refer to as “IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements are compliant and up to date with all new financial accounting standards, as noted per IFRS.

Overview

We are a mineral exploration and development company, and our primary mining project is the Autazes Project located in the Amazon potash basin near the city of Autazes in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Our technical operations are based in Autazes, Amazonas, Brazil and Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and our registered corporate office is located at 198 Davenport Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We were incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the OBCA on October 10, 2006. We have one wholly-owned subsidiary, Potássio do Brasil Ltda., a company organized under the laws of Brazil. We are in the pre-revenue development stage and have not yet commenced any mining operations. Our plan of operations for the next few years includes, subject to securing sufficient funds, commencing primary construction of the infrastructure of the Autazes Project.

Once our operations commence, our operating activities will be focused on the extraction and processing of potash ore from our underground mine and selling and distributing the processed potash in Brazil. We hold all of the mineral rights for the Autazes Project through our wholly-owned local subsidiary in Brazil, Potássio do Brasil Ltda., and such mineral rights are registered with the Brazilian National Mining Agency. We currently have rights of access to a significant amount of the land planned for the Autazes Project, including all of the land on which our proposed mine shafts, processing plant and port will be constructed. For additional information, see “Description of the Autazes Project and the Autazes Property”.

The Autazes Project is located within the Amazon Potash Basin, between the Amazon River and the Madeira River, approximately 75 miles southeast of the city of Manaus, in the municipality of Autazes. Autazes is located in the eastern part of the Amazonas State, Brazil. The Autazes Project is comprised of mineral claims with a cumulative area of approximately 680 square miles in the Amazon Potash Basin. The mineralization composition of the Amazon Basin is described as sylvinite with layers of halite, anhydrite and others (e.g., kieserite, polyhalite, and others). The Autazes Property contains a sylvinite deposit that is subdivided into three mineralized zones. The top of the sylvinite deposit, being the potash-bearing horizon, was determined to be at a depth between approximately 0.4 – 0.5 miles. The total thickness of the potash-bearing horizon in the explored area of the Autazes Property is between 2.3 – 13.1 feet.

Our primary goal is to win a significant share of the Brazilian potash market and be the sustainable potash supplier-of-choice for Brazilian farmers. We intend to be a significant domestic source of potash fertilizer in Brazil in order to alleviate Brazil’s dependence on imported potash and farmer supply-chain risk, while

 

64

supporting economic prosperity and agricultural sustainability in Brazil and food security globally. We plan to accomplish this goal by pursuing the following strategies:

 

•

focus solely on providing our potash produced from the Autazes Project to Brazilian farmers;

 

•

establish and maintain a position as the lowest-cost provider of potash in Brazil;

 

•

establish strategic partnerships within the potash industry;

 

•

nurture opportunity for sustainability leadership and innovation; and

 

•

expand our potash production capabilities and growth opportunities.”

For more information on our growth strategies, see “Business—Our Business Objectives and Growth Strategies”.

To date, we have spent approximately $242 million in connection with the development and advancement of the Autazes Project. Our primary near- and medium-term business objectives, for which we will use the net proceeds from this offering, will be to: (i) continue the ongoing development of the Autazes Project, including to fund our pre-operation development expenses, and (ii) begin construction of the Autazes Project.

To accomplish our primary business objectives (each of which also constitute a significant event that must occur for the business objectives to be accomplished), the key milestones to be achieved, the anticipated timing, and the expected aggregate costs thereof include: (i) development of and entry into the Impact Benefit Agreement with the Mura indigenous communities near the Autazes Project, which are anticipated to occur in the second half of 2024 at an estimated cost of $2.5 million; (ii) completion of the purchases of the additional land that primarily will be used for the sites of our dry stacked tailings, which is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2025 at an estimated cost of $2.8 million; (iii) completion of additional engineering and a feasibility study for the Autazes Project that will incorporate recent optimization work on the shaft sinking technology to be used, which is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2025 at an estimated cost of $3.2 million; (iv) completion of basic engineering design work, which is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2025 at an estimated cost of $8.6 million; (v) commencement of construction on the Autazes Project, with an emphasis on critical path items including shaft sinking and the ordering of long lead items, which is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2024 at an estimated initial cost to commence construction of $    million (with the currently estimated total cost of construction for the Autazes Project being $2.5 billion (not including financing fees, working capital and potential cost overruns), and we estimate that 60%–65% of the total cost of construction will be financed by debt with the balance being financed by additional equity issuances), and (vi) obtaining debt financing to fund a substantial portion of the construction costs of the Autazes Project, which we will seek to obtain in the second half of 2025.

The above guidance as to the funding requirements and timeline for developing the Autazes Project is based on our best estimates as of the date of this prospectus. Achievement or timing of the above milestones could be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, economic and financial conditions that may affect our ability to raise additional funds. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”.

Key Factors Impacting our Operating Results When our Mining Operations Commence

Price of Potash

Once we commence our mining operations, our financial performance will be significantly affected by the market price of potash. Potash prices have historically been subject to wide fluctuations and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including international economic and political conditions, levels of supply and demand, the availability and cost of substitutes, inventory levels maintained by producers and others, and, to a lesser degree, inventory carrying costs and currency exchange rates.

The market price for potash in Brazil is typically quoted as the daily Cost and Freight (CFR) price for granular potash delivered to Brazil, which is established by sales transactions between buyers and sellers. For further information on the drivers and trends affecting the market price of potash, see “Business—Our Industry and Market Opportunity”.

 

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Production Volume, Ore Grade and Mineral Reserves

Our production volume, the ore grade of the potash from our mine, and our Mineral Reserves will affect our business performance. The Autazes Project has Measured Mineral Resources (excluding Mineral Reserves) of approximately 18 million tons at an average grade of 22.5% muriate of potash (which we refer to as “MOP”), Indicated Mineral Resources (excluding Mineral Reserves) of approximately 48 million tons at an average grade of 25.9% MOP, and Inferred Mineral Resources (excluding Mineral Reserves) of approximately 107 million tons at an average grade of 30.3% MOP. Total Proven Economically Recoverable Reserves are approximately 69 million tons at an average grade of 28.9% MOP. Probable Economically Recoverable Reserves are approximately 122 million tons at an average grade of 27.5% MOP. The estimated life of the mine on the Autazes Property is 23 years, which estimate is based on the portion of the ore body that is currently being permitted for future construction and mining. For more details, see “Description of the Autazes Project and the Autazes Property—Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates”.

Commercial Terms

We intend to sell our mined and processed potash mostly through take or pay offtake contracts with terms between five and ten years, and with only a small portion being sold on the spot market. The agreements with our customers are expected to include customary commercial terms, such as cost, insurance and freight, free on board, free carrier, and cost and freight.

Sales prices for our potash will be based on the daily spot Cost and Freight (CFR) price for granular potash delivered to Brazil on barge loading for customer delivery, adjusted for the net freight differential of our anticipated lower domestic inland Brazil transportation cost as compared to importers of potash, less a slight discount. We intend to sell all of our potash to end users in Brazil.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Our ability to manage our operating costs and expenses will be a significant driver of our business performance. We intend to focus on ensuring stable, high levels of potash production to keep unit costs down while controlling and limiting our costs and expenses so that we can have more flexibility to overcome less favorable pricing conditions if and when they arise. However, we may not be able to adjust production volume in a timely or cost-efficient manner in response to changes in pricing. For example, lower utilization of production capacity during periods of weak potash prices may expose us to higher unit production costs since a significant portion of our cost structure will be fixed in the short-term due to the high capital nature of mining operations. In addition, efforts to reduce costs during periods of weak prices could be limited by labor regulations or previous labor or governmental agreements.

Energy Costs

Our total energy costs are expected to be mainly composed of long-term electricity supply contracts with fixed transmission fees and variable energy consumption fees. We expect that the electricity for our mining operations will be provided by a planned 500 kV power transmission line that will be connected to Brazil’s national power grid near the Amazon city of Manaus. We expect to commence construction of the power transmission line after we obtain the applicable construction permit.

Effects of Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Prices for our products will be denominated in U.S. dollars. A significant portion of our production costs, however, will be denominated in Brazilian real, so there will be a mismatch of currencies between our revenue and costs. As a result, our results of operations and financial condition are, and, after our mining operations begin, will be, affected by changes in exchange rates between the Brazilian real and the U.S. dollar. As of March 29, 2024, the exchange rate was R$5.0153 per US$1.00.

 

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Environmental Expenses

Our mine will operate under licenses issued by Brazilian governmental authorities that control, among other things, air emissions and water discharges, and our mine will be subject to stringent laws and regulations relating to waste materials and various other environmental matters. Additionally, the Autazes Property will need to be rehabilitated when we ultimately finish and cease our mining operations there.

We intend to make investments to enhance our ability to comply with all applicable environmental standards and to reduce our environmental impact in the areas in which we operate. We intend to have environmental improvement initiatives relating to reducing emissions and waste and improving the efficiency of use of natural resources and energy. Where appropriate, we will establish environmental provisions for restoration or remediation of contamination and disturbance on the Autazes Property.

Trend Information

Because we are still in the mining development stage and have not yet commenced any mining operations, we are unable to identify any recent trends in our revenue or expenses, including any known trends relating to uncertainties, demands, commitments or events involving our business that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our revenues, income from operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause the financial information in this prospectus to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.

Impact of any Business Disruptions on our Business Operations

Our operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of unpredictable and unforeseen events, such as extreme weather conditions, acts of God, epidemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak, and other natural or manmade disasters and business interruptions, and the related economic consequences. For example, our additional consultations with indigenous communities near the Autazes Project in accordance with International Labour Organization Convention 169, which initially started in November 2019, were suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we were allowed to resume such consultations in April 2022 following the lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions.

We cannot accurately predict the impact any such business disruptions will have on our operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations with us, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate duration and impact of any such business disruptions. For example, a significant outbreak of a contagious disease in the human population, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect our operations and our ability to finance our operations.

Going Concern

Our financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Our ability to continue as a going concern is contingent upon our ability to raise additional capital as required.

We incurred a net loss of approximately $1.5 million and $13.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and, as of March 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $114.2 million and working capital of approximately $(0.3) million (including cash of approximately $1.1 million).

We require additional financing for working capital and the continuing development of the Autazes Project, as well as to repay our trade payables. As a result of our continuing operating losses, our continuance as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate financing to pay our current obligations, finance our development activities, and reach profitable levels of operation. It is not possible to predict whether any financing efforts will be successful or if we will obtain the necessary financing. We have previously been

 

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successful in raising the necessary financing to continue our operations in the normal course, and we have been able to consummate multiple equity financings through private placements of our Common Shares. Additionally, we have entered into various loan agreements to borrow funds to fund our operating expenses. Furthermore, we raised an aggregate of approximately $40.5 million in gross proceeds pursuant to our Regulation A Offering, which closed on August 2, 2022 (see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Regulation A Offering” below).

To date, we have generated no cash from operations and negative cash flows from operating activities. All costs and expenses in connection with our formation, development, legal fees and administrative support have been funded by our borrowings under loan agreements, the proceeds from private placements of our Common Shares, including to our majority shareholders, and the proceeds from our Regulation A Offering. Currently, we intend to finance our operations through additional equity and debt financings. For more information regarding our ability to fund our ongoing operations, see “Use of Proceeds—Funding of Ongoing Operations”.

We continually evaluate our plan of operations to determine the manner in which we can most effectively utilize our limited cash resources. The timing of completion of any aspect of our plan of operations is highly dependent upon the availability of cash to implement that aspect of the plan and other factors beyond our control. However, there is no assurance that we will be successful in raising sufficient financing or achieving profitable operations to fund our operating expenses or future development of the Autazes Project. These circumstances raise a material uncertainty related to events or conditions that cast substantial doubt on our ability to continue as a going concern, and therefore, we may be unable to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities in the normal course of business. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying amount or classification of assets and liabilities if we were unable to continue as a going concern. These adjustments may be material.

Critical Accounting Policies; Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS, which requires us to make a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in our consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of our consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our accounting estimates and assumptions on historical experience and other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Additionally, we strive to make these estimates and assumptions in an appropriate manner and in a way that accurately reflects our financial condition. We will continually test and evaluate these estimates and assumptions using our historical knowledge of the business, as well as other factors, to ensure that they are reasonable for reporting purposes. However, actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Critical accounting policies are those policies that reflect significant estimates or judgments about matters that are both inherently uncertain and material to our financial condition or results of operations. Below is a description of our critical accounting policies that require significant estimates and judgments.

Basis of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of our Company and our wholly-owned subsidiary in Brazil, Potássio do Brasil Ltda. Potássio do Brasil Ltda. has been fully consolidated from the date of its formation, being the date on which our Company obtained control, and will continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. All intra-company balances, income and expenses, and unrealized gains and losses resulting from intra-company transactions are eliminated in full upon consolidation.

Foreign Currency Transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in our functional currency, the U.S. dollar, at the rate as of the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange as of the statements of financial position date. All differences are taken to profit or loss.

 

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For presentation of our consolidated financial statements, if the functional currency of our subsidiary is different than U.S. dollars as of the reporting date, the assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange as of the statements of financial position date and the income and expenses are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. The foreign exchange differences arising are recorded in the cumulative translation account in other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign entity, the deferred cumulative amount recognized in equity relating to the particular operation is recognized in our consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated statements of financial position comprise cash at banks and on hand, and short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less, which are readily convertible into a known amount of cash.

Property and Equipment

Recognition and Measurement

Items of equipment are measured at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated over the depreciable amount, which is the cost of an asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less its residual value.

The estimated lives for the following types of property or equipment as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

Type of Property or Equipment		Estimated Life
Vehicles			5 years
Office equipment			5 years
Furniture and fixtures			10 years

Our land is carried at cost.

When events or changes in the economic environment indicate a risk of impairment to property and equipment, an impairment test is performed to determine whether the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets under consideration exceeds its or their recoverable amount. Recoverable amount is defined as the greater of an asset’s fair value (less costs of disposal) and its value in use. Value in use is equal to the present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the use and sale of the asset.

Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Costs incurred prior to obtaining the appropriate license are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Exploration and evaluation expenditures comprise costs of initial search for mineral deposits and performing a detailed assessment of deposits that have been identified as having economic potential. Exploration and evaluation costs also include an allocation of administration costs and staff costs (which are generally the salaries, benefits and equity compensation to our employees performing exploration and evaluation activities) as determined by our management.

The cost of exploration properties and leases, which include the cost of acquiring prospective properties and exploration rights, including interest, and costs incurred in exploration and evaluation activities, are capitalized as assets as part of exploration and evaluation assets. Exploration and evaluation costs are capitalized as an asset until technical feasibility and commercial viability of extraction of reserves are demonstrable, then the

 

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capitalized exploration costs are reclassified to property, plant and equipment. Prior to reclassification to property, plant and equipment, exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment, and any impairment loss is immediately recognized in profit or loss. Depreciation on equipment used in exploration and evaluation is charged to exploration and evaluation assets.

A breakdown of the material components of our exploration and evaluation expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is set forth below:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures		2023				2022				2021
Balance, beginning of period		$	120,216,752			$	112,188,360			$	114,893,005
Additions:
Mineral rights and land use fees			41,073				19,230				17,362
Geology and geophysics			3,000				3,300				6,000
Consulting and technical			448,392				794,048				179,059
Administration expenses			1,567,497				859,352				442,786
Staff costs			709,725				315,167				325,684
Field costs			660,751				154,512				89,972
Environmental costs			626 ,682				453,567				105,087
Technical Report / feasibility study			5,867				1,121,171				—
Share-based compensation			127,670				368,341				293,856
Effect of foreign exchange			5,018,756				3,939,703				(4,164,452	)
Balance, end of period		$	129,298,494			$	120,216,752			$	112,188,360

Impairment of Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may exceed its recoverable amount. We review and test for impairment on an ongoing basis and specifically if any of the following occurs:

 

•

the period for which we have a right to explore in the specific area has expired or is expected to expire;

 

•

the exploration and evaluation have not led to the discovery of economic reserves;

 

•

the development of the reserves is not economically or commercially viable; or

 

•

the exploration is located in an area that has become politically unstable.

If it is determined that capitalized exploration and evaluation costs are not recoverable, or the property is abandoned, or management has determined an impairment in value, the property is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverability of amounts shown for exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on the following factors: (i) the existence of economically recoverable reserves, (ii) our ability to obtain financing to complete the development of such reserves and meet our obligations under various agreements, and (iii) the success of future operations or dispositions. If a project does not prove viable, all unrecoverable costs associated with the project, net of any related existing impairment provisions, will be written off.

No amortization is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase.

Financial Instruments

We recognize financial assets and financial liabilities on the date we become a party to the contractual provisions of the instruments. A financial asset is derecognized either when we have transferred substantially all

 

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the risks and rewards of ownership of such financial asset or when cash flows expire. A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, canceled or expired. Our financial assets include cash and cash equivalents and amounts receivable (excluding Canadian federal and provincial Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) receivable). Our financial liabilities include trade payables, accrued liabilities, loans payable, and the land fee installment payable.

Non-derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value plus attributable transaction costs, where applicable for financial instruments not classified as fair value through profit or loss. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-derivative financial instruments are classified and measured as described below:

 

•

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss – Cash and cash equivalents are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and are measured at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at banks and on hand with original maturity of three months or less and are readily convertible to specified amounts of cash.

 

•

Amortized cost – Amounts receivable (excluding Canadian federal and provincial Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) receivable) are classified as and measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, less impairment losses, if any.

 

•

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income – Financial assets designated as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income on initial recognition are recorded at fair value on the trade date with directly attributable transaction costs included in the recorded amount. Subsequent changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income. We do not have any financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.

 

•

Non-derivative financial liabilities – Trade payables, accrued liabilities, loans payable, and the land fee installment payable are accounted for at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when: (i) we have a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, and (ii) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle such obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of such obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost.

Contingencies

Contingencies will only be recognized when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The assessment of contingencies involves the exercise of significant judgement and estimates of the outcome of future events.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive loss.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted as of the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognized with respect to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction

 

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that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiary and jointly controlled entities to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred tax is not recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously.

A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits, and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed as of each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

Share-based Payments and Warrants

We record compensation cost associated with equity-settled share-based awards based on the fair value of the equity instrument as of the date of grant. The fair value of stock options and warrants is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model which requires our management to make estimates and assumptions regarding, among other things, the expected life and market price of the equity instruments, volatility, and interest rates. The fair value of DSUs is measured at the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares, as estimated by our management, on the date of grant. The compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, if any, based on the estimate of equity instruments expected to vest. The estimate of stock options and DSUs expected to vest is revised at the end of each reporting period. When stock options or warrants are exercised, the proceeds received by us, together with any related amount in contributed surplus, is credited to share capital.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

The following are certain accounting pronouncements issued by the IASB or the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (which we refer to as the “IFRIC”) that are mandatory for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2022, and that we believe are applicable to, and will have a significant impact on, our Company.

IAS 1—Presentation of Financial Statements (which we refer to as “IAS 1”) was amended in January 2020 to provide a more general approach to the classification of liabilities under IAS 1 based on the contractual arrangements in place at the reporting date. The amendments clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or noncurrent is based solely on a company’s right to defer settlement at the reporting date. The right needs to be unconditional and must have substance. The amendments also clarify that the transfer of a company’s own equity instruments is regarded as settlement of a liability, unless it results from the exercise of a conversion option meeting the definition of an equity instrument. These amendments to IAS 1 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 was also amended in February 2021 through the issuance by the IASB of ‘Disclosure of Accounting Policies’, which is intended to help preparers in deciding which accounting policies to disclose in their financial statements. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

IAS 8—Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors (which we refer to as “IAS 8”) was amended in February 2021 through the issuance by the IASB of ‘Definition of Accounting Estimates’, which is intended to help entities distinguish between accounting policies and accounting estimates. These amendments to IAS 8 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

 

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IAS 16—Property, Plant and Equipment (which we refer to as “IAS 16”) was amended in May 2020 to introduce new guidance that provides that the proceeds from selling items before the related property, plant and equipment is available for its intended use can no longer be deducted from the cost. Instead, such proceeds are to be recognized in profit or loss, together with the costs of producing those items. These amendments to IAS 16 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022.

IAS 37—Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (which we refer to as “IAS 37”) was amended in May 2020 to clarify that when assessing if a contract is onerous, the cost of fulfilling the contract includes all costs that relate directly to the contract (i.e., a full-cost approach). Such costs include both the incremental costs of the contract (i.e., costs a company would avoid if it did not have the contract) and an allocation of other direct costs incurred on activities required to fulfill the contract (e.g., contract management and supervision, or depreciation of equipment used in fulfilling the contract). These amendments to IAS 37 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022.

Results of Pre-Operation Development Activities

The following table sets forth the results of our pre-operation development activities for the periods indicated:

 

		Three months ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2023				2022				2021
Statements of Loss and Other Comprehensive Loss Information:
General and administrative expenses:
Consulting and management fees		$	577,465			$	3,796,388			$	5,441,156			$	2,713,548			$	2,023,284
Professional fees			54,380				407,909				1,453,310				2,185,220				644,117
Share-based compensation			629,033				(103,985	)			4,703,254				24,474,191				357,189
Travel expenses			82,541				127,713				390,531				2,704,879				231,821
General office expenses			36,605				32,262				120,228				183,843				148,715
Foreign exchange loss			(3,054	)			(3,680	)			(10,552	)			62,479				68,243
Communications and promotions			59,392				60,130				1,251,155				398,880				62,528
Operating loss		$	1,436,362			$	4,316,737			$	13,349,082			$	32,723,040			$	3,535,897
Finance costs		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	405,249
Finance income			(4,444	)			(115,727	)			(302,720	)			(259,019	)			(5,056	)
Loss for the period before income taxes		$	1,431,918			$	4,201,010			$	13,046,362			$	32,464,021			$	3,936,090
Income taxes		$	20,687			$	33,466			$	160,838			$	155,360			$	93,276
Net loss for the period (after income taxes)		$	1,452,605			$	4,234,476			$	13,207,200			$	32,619,381			$	4,029,366
Other income (expense):
Items that subsequently may be reclassified into net income:
Foreign currency translation		$	2,204,377			$	(1,697,715	)		$	(4,912,866	)		$	(3,881,076	)		$	4,131,016
Total comprehensive loss for the period		$	3,656,982			$	2,536,761			$	8,294,334			$	28,738,305			$	8,160,382

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to three Months Ended March 31, 2023

Revenues

We did not generate any revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, as we are in the development stage and have not yet commenced any mining operations and potash production.

 

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