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Mosaic to Sell Brazil Potash Mining Operations to VL Mineracao
MosaicMosaic(US:MOS) ZACKS·2025-08-15 14:06

Company Overview - The Mosaic Company (MOS) has agreed to sell its Brazilian potash unit, Mosaic Potassio Mineracao Ltda (MPM), to VL Mineracao Ltda for up to $27 million, which includes $12 million at closing, $10 million one year later, and $5 million over the next six years [1][8] - VL Mineracao will also assume approximately $22 million in asset retirement obligations associated with the mine [1][8] Transaction Details - The sale is subject to approval from Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) and is expected to be completed by year-end 2025 [2] - Mosaic anticipates a book loss of $50–$70 million from this transaction [2][8] - Starting in the third quarter, Mosaic will classify the asset as "held for sale" [2] Operational Insights - The Taquari mine requires over $25 million in capital inputs to ensure sustained viability, and Mosaic believes that these funds could be better utilized elsewhere within the company [3] - VL Mineracao is committed to investing in the Taquari operations to benefit the local economy and community [3] Industry Context - For full-year 2025, Mosaic expects phosphate production volumes to be between 6.9 million and 7.2 million tons, while potash production is projected at 9.3 million to 9.5 million tons [4] - Mosaic Fertilizantes sales volumes are anticipated to be at the lower end of the 10-10.8 million ton range [4] - Nutrien projects retail adjusted EBITDA of $1.65 to $1.85 billion for 2025, driven by stronger sales in North America and improved conditions in Brazil and Australia [5] - CF Industries indicates a favorable global nitrogen supply-demand balance, with Brazil expected to import over 5 million metric tons of urea [6] - Interpid Potash reports ongoing pricing support in the potash market due to strong fundamentals [7]