Brazil is the 8^th largest economy is the world.  It is South America’s most prominent economy and has the highest GDP in the region.  The country has a well-developed commodities sector that includes gold and potash exploration and production.  Major resource companies with operations in the country include Rio Tinto, Vale and BHP Billiton.

Brazil is a world leader in gold exploration and production.  Gold companies currently operating in Brazil are expected to invest more than $1 billion to expand their current gold operations in order to meet global demand.

In addition to being one of the world’s leading gold producers, Brazil also has the potential to become a major potash producer.  Recent discoveries of potash indicate that the country may have major undeveloped potash resources. 

Botswana is located in southern Africa and is neighboured by Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.  The country has been a stable democracy since becoming an independent nation in 1966. Its per capita gross domestic product is one of the best in Africa, and its sovereign credit rating is the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa (A2 by Moody’s). As well, the Government is extremely supportive of resource and infrastructure development, as well as foreign investment into the country.

Botswana’s economy is best known for its diamond industry.  However the Government is committed to diversifying its economic base.  The country has more than 200 billion tonnes of coal reserves.  This has led to international interest in coal bed methane gas (CBM gas) exploration in Botswana.   There is significant potential for Botswana to become one of Africa’s first commercial CBM gas producers.