News
- High school students learned about and explored the laboratory and port operations, discovering more about the processes that support the iodine and nitrate industry in northern Chile.
As part of SOFOFA’s Open Companies program, SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition opened its doors to the student community, giving young people from the Antofagasta Region a chance to learn about the processes and technologies used at its facilities in the regional capital and the Port of Tocopilla.
A total of 25 twelfth-grade students specializing in chemical analysis from Oscar Bonilla High School in Antofagasta toured the Caliche Iodine Laboratory at SQM’s Antofagasta office. During the day, the students observed the analysts’ daily work, learned about the equipment and procedures, and understood the importance of safety.
“I really liked the work environment. Everything seemed very organized and in the right place. The lab did not seem dangerous, but rather a nice place to work,” said Hellen Marquínes, a student at Oscar Bonilla High School.
Jacqueline Campillay, a chemical analyst at the Caliche Iodine Laboratory, noted: “It is very gratifying to have the student community tour our facilities, so we can show them our work, technology and analysis procedures, and share our experience and knowledge in our area of expertise.”
The activity also took place at the Port of Tocopilla, where 45 eleventh- and twelfth-grade students from Domingo Latrille High School had a unique experience learning about the operational processes that take place at the port.
“As a company, these activities are part of our essence. We want different organizations to learn about our work. This initiative was developed through collaboration by several areas, giving the students a first-hand look at our work and importance in the region,” emphasized Manuel Ossandón, Head of Community Relations for SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition.
Such activities seek to bring the business world closer to new generations, promoting practical learning and linking it with the production environment, helping develop human capital for the future of the region.
