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Value chain and sustainability

At SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition we are responsible for delivering quality products that strictly comply with the committed standards and applicable regulations, as well as providing timely attention and service to our customers and consumers, through a strict Quality Management System. We are also committed to advocate for human rights, fair treatment and environmental protection throughout our production chain.At SQM, we are responsible for providing quality products that meet the standards we have committed to and applicable regulations. We also provide timely service to our consumers and customers through a rigorous quality control system. We are also committed to promoting human rights, fair treatment and environmental protection throughout our production chain.

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Nitrates Process

This process is carried out partly or completely at: Maria Elena, Pedro de Valdivia and Nueva Victoria plants.

Caliche ore is leached in heaps in our Maria Elena, Nueva Victoria and Pampa Blanca plants (located in Sierra Gorda), obtaining primary solutions for iodine production. Subsequently, they are transported to solar evaporation ponds where salts containing high concentrations of nitrate go through a crystallization process. After crystallization, these salts are transported to the Coya Sur plants, where they are used as input during potassium nitrate production.
In 2023, the production volume for industrial nitrates was 160.4 thousand metric tons and sales volume reached 180.4 thousand metric tons. In the case of nitrates (sodium, potassium and sodium potassium nitrates) and other specialty fertilizers and blends, the production volume was 925 thousand metric tons and sales reached 847 thousand metric tons.

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Potassium Production Process

Process carried out in: Atacama Salt Flats

After their extraction, the salt brines are pumped into evaporation ponds in order to obtain concentrated brines and salts. These deposited salts are duly harvested and transported. Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate and Boric Acid are obtained by grinding, floating, drying and compacting processes.
In 2023, the volume of potassium production (chloride and sulfate) reached 1,208.4 thousand metric tons. In turn, sales volume reached 543.1 thousand metric tons during the same period of time.

Potassium chloride produced at the Atacama Salt Flats is one of the few raw materials used to produce potassium nitrate at our Coya Sur mine.

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Iodine Process

Process carried out partly or completely in: Maria Elena, Pedro de Valdivia, Coya Sur and Nueva Victoria.

The solutions resulting from leaching Caliche ore at Pedro de Valdivia, Maria Elena and Nueva Victoria plants are used in the production of iodine coming from iodate which is contained therein. Part of the iodate in this solution is reduced into iodide by using sulfur dioxide, which is produced by burning the sulfur. The resulting iodide is combined with the rest of the original iodate solution in order to release elemental iodine. Solid iodine is then refined through a smelting and prilling process.
In 2023, the production volume of iodine and iodide derivatives at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition was 13.9 thousand metric tons and sales volume reached 13.1 thousand metric tons.