María Elena kicks off centennial celebration with heritage exhibition in Antofagasta

• Local, regional and academic authorities helped inaugurate an exhibition that highlights the past, present and future of María Elena, the last operating nitrates office in the world.

An emotional ceremony held in Antofagasta officially kicked off the “María Elena Centennial Exhibition,” an activity organized by the Municipality of María Elena, Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) and SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the world’s last nitrates office.

Open to the public at the UCN university store until December 2025, the exhibition offers a journey through the history, identity and transformation of María Elena, addressing key aspects of its construction, rise and current role and highlighting the daily life of its inhabitants, education, health, recreational and sports activities, as well as its strategic importance in mining development, renewable energies and its projection as a tourist destination.

Aníbal Abogabir, Manager of Community Relations and Public Affairs for SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, remarked: “We, as heirs of the nitrates industry, are very proud to be part of this initiative that seeks to highlight the Pampa spirit throughout the country, starting with this informative panel on the history of María Elena.”

The ceremony was led by local and regional officials, who spoke of collaboration as a driver of territorial development. “We are convinced that when public-private coordination is done well, these are the results. This is how our municipality of María Elena has decided to kick off the celebration of its 100th anniversary. This is a historic milestone that should also be an opportunity to reconnect with our traditions and build a more sustainable future with greater opportunities for all,” commented Viviana Cuello, Mayor of María Elena.

Ricardo Díaz, governor of the Antofagasta Region, emphasized: “This centennial celebration is very meaningful, but we must prepare for the future. When we talk about the use of renewable energy, critical metals, or a Bi-Oceanic Railway that connects us to the world, María Elena’s role is key. The nitrate production done here projects us internationally. To nurture that wealth, we all have to work together, revive that history and project it into the future.”

As part of this activity, a collaboration agreement was also signed between Universidad Católica del Norte and SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, aiming to strengthen educational and outreach initiatives in the Antofagasta Region.

UCN Rector María Cecilia Hernández said: “As a university we are deeply grateful to be part of this celebration. This exhibition is only the beginning of joint work that will spotlight the stories of people, processes and territories that have built region and country. The agreement with SQM reinforces that commitment, providing opportunities for our students to do internships, thesis work and otherwise collaborate with the industry.”

The “Centennial Exhibition” is the starting point for a series of activities that will run until 2026, when Maria Elena will officially commemorate its centennial—a celebration that not only honors the past, but also looks to the future with identity, sustainability and community.