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- The company held a ceremony led by its CEO, Pablo Altimiras, with participation from regional and community authorities. The project expects to produce six million tons per year until 2030.
In the midst of the saltpeter landscape of Chile’s Norte Grande, SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition officially reactivated the El Toco mine, a historic site that is back in operation after years of inactivity. The on-site event was led by the company’s CEO, Pablo Altimiras, who presented the scope of the project to the mayor of María Elena, Viviana Cuello; the regional governor, Ricardo Díaz; and the regional representative from the Ministry of Economy, Matías Muñoz.
A blasting operation was also carried out, a milestone symbolizing the productive rebirth of El Toco and marking the beginning of a new stage for the company in the Antofagasta Region. Altimiras highlighted the project’s strategic value for the company and for the local community.
“We have had very good conversations about our business, about the plans that the governor’s and the mayor’s office have, and that is very important because we know that we have to work together to improve things. We are committed to efficient, sustainable operations that generate shared value with the territory,” remarked the executive.
The site covers an area of 14 million square meters and has a team of 240 direct employees and 30 contractors, supported by 25 machines. Starting in 2026, it plans to operate 11 leaching heaps per year, each with a capacity of 500,000 metric tons, projecting an annual production of six million metric tons by 2030.
Governor Ricardo Díaz spoke about the project’s relevance for the regional economy, highlighting its contribution to employment and productive innovation. “SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition is contributing a lot to education and health issues for our region, specifically in María Elena. It’s only fitting for us to do what we can so that these new plants, which provide more jobs for María Elena, can work comfortably,” he said.
For her part, Mayor Viviana Cuello stressed the importance of this reactivation given the historical connection between María Elena and iodine mining: “This will provide benefits to our community, both in terms of direct employment and for local entrepreneurs and suppliers. We are going to see more development as we work hand in hand with the company for more sustainable long-term development for María Elena.”
With this reactivation, SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition seeks to consolidate its position as a global benchmark in the production of iodine and nitrates, strengthening its commitment to sustainability and local development in the heart of the world’s driest desert.
