SQM supports small-scale and artisanal miners in Tocopilla
The company transferred a 100-hectare mining property to two mining associations in Tocopilla. With support from SQM, they plan to install a processing plant and optimize their production process.
With a focus on contributing to economic development in Tocopilla and improving the residents’ quality of life, representatives from SQM signed a collaboration agreement with the Mining Industry Association of Tocopilla (Agremit) and the Artisanal Miners’ Union to support these organizations in setting up a mining plant that is administered and operated entirely by the groups.
The document signed by the Vice President of Nitrate Operations at SQM, José Miguel Berguño; the President of Agremit, Esteban Páez and the President of the Artisanal Miners’ Union, Walter Cerezo, involves four main initiatives: transferring 100 hectares of the Colupito mining property; training miners to optimize the production process; training students at Diego Portales Technical High School, and finally, supporting and funding the pre-feasibility study currently led by the Antofagasta Scientific and Technology Center (Citicem).
“To SQM, sustainability is a fundamental part of developing the industry and communities. We have a great opportunity to work on projects with small-scale miners, to find commonalities through dialogue and contribute to the quality of life of people in Tocopilla. As a company, we need to present the communities with joint solutions that benefit people,” said José Miguel Berguño, an SQM executive, at the signing ceremony.
Esteban Páez, President of Agremit, was emphatic about the importance of the agreement, “We are gaining a strong strategic partner. Now we will advance toward making our project happen. We want to help small-scale mining in Tocopilla.”
Regarding the mining project, Páez added, “The idea is to have our own plant, operated by the union and the association, and to interest young people from our district in mining.”
Finally, the President of the Union of Artisanal Miners, Walter Cerezo, remarked that this partnership restores their hope and “opens new doors for local small-scale miners.”
