Sustainable Production from Natural Resources: The SQM Experience
Patricio Contesse G.Chief Executive Officer
SQM
Nuestros productos
World major producer potassium nitrate, iodine and lithium
Earnings 2013: US$ 467.1 millions 4,700 employees and 5,400 contractors Production: + 2.5 million ton/year; delivered to 115
countries
35% Iodine and derivatives
21% Specialty Plant Nutrition
24% Potassium
11% Lithium and derivatives
8% Industrial Chemicals
Business Lines
Natural Resources
Caliche Brines
Nitrate
Iodine
Potassium
Lithium
Sustainable Development Policy
Safe workplace for workers Care for the environment Efficient use of resources Costumer satisfaction Good neighbor to the community
Safety, Health, Environment, Quality and Community Management Systems
Objectives
Certification on Responsible Care, international protocol for the Chemical Industry
We operate near sensitive sites … Salar de Atacama
In its borders there are • Lagoons, meadows and wetlands
with reach wildlife• Some areas are National Reserve• Indegenous communities
Pampa del Tamarugal and Salar de Llamara• Tamarugo forest (protected
specie)• Wildlife• Lagoons with stromatolites• Some areas are National Reserve• Local small farmers
Care for the Environment
Care for the Environment We apply high standards …
Minimize potential impact implementing control and mitigation measures Develop extensive scientific studies ; basis for environmental assessment and
operation All operations are audited regularly by authorities; decades without fines
Care for the Environment We apply high standards …
Develop environmental education programs for the community; jointly with public organizations
Contribute with scientific studies to increase knowledge of valuable ecological systems
Environmental Education Center at Pampa del Tamarugal
Care for the Environment
EnergyBiodiversity
82.7 Million GJ total energy consumption
92% of energy used is solar energy
Specialized Studies on biota and hydrogeology
Robust Monitoring Plans at Salar de Atacama and Pampa del Tamarugal
Thousands of variables monitored
WaterEmissions to
AirWaste
Handling
Recirculation to processes
Monitoring of environmental impact
846 l/s average consumption, equivalent to irrigation water for aprox. 300 hectares
Air quality monitoring
Reduction of PM10 at Maria Elena and Tocopilla Port
Estimation of GHG emissions
Authorized management systems
Over 50% of dangerous waste is disposed for recycling
Our products contribute to Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Projects …
Solar salts are used for thermal accumulation of solar energy; allows for continuous energy supply (day/night)
Mixture of 60% sodium nitrate and 40% potassium nitrate, both produced by SQM
For every 50 MW project -> 30 Th MT of solar salts.
There are a total of 1,600 MW of Solar Plants operating with thermal storage systems
A new plant will be installed in northern Chile (110 MW)
Care for the Environment
“We mantain a close and long term relationship with our neighbors,
based on respect, trust and mutual development”.
Strategic Guidelines
Relationship with the Community
Open dialogue with representatives of the communities near our operations and authorities.
Local development programs aligned with the needs of the community, emphasizing Education Culture and historical heritage Social development
Open Dialogue
Relationship with the Community
Annual communication program with members of the community• Delivery of regular information on
environmental issues• Involvement in environmental
monitoring and auditing fieldwork• Presentation of results of annual
independent audit
Open visits to our operation facilities Participation of local community in external
auditing program SQM participates in significant local events
Cultural heritage • Research an publications on local cultural
heritage• Participation in several Saltpeter Heritage
Corporations• Improvements in Historical Area at Maria ElenaEducation • Literary contest about the Saltpeter heritage• School support on Math and extracurricular
activities• Support cultural and artistic expressions,
traditional festivals and carnivals Support Micro-entrepreneurship• Micro-entrepreneurship Fund • Tourism Development Program • Atacama Tierra Fertil Program
Relationship with the Community
Social Development Programs Valued by the local community; developed
jointly with the community and based on their interests
Supported by authorities Agricultural Program “Atacama Tierra Fertil”
has proven to be a success for local farmers Hydroponics: lettuce, strawberries, tomatos Alfalfa crops with modern irrigation systems Includes educational program at local
technical school: Liceo Likan Antai
Relationship with the Community
Final Remarks
We develop our business with a long term perspective …
… a profitable business, committed with our employees, care for the environment and the
development of the community.