At SQM we have a strong commitment to sustainable development, carrying out our
operations in harmony with the environment and seeking to use natural resources
sustainably.
With clear commitments, deadlines and an investment of over US$200 million, SQM is executing a robust plan that deepens its responsibility with the environment and the sustainability of its operations.
The plan has three pillars of work, based on which we have set medium and long-term goals in terms of: water, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, ecosystem protection, being a contribution to sustainable industries, in addition to the co-creation of value with communities and workers.
• Strengthen the monitoring systems of the ecosystems surrounding our operations in order to provide an even more timely response.
• Reduce brine extraction by 50% by 2028 in accordance with the commitments made in the Environmental Impact Study, a process that began with a 20% reduction in extraction in November 2020.
• Reduce continental water consumption by 65% by 2040, starting with a 40% decrease by 2030, as projected in 2020.
• Be carbon neutral in all our products by 2040 and in the case of lithium and potassium chloride by 2030.
• Creation of a corporate waste management system to drive a cultural change towards sustainability. The first step is to measure, in order to then know how to reduce. Also include waste from suppliers, workers, collaborators and offices in Chile and the rest of the world.
• SQM is committed to responsibly managing the natural resources used, minimizing their direct impact on flora and fauna and working together with communities to support the care and protection of these ecosystems.
• Establish a strong local presence and be a good neighbor.
• Participate in the co-creation of value with communities in a sustainable manner over time.
• Strengthen local economies and the development of neighbouring communities, contributing to the creation of shared social value.
• All SQM workers are responsible community agents.
• Continue to ensure safe and inclusive working conditions.
• Through its operations, SQM guarantees safe and inclusive working conditions while participating in local economies and the sustainable development of neighboring communities.
• Continue to be a relevant player in the sustainable development of the world with high participation in key industries for human development, such as health, food, renewable energy and sustainable mobility, which improve the quality of life of people in the world.
• Build trust and credibility for years to come by reinforcing a brand that is publicly associated with the world’s green industries.
We have certifications for our products and processes to ensure their quality, care for people and the environment.
EcoPorts is the main environmental initiative of the European port sector. It was initiated
by a number of proactive ports in 1997 and has been fully integrated into the European
Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) since 2011. The founding principle of EcoPorts is to
create a level playing field on environment through cooperation and sharing of knowledge
between ports.
See certificate here: Verification Certificate Tocopilla Port
ISO 14000 is a family of standards related to environmental management systems (EMS).
It provides a framework for organizations to manage their environmental responsibilities in
a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability. The key
standard in this family is ISO 14001, which specifies the requirements for an EMS and
helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of
resources and reduction of waste.
See certificate here: ISO Certificate Tocopilla Port
Responsible Care® is the global initiative promoted by the International Council of
Chemical Associations ICCA (International Council of Chemical Associations), to promote
the sustainable development of the chemical industry, which is made explicit through the
slogan “Our Commitment to Sustainability” and demonstrates the commitment to
continuous work to improve health, safety and environmental standards of all products and
processes.
Our commitment is to comply with the 6 basic principles of Responsible Care®: continuous
improvement in environment, health and safety; efficient use of resources; listen, integrate
and work with surrounding communities; and provide help to promote responsible
management of chemicals. Additionally, re-certify every 3 years.
See certificate here: Verification Certificate Tocopilla Port