SQM

About

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) is a Chilean chemical and mining company with a global presence. Founded in 1968, the company develops, produces, and markets lithium and its derivatives, iodine and its derivatives, potassium products, specialty plant nutrients, potash fertilizers, and industrial chemicals. SQM uses natural resources from northern Chile, including deposits in the Atacama Desert and brines from the Salar de Atacama. Its products serve industries including agriculture, healthcare, nutrition, renewable energy, and technology, and the company distributes products to more than 100 countries through its international sales network.

SQM is particularly significant in the global lithium market, producing lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide at its Salar del Carmen facilities near Antofagasta. The company also has major businesses in specialty plant nutrition, iodine, potassium, and industrial chemicals. Its international commercial network includes offices and operations in numerous countries, while its principal executive offices are located in Santiago, Chile.

Products and Services

• Lithium Carbonate — a key lithium compound used primarily in lithium-ion battery cathode materials, as well as in ceramics, glass, and other applications.
• Lithium Hydroxide — used in lithium-ion batteries, lubricating greases, and other industrial applications.
• Iodine and Iodine Derivatives — products for pharmaceutical, nutritional, industrial, and technological applications.
• Specialty Plant Nutrients — specialty fertilizers and crop nutrition products designed to improve nutrient-use efficiency and crop performance.
• Potassium Products — potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, and other potassium-based fertilizers.
• Potassium Nitrate — a specialty fertilizer used in agricultural and horticultural applications.
• Sodium Nitrate — used in agriculture and industrial applications and as a component of thermal solar salts.
• Solar Salts — sodium and potassium nitrate-based products used for thermal energy storage in concentrated solar power plants. SQM produces approximately 1.5 million metric tons of sodium and potassium nitrate annually from its natural resources.
• Industrial Chemicals — including industrial nitrates and other chemical products.
• Magnesium Products — including magnesium chloride hexahydrate (bischofite).
• Boron Products — including boric acid and related products.
• Other Fertilizers and Blends — SQM also markets certain fertilizers that it does not manufacture itself, including potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and potassium chloride.

Contacts

Phone: +56 2 2425 2000

Address: El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile