Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE: SQM) is a Chilean chemical and mining company founded in 1968. Originally established as a state-owned enterprise to exploit the rich mineral deposits of the Salar de Atacama, SQM was privatized in the mid-1980s and has since grown into a global leader in specialty nutrients and industrial chemicals. Headquartered in Santiago, the company leverages over five decades of experience extracting and processing a range of minerals from one of the world’s driest and most mineral-rich regions.
SQM’s primary business activities include the extraction and production of lithium, iodine, potassium nitrate, and other specialty fertilizers and chemicals. The company is one of the world’s largest lithium producers, supplying lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide for use in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Its portfolio also encompasses potassium chloride and nitrate-based plant nutrients, which are marketed under leading brands to agricultural markets across six continents.
Beyond its flagship operations in northern Chile, SQM maintains sales and distribution offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, ensuring a diversified global customer base. The company continues to invest in research and development, focusing on innovative applications for its mineral products in fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy technologies. SQM’s commitment to sustainable resource management is reflected in ongoing initiatives to reduce water usage, improve energy efficiency, and engage with local communities.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Ricardo Ramos, SQM emphasizes operational excellence and strategic expansion into high-growth markets. The company’s board of directors includes a mix of industry veterans and independent members, guiding corporate governance and ensuring alignment with international best practices. With its strong asset base, diversified product offerings, and global reach, SQM remains positioned as a key supplier of critical minerals and specialty chemicals for the 21st century.
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