With clear commitments, deadlines and an investment of over US $ 200 million, SQM is executing a robust Sustainability Plan that deepens its responsibility to the environment, the sustainability of its operations and the entire value creation cycle in which we participate. The plan was developed based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes a series of company-wide initiatives that seek not only to demonstrate, but also to guarantee our commitment to the environment and the communities surrounding our operations.
Goals and Environmental Commitments
Brine extraction decrease
At SQM, Sustainability is a core value that urges us to constantly assume new challenges and commitments, aligned with the aspirations of the communities surrounding our operations, clients, collaborators, and the different stakeholders with whom we interact. Along these lines, in the Salar de Atacama, as of November 2020 we reduce the extraction of brine by 20%. Committed to deepening and strengthening our environmental management, we will continue to advance until we reduce brine extraction by 50% by 2030.
Continental Water Reduction
We are committed in all our operations to reduce the consumption of continental water, reaching a reduction of 40% by 2030 and 65% by 2040.
Neutral Carbon
We are currently one of the global lithium producers with the lowest carbon footprint. We aspire to be carbon neutral in all our products by 2040. In the case of lithium, potassium chloride and iodine by 2030.
Creation of shared value
For years SQM has guaranteed safe and inclusive working conditions, along with boosting local economies and the development of neighboring communities, contributing to the creation of shared social value. SQM is committed to continuing to improve the monitoring systems of the ecosystems that surround them in order to provide an even more timely response. In addition, the reduction of waste generated in operations, as well as that of its suppliers, workers, collaborators and offices in Chile and the rest of the world, stands out.
High standard in reportability
We seek by the year 2030 to be a company that is publicly associated with the world's green industries. To this end, we have made progress on sustainability issues through the publication of a Human Rights Policy; an online monitoring plan for operations in the Salar de Atacama; integration as members of the United Nations Global Compact and adherence to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); and participation in the Global Battery Alliance, among other measures that we intend to continue expanding.
Our Annual Sustainability Report, which follows the highest ESG publication standards, and is audited by independent experts, was incorporated into the measurement and certification of the methodology proposed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Recently, the S&P Dow Jones Index announced the results of the evaluations carried out and SQM qualified for both the DJSI Chile Index and the DJSI MILA Pacific Alliance Index.
Likewise, we started a diagnostic process at CDP; an international non-profit organization that helps companies and cities publicize their environmental impact related to greenhouse gases, water use and consumption, and biodiversity.
