The Chilean lithium company consolidates its commitment to transparency in the information it reports and measurements according to the highest levels of social and environmental protection in mining.
Santiago, Chile: SQM, a global leader in the production of world-class lithium, based in the Salar de Atacama, Chile, announces the start of a third-party audit according to the most rigorous standards of best practices in social responsibility and the environment in industrial-scale miners: the Initiative for the Assurance of Responsible Mining (IRMA) Responsible Mining Standard.
According to a United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report published in 2020, IRMA certification “is the only standard for industrial-scale mining focused on mine sites that considers multiple stakeholders. offering independent third-party verification and certification, requiring corrective action and continuous improvement.” In addition, IRMA is the only standard for mining sites that requires community participation in all steps of the process, a central aspect for SQM. The IRMA standard has the most robust criteria in relation to labor and fair terms of employment and occupational and community safety and health.”
By initiating an independent third-party audit that is publicly known, the company can now participate as a Member in the Initiative for the Assurance of Responsible Mining (IRMA) program. SQM is the second lithium mining company and the first mining company in Chile to initiate an independent IRMA audit and through it becomes a full member of IRMA.
Stakeholders can contact ERM-CVS auditors, an IRMA approved certification body, directly. Upon completion, an audit report will also be shared publicly, allowing reviewers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the operation and guide improvements. SQM encourages different stakeholders to participate in the audit and review the resulting report as the company works to continually improve its practices in the months and years to come.
This membership is part of SQM's established processes to work towards a higher standard of transparency and public responsibility in its corporate objectives on environmental matters, sustainable operations and social responsibility. It is also linked to the role that the company plays in the value chain of strategic companies that support human development, among which is the revolution of electric vehicles and sustainable mobility.
At the end of 2021, SQM also announced its participation in the UN's “Race To Zero” program and the testing of the first high-tonnage electric truck in Chile to be used in low-emission mining operations, further demonstrating your ESG commitments.
Commenting on the news, SQM CEO Ricardo Ramos said: “This is a fantastic step forward for SQM in our continued efforts to lead the industry in terms of sustainability commitments and public disclosure of our ESG goals. SQM's IRMA membership represents the latest development in a host of green initiatives, but we won't stop there. Our goal is to achieve IRMA Transparency Level by 2022 and IRMA 50 by 2025, and we feel strongly optimistic that we will be able to make the necessary changes to meet these carefully considered goals. This is an exciting time for SQM as we continue to explore innovative ways to make our lithium production ever more environmentally friendly, while listening to and supporting our local communities.”
About SQM
Headquartered in northern Chile, SQM has been providing solutions for human progress for 53 years through its five business lines. Its products are essential for the health, food and technology industries, and for the generation of clean energy that moves the world.
SQM was built and is managed based on a culture of excellence, safety, sustainability and integrity. It seeks to position itself as a leader in sustainability to create a "green" brand through its continuous efforts to manage natural resources responsibly, care for the environment, relationships based on trust with communities and the creation of shared social value.
About IRMA
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is the response to the global demand for more socially and environmentally responsible mining. IRMA offers independent third party certification and verification against the most rigorous and comprehensive mining standard. IRMA is the only global mining standard system governed equitably by civil society working alongside the private sector. IRMA can be used for all mined materials and provides 'one stop shop' for the full range of problems related to the impact of industrial-scale mines.
In order to promote value for mining companies to improve and adhere to the highest standards of responsible mining practices, and to support buyers' commitment to due diligence in reducing damage to supply chains, IRMA offers verification of part third-party performance according to rigorous and comprehensive criteria for social and environmental responsibility.
The IRMA standard was developed in 2006 in consultation with 100 other stakeholders, and can be applied to all sizes of industrial mines in all parts of the world. You can view more information on governance, requests in IRMA standards, and the audit process at www.responsiblemining.net.
