Port of Tocopilla obtains major environmental certification

The historic port of Tocopilla is the point of departure for SQM products exported around the world and an important link in the company’s production chain. It has adapted to the industry’s new requirements and aspires to obtain high international standards and reinforce the value of sustainability with a focus on people, community engagement and the environment.

As part of this effort, as of today the port facilities now have the important ISO 14001 certification for the storage, packaging and shipping of potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and fertilizers. The company has enhanced its processes in these areas of operation to obtain this and other major certifications.

“SQM is very proud to receive this leading certification, which represents quality, excellence and the responsible work of all of our port workers, who played a key role in this process.  We hope to continue along this line, always under the auspices of our Sustainability Plan, which invites us to develop a sustainable, environmentally friendly industry,” commented Javier Silva, SQM Sustainability Manager, speaking about the certification.

The executive added: “This is our first facility to be certified under ISO 14.001 in line with our Sustainability Plan and our strategy to certify all of our facilities.”

It is worth noting that keeping the certification valid will require on-site inspection audits at least once a year; therefore, in 2022, SQM’s Port of Tocopilla will once again receive a visit from the experts in charge of validating the certification.

This major accreditation joins the voluntary commitment that the port made in 2021 to Responsible Care, a verification process that promotes continuous improvement and excellence in the areas of occupational health, environmental protection, community engagement, industrial safety and facility security.