Tocopilla: Together Toward a Sustainable Future!

“Sustainable industry development, protecting our people and a steadfast commitment to Our Environment are core elements of our navigation chart toward a more prosperous future. The Director of Communications, Sustainability and Public Affairs at SQM, Pablo Pisani, summarized the Company’s current status in Tocopilla and northern Chile, where creating shared social value with residents of neighboring communities is a primary focus.

Based on the road map laid out in the Sustainability Plan, SQM has several initiatives underway in the district of Tocopilla, where collaboration with the community, the public sector and several social organizations has improved quality of life for hundreds of families.

In addition to this great initiative, the Company is committed to creating safe workplaces and to the environment. Some weeks ago, SQM’s port facilities earned an international certification for Responsible Care. The assurance process recognizes performance in occupational health, environmental protection, community relations, industrial safety and facility protection.

On education, SQM just signed an important agreement with the Municipality of Tocopilla and Inacap to allow youth to continue their technical studies and specialize to be more prepared for the professional challenges of the demanding labor market.

In terms of protecting the environment, the first Smart Recycling Center, created in conjunction with the Mr. Barber Foundation,  marked the completion of a 100% sustainable initiative to complement the 12 mini-recycling points already distributed between different neighborhood councils.

On inclusiveness, SQM is working with the Miradas Compartidas Foundation and their soccer academy to socially integrate children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Aiming to support local production, SQM signed a cooperation agreement with small-scale and individual artisanal miners in Tocopilla that transfers mining properties for exploitation by members of the Mining Industry Association of Tocopilla and the Artisanal Miners’ Union.

Also in Tocopilla, we teamed up with the La Semilla Foundation to encourage entrepreneurship, partnerships, training and business development by supporting “Puerto Cowork,” a hub that aims to support local entrepreneurs. One of the most recent initiatives was the Sustainability Challenge, which looks to maximize projects with sustainable and social focuses. This initiative attracted 96 applications.

On this municipal anniversary, SQM ratifies its commitment to continue working with the community on the sustainable development of Tocopilla.

Photo caption:

Verdical and SQM recently unveiled new vertical gardens. Students from the Arturo Prat and Bernardo O’Higgins schools played a leading role in this sustainable project.