Given its versatility, lithium carbonate is used in diverse industries such as electronics, ceramics and glass, etc. Because of its elevated electrochemical potential and the fact that it is the lightest solid element, its main use is as a cathode material in lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have experienced strong and growing demand in recent years, mainly due to the sharp growth in the market for electric vehicles but also because of their use in laptop computers, mobile phones and digital cameras. SQM produces lithium carbonate in its Salar del Carmen plant, close to Antofagasta, Chile, from solutions with high lithium concentrations extracted from the Salar de Atacama.

Lithium hydroxide is used mainly to produce lubricating grease that can withstand extreme temperature and load conditions. Approximately 70% of lubricating greases produced in the world contain lithium. Lithium hydroxide is also used in batteries and colorants. SQM produces lithium hydroxide in its Salar del Carmen plant, close to Antofagasta, Chile, from lithium carbonate that is produced at the same plant.