Port SQM Tocopilla receives international environmental management certification
5-1-2024
SQM and its Port of Tocopilla took a new step towards a more sustainable industry by receiving Ecoports certification, awarded by the ECOSLC Foundation through the validation of the independent auditor LRQA of the Netherlands, a leading environmental initiative for the European port sector, which offers a series of environmental management tools based on global standards.
Sustainability is an integral and unrenounceable commitment that the chemical company carries out, setting several goals each year in the environmental, social and productive areas, which is why, together with the community of Tocopilla, the certificate was presented to the Operaciones Puerto team, headed by its manager, Jorge Tellez.
"Currently there are very few ports in Chile that have this certification, which invites us to continue perfecting our way of operating, mitigating the environmental risks that may arise. As a company we are convinced that this is not just a diploma, but a tool that will allow us to continue managing our processes at the Port of Tocopilla," said Ignacio Majluf, SQM's Corporate Affairs Manager for Nitrates and Iodine, during the ceremony.
Jorge Tellez, SQM's Port Operations Manager, referred to this achievement, adding that "it leaves us at a very relevant level to continue becoming a benchmark for green ports in Chile. I thank all the teams that have made this certification possible, mainly the Tocopilla Port Operations management team and the Sustainability and Environment areas".
The Ecoports Certification is in addition to the recognition that SQM and its Coya Sur mine also received in the framework of the Clean Production Agreement (APL) "Transition to the Circular Economy", awarded by Corfo's Sustainability and Climate Change Agency (ASCC), highlighting the progress achieved in the circular economy and the progress made in the management of its production processes.
Pablo Pisani, SQM's Corporate Affairs Manager for Nitrates and Iodine, commented: "As a company we wanted to share with the community the significance of this Ecoports certificate and APL recognition for two sites that are part of this territory. Beyond the community contribution we make, it is very important that we continue to talk about sustainability, from the communities, through our processes and moving towards a more sustainable industry.
APL recognition highlights circular economy efforts in two major dimensions: Waste Management and Energy Management, seeking, implementing and perfecting concrete initiatives to achieve circularity.
In terms of energy, SQM is conducting a technical and economic evaluation of wave energy, which uses the power of ocean waves to generate electricity, while in terms of waste management, the company is in the process of converting its sites into zero plastic bottle zones, changes that will allow it to forge a culture of sustainability within the company.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Provincial Delegation of Tocopilla and workers of the Port and Coya Sur, and highlighted the commitment of the teams to operate in a sustainable manner, moving forward in environmental matters related to the port facility in Tocopilla.
