SQM Nitratos Yodo will use seawater in its production processes.
1-4-2024
The world leader in the production of specialty fertilizers and iodine is implementing various initiatives aimed at the protection and efficient use of water resources. The project includes the delivery of water to families in Chanavayita, Caramucho and Cáñamo creeks.
"At SQM, the responsible use of water is a relevant aspect of the company's production processes. In this context, the Projects area of SQM Nitratos Yodo is developing Tente en el Aire (TEA), located at the Nueva Victoria site in the commune of Pozo Almonte, Tarapacá Region.
This project is aimed at incorporating new areas in the mining sector to increase production, adding the use of seawater to the production process, which will double the iodine production capacity. This will allow reaching 23 thousand tons by using 900 liters per second of seawater, without using continental water in this increase.
This is how Julio Ibáñez, H2V and EE Project Manager at SQM Nitratos Yodo, explained it: "TEA will allow taking seawater from the Patillos area to Pampa Hermosa, where there will be a storage pool to later distribute this resource to the different operations".
However, this project will not only benefit the company, but will also provide fresh water to the surrounding communities. "As part of our environmental commitments, this initiative also contemplates the delivery of fresh water to the coves of Chanavayita, Caramucho and Cáñamo where we will build an osmosis plant, which will allow us to deliver 260m3 per day of fresh water to the community, the plant will not generate waste since its design considers reincorporating the salt rejects to the seawater system, to be used in SQM's production process", expressed the executive."
Asociación Chilena de Desalinización
"In addition to the implementation of this project, the company recently joined the Asociación Chilena de Desalinización y Reúso de Agua (ACADES), which arose as a coordinated response between different organizations to promote the development of the water reuse and desalination industries as alternative and sustainable sources of inland water.
In this regard, Rafael Palacios, executive vice-president of ACADES, said: "for ACADES it is crucial that the mining industry is part of it, since today it represents more than 85% of the country's installed desalination capacity, and the challenges we face in terms of water security can only be addressed in a collaborative manner".
The ACADES representative added: "in the search for new water sources, companies such as SQM are essential to lead the water transition that will take us from inland sources to non-conventional sources and, from there, contribute to the public debate, generating multi-sector alliances and sharing knowledge".
For his part, the H2V and EE Project Manager at SQM Nitratos Yodo, explained that being part of this association is extremely important, as it will facilitate knowledge and interaction with the different programs and initiatives that are being carried out for the correct management of water resources.
"Being part of this association will help us to learn about all the desalination projects that exist, but we are also very motivated to promote new initiatives. One of them is the use of shared infrastructure, which seeks to generate alliances with other companies for the construction of common water lines, reducing the impact on the environment and generating greater benefits," the executive detailed."
World leader in iodine production
In Tarapacá, SQM has the largest iodine plant in the world. In 2023 SQM achieved record production volumes of more than 13 thousand, so SQM's share in the world market is close to 35%, making Chile and SQM a world leader in this product that has 99.9% purity and is key in industries such as technology, health, and agriculture.
