The company has set the goal of promoting the path towards more inclusive and sustainable mining by obtaining certification in Gender Equality Management and Work-Life Balance in all its operations.
Santiago, Chile – January 09, 2025 – SQM Lithium has solidified its position as a pioneer in its industry by announcing its certification under Chilean Standard 3262 for Gender Equality Management and Work-Life Balance. This makes it the first mining company in the country to achieve this joint accreditation across all its operations, thanks to the efforts of its management and the commitment of its employees, encompassing the entire ecosystem, including partner companies.
“This certification is not only an institutional achievement, but also a recognition of the joint work of our entire team to foster a work environment where each person can fully develop, regardless of their gender. We are convinced that the balance between personal and professional life is a fundamental pillar. Internally, all levels of our company have taken on the challenge of conciliation as an indispensable value and we consider it our duty, and we have implemented it, to actively train collaborating companies so that they also incorporate these practices that allow us to improve the quality of life of everyone,” said Carlos Díaz, general manager of SQM Litio.
Certified under Chilean Standard 3262 on Gender Equality
The certification of the Chilean Standard 3262 seeks to accredit those organizations that promote gender equality management and the reconciliation of work, family and personal life. This certification, applied to specific sites, reinforces the company's Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality Management System, focused on four main axes: Gender, LGTBIQ+ community, People with Disabilities and Indigenous Peoples.
The accreditation is also aligned with the requirements of the international standard IRMA , new legal trends and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy promoted by the Ministry of Mining, reaffirming SQM Lithium's commitment to sustainable development and equity in the Chilean mining sector.
SQM Lithium initiatives for more inclusive mining
The process to obtain this certification included an exhaustive analysis of SQM Litio's policies, practices and working conditions, highlighting initiatives such as working with the Miradas Compartidas Foundation ; the constant training of women in the north to develop in STEM careers and actions that seek to break down gender barriers in the mining industry.
“It is an ongoing and collaborative process in which we all play a crucial role. We are very grateful for the support and commitment of each of the teams in this work that took us more than 10 months to complete. In the meantime, we are moving forward together towards a more inclusive and equitable work environment for everyone because promoting diverse environments is strategic for the success and sustainability of organizations,” added Bárbara Blümel, Assistant Manager of Talent Attraction and Diversity at SQM Litio.
Internal policies that promote a culture of inclusion
SQM Litio has created policies that seek to incorporate diversity and inclusion with full compliance with the required legal frameworks, thus covering instances such as gender equality training, talks for supervisors, compensation, training, ergonomics and infrastructure. For example, the creation of the Diversity and Inclusion Management System with a focus on men, women, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities was a key action for certification, due to its principle of community work, with collaborators and in a broad ecosystem of inclusion.
“We are talking about internal policies that ensure that non-traditional issues are not only discussed within the organization, but also externally as a culture of inclusion,” said Bárbara Blümel.
With this recognition, SQM Litio positions itself as a benchmark in terms of gender equality and work-life balance in Chile, setting a new standard for the mining industry, being the first mining company in Chile to receive this recognition and certification jointly in all its operations. Within the company, they confirm that they will continue working to expand their positive impact on communities and reaffirm their commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable work environment.
If you are interested in learning more about our inclusion measures, you can visit our Corporate Policies or our News section.
