SQM's commitment to the Global Compact and the SDGs
SQM joined the United Nations Global Compact with the aim of making concrete contributions to global sustainability. Through this commitment, the company seeks to promote and develop the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), organizing its contribution around three strategic pillars.
Joining the Global Compact allows SQM to be part of the bridge between the business world and the United Nations, collaborating with the main catalyst of global transformations in sustainability through concrete programs that contribute to a more sustainable society.
In that sense, the company defined three strategic pillars to move towards a global sustainable transformation: Solutions for Human Progress , Our People and Our Environment.
Solutions for Human Progress: Contribution to the SDGs
Through this initiative, SQM seeks to improve people's quality of life by focusing on the SDGs: Zero Hunger , Good Health and Well-being , Affordable and Clean Energy , and Climate Action . This contribution is realized through various actions and the sustainable production of its five business lines.
Potassium nitrate: Derived from a natural resource and boasting the lowest carbon footprint on the market, this specialty fertilizer improves resource efficiency. Its application through fertigation optimizes water use.
Iodine: Its production contributes directly to health, as it is the main component of injectable contrast media for clinical examinations and is used in the manufacture of various drugs.
Solar salts: They are the key input for supplying solar thermal plants, allowing clean energy to be generated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Lithium and derivatives: Used in electric vehicle batteries, they contribute to the development of electromobility and the green automotive industry, helping to reduce global CO₂ emissions.
Our People: Decent Work and Sustainable Communities
In this second pillar, SQM has committed to strengthening the SDG Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating more than 10.000 jobs in Chile and around the world. The company fosters local employment, promotes an inclusive environment, and guarantees safe working conditions for all employees.
In relation to the SDG Sustainable Cities and Communities , SQM has focused its efforts on contributing shared social value in neighboring communities, building joint initiatives aimed at their sustainable development and the improvement of their quality of life.
Our Environment: Water, climate and biodiversity
The third pillar is focused on the SDGs Clean Water and Sanitation , Climate Action and Life on Land.
Clean Water and Sanitation: SQM is committed to reducing fresh water consumption by 40% by 2030 and by 65% by 2040, considering all its operations.
Climate Action: The mining company is committed to being carbon neutral in Lithium, Potassium Chloride and Iodine by 2030, and in all its products by 2040.
Terrestrial Ecosystems Life: SQM will work on the responsible management of the natural resources used, minimizing its direct impact on flora and fauna, and collaborating with communities in the protection of local ecosystems.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
It is important to note that the Global Compact considers the 17 SDGs defined by the United Nations:
- End of poverty
- Zero hunger
- Health & Wellness
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and non-polluting energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Reduction of inequalities
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible production and consumption
- climate action
- Submarine life
- Life of terrestrial ecosystems
- Peace, justice and strong institutions
- Alliances to achieve the objectives
