SQM's lithium operation in the Salar de Atacama has achieved IRMA 75 certification, becoming the first lithium mining operation in the world to achieve this level of recognition from the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).
What is IRMA 75?
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is a voluntary international standard that independently assesses the social and environmental performance of mining operations. Its purpose is to promote ethical, transparent, and sustainable mining practices through third-party audits.
Within this assessment system, IRMA 75 corresponds to a certification level that demonstrates that a mining operation has met at least 75% of the requirements established by IRMA, verified independently.
By achieving IRMA 75 in the Salar de Atacama, SQM becomes the first lithium mining operation in the world to achieve this recognition, consolidating its commitment to transparency, sustainability, and responsible mining.
IRMA scoring system
The IRMA scoring system is a way of measuring a mining operation's level of compliance with the standard's social and environmental requirements. The assessment is conducted through independent audits and recognizes four performance levels, which indicate each operation's degree of progress:
- IRMA Transparency: The mining operation is audited by an independent third party and publishes the results of its assessment.
- IRMA 50: the operation meets at least 50% of the requirements defined by IRMA.
- IRMA 75: The operation is accredited to meet 75% of the IRMA standard requirements.
- IRMA 100: corresponds to the highest level, which certifies compliance with 100% of the established requirements.
SQM and its commitment to sustainability
SQM is working to become the world's most sustainable lithium producer. Its goals include:
- Achieve carbon neutrality in lithium products by 2030.
- Reduce your carbon footprint to zero by 2040.
- Reduced continental water consumption in the Salar de Atacama by 50% and projected a 65% reduction by 2040.
- Active participation in the global Race To Zero campaign.
In addition, constant monitoring of water resources is carried out by a scientific team that thoroughly studies the geological and hydrogeological conditions of the Salar.
Shared value with Chile and the communities
In 2022, SQM became Chile's largest taxpayer, contributing more than US$5 billion to the state and regions. Additionally:
- It contributes between US$10 and 15 million annually to indigenous communities surrounding the Salar de Atacama.
- It delivers 1,7% of SQM Salar's revenues to the regional government of Antofagasta, the municipalities of Antofagasta, María Elena, and the commune of San Pedro de Atacama.
- Invest in research, development, and job training programs to support the local economy.
- It fosters the creation of shared social value by working with communities in key areas such as entrepreneurship, agriculture, and education, in addition to supporting medical and dental services, improving the well-being of remote communities.
- It facilitates the employment of people from neighboring communities through training and apprenticeship programs, gradually incorporating them into its operations.
In this way, SQM strengthens local development and the well-being of the communities near the Atacama Salt Flat, ensuring that its operations generate tangible positive impacts in the region.
Voices highlighting the achievement
Ricardo Ramos, General Manager of SQM, commented:
“Achieving IRMA 75 for our lithium operations in the Salar de Atacama is an important milestone and a testament to the hard work of everyone at SQM. Committing our lithium mining operations to an IRMA audit and transparently sharing the audit results reflects our desire to improve and maintain an open dialogue with all stakeholders. We will continue to strengthen our work to become the world’s most sustainable source of lithium, to contribute to the communities surrounding the Salar de Atacama, and to further reduce our environmental footprint. This audit serves as a roadmap toward IRMA 100, full compliance with IRMA standards. The energy transition must be fair and sustainable, and we are proud to play our part. There is still much work to be done, but in collaboration with our stakeholders, we are committed to investing the necessary efforts to achieve our shared vision.”
For her part, Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA, noted:
“We congratulate the SQM team that conducted this IRMA audit. It demonstrates SQM's commitment to transparency and community engagement, and its intention to continue improving social and environmental performance at its Salar de Atacama operation.”
Looking at the future
With the IRMA 75 milestone, SQM strengthens its leadership in responsible lithium mining, key to a fair and sustainable energy transition. Therefore, the company will continue working with communities, authorities, and the global industry to achieve the maximum level of IRMA 100 certification.
Learn more about IRMA in our News and Certifications & Partnerships sections , and how we promote responsible mining. We also invite you to explore more content about our sustainability initiatives.
