The "SQM Online" website is now available
“SQM Online” is the new virtual monitoring system launched by the mining company to provide daily reports on the extraction of industrial water, brine, and other relevant environmental information.
Although lithium mining operations in the Atacama Salt Flat have always been subject to environmental monitoring, this is the first time that the information will be available to all interested individuals and organizations. With this initiative, which fulfills the terms of the contract amendment signed with CORFO in 2018, SQM reinforces its commitment to creating shared social value and respecting people, the environment, and local communities.
Since August 31 , the website “SQM en Línea” allows access to parameters and variables obtained from approximately 300 measurement points , located from the core of the Salar to its surrounding areas.
Transparency and access to real-time environmental information
In this step towards more sustainable mining, SQM will report on the monitoring and control of environmental variables related to its operations and surrounding areas. On the platform, users will be able to access:
Information on brine extraction and industrial water.
Meteorological data.
Environmental monitoring variables.
Content that allows for a better understanding of how the operation works.
Javier Silva, SQM's Corfo Contract Manager, explained that “the new portal contains a wide variety of information, from continuous measurement systems for variables such as extractions and levels, to on-site measurements taken by both SQM personnel and external entities validated for these tasks. The frequency of each of these records is governed by the commitments made in the current Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA), and by the resolutions issued by the Superintendency of the Environment regarding online monitoring systems.”
Investment and objectives of the monitoring system
The executive added that this system, which represented an investment of US$1.000.000 , seeks to increase the information available on the environmentally sensitive systems of the Salar and its surroundings, improve the knowledge of its hydrogeological and hydrological dynamics and maintain control against possible deviations, applying preventive actions.
“We are committed to making this information public as a means of verifying compliance with extraction obligations, based on established operational rules and with the objective of ensuring the sustainability of the Atacama Salt Flat,” Silva stated.
What will you find on the platform?
Water resource extraction: daily and accumulated data on brine and industrial water, authorized limits and flow rates per well.
Hydrogeological monitoring: historical and continuous groundwater levels, along with information gathered from more than 225 measurement points.
Environmental variables: monitoring of biotic parameters, surface flows, lagoon area and other relevant environmental indicators.
Conceptual model of the Salar: explanation of the hydrological cycle, monitoring zones and variables monitored in each one.
Extraction of brine and industrial water
The site publishes the amount of brine extracted daily, respecting the limits approved by the environmental authority. This information is presented using daily and cumulative indicators.
In addition, the water extraction indicators for each well with environmental authorization are shown, expressed as average daily flow and its current limit. Volumes are recorded every minute . Historical levels are also included, and since March 2020, continuous levels have been included according to the online monitoring resolution of the General Directorate of Water (DGA).
The platform uses advanced technology to report daily water extraction and groundwater levels from the five authorized wells.
Monitoring of environmental variables in sensitive territory
SQM operates under a robust environmental management system whose objective is to verify that the variables evolve as projected, prioritizing the care of sensitive systems.
Biotic variables and more than 225 hydrogeological points are monitored , providing continuous information on:
Groundwater levels
Levels and surface flows
Lagoon area
Physicochemical parameters
Inter alia
Conceptual model of the Salar and environmental education
To facilitate understanding of how the Atacama Salt Flat works and the importance of continuous monitoring, the site includes a special section that explains the conceptual model of the Salt Flat, detailing the hydrological cycle, the monitoring zones, and the variables evaluated in each one.
Commitment to sustainable operations
SQM is recognized as a key player in industries crucial to human development and maintains a firm commitment to responsible and sustainable operations. This includes minimizing emissions, reducing water usage, protecting the environment, and lessening its impact on flora and fauna.
The company works alongside local communities to strengthen ecosystem protection and move towards more transparent and sustainable mining.
To learn more about this new platform, you can visit the Online Monitoring System page or go directly to: https://www.sqmsenlinea.com/
