Our Products
Nitrates

The caliche ore deposits in northern Chile contain the world’s largest known nitrate and iodine deposits, making it the only commercially viable source of natural nitrate.

From our caliche ore deposits, we produce a wide range of nitrate-based products, used as specialty plant nutrients and in industrial applications, as well as iodine and its derivatives.

At SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, we have over 30 years of experience and currently operate the Nueva Victoria plant, the world’s largest iodine production facility.

At our María Elena, Coya Sur, and Pedro de Valdivia plants in Antofagasta, we produce potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate, in addition to iodine.

How do we produce it?

We have state-of-the-art technology and proven experience to carry out highly efficient production processes in each of our business lines.

The potassium nitrate production process begins with the extraction of caliche ore, which is then transported to the leaching heaps, where a solution is applied to dissolve the soluble components.

These mineral-rich solutions are channeled to solar evaporation ponds, where, thanks to the desert climate, the compounds naturally concentrate through water evaporation.

Once concentrated, the solutions pass through an intermediate products plant, where potassium chloride is added to form potassium nitrate.

This mixture then goes to the finished products plant, where the nitrate is produced in two forms: crystalline nitrate and prilled nitrate (small spheres).

Finally, both types of products are transported to the port, ready for export and use in applications such as high-efficiency fertilizers.

What are its main sources of use?

POTASSIUM NITRATE (KNO₃)

Obtained through the reaction of sodium nitrate and potassium chloride. Used in enamels, coatings, metal treatment, and in the manufacture of gunpowder.

SODIUM NITRATE(NaNO₃)

High purity product, used mainly in the production of explosives, ceramics, enamels, metal treatment and industrial applications.

THERMOSOLAR SALTS

Mixture of Sodium Nitrate (NaNO₃) and Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) with ideal chemical properties for thermal storage in solar thermal plants and sustainable electricity generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Natural nitrates are mineral compounds extracted from caliche, a mineral found in northern Chile that contains the largest known deposits of nitrate and iodine. Today, this is the only commercial source of natural nitrate in the world, positioning Chile as a strategic player in the global supply chain.

The process begins with the extraction of caliche ore, followed by leaching to dissolve its soluble components. The mineral-rich solutions are concentrated in solar evaporation ponds and then processed in industrial plants, where potassium chloride is added to form potassium nitrate. The final product is obtained in crystallized or prilled form, ready for export and industrial or agricultural use.

Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃): A source of potassium and nitrogen used in specialty fertilizers, enamels, coatings, metal treatment, and gunpowder manufacturing. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO₃): A high-purity product used in explosives, ceramics, enamels, metallurgical processes, and other industrial applications. Both compounds stand out for their high efficiency and purity, which are essential in demanding technical applications.

Solar salts are a mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate with properties ideal for thermal storage. They are used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants to store heat and generate electricity sustainably, contributing to the energy transition and the reduction of emissions.

SQM has more than 30 years of experience, operates highly advanced industrial plants in northern Chile, and manages one of the world’s largest iodine production facilities. Its efficient processes, export logistics, and strong focus on quality and sustainability ensure a reliable supply for strategic industries worldwide.