Lithium and derivatives

Lithium and its derivatives are a key input for the development of electromobility and the technologies that are moving the world; it is also very important for the pharmaceutical industry and for industrial uses. As the world's largest producer in this market and the one with the lowest cost, we are committed to the development and sustainability of the lithium industry, where our efforts aim to deliver high-quality products in a timely manner, but also to make significant investments in order to to ensure product availability.

Contribuyendo al desarrollo de los ODS de Pacto Global

A través de la producción de Litio y derivados utilizados en baterías de vehículos eléctricos, SQM contribuye a una transición hacia la electro-movilidad, permitiendo disminuir las emisiones globales de CO2 producidas por autos de combustión fósil.

Our products

Lithium Carbonate

Given its versatility, lithium carbonate is used in diverse industries such as electronics, ceramics and glass, etc. Because of its elevated electrochemical potential and the fact that it is the lightest solid element, its main use is as a cathode material in lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have experienced strong and growing demand in recent years, mainly due to the sharp growth in the market for electric vehicles but also because of their use in laptop computers, mobile phones and digital cameras. SQM produces lithium carbonate in its Salar del Carmen plant, close to Antofagasta, Chile, from solutions with high lithium concentrations extracted from the Salar de Atacama.

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Lithium Hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide is used mainly to produce lubricating grease that can withstand extreme temperature and load conditions. Approximately 70% of lubricating greases produced in the world contain lithium. Lithium hydroxide is also used in batteries and colorants. SQM produces lithium hydroxide in its Salar del Carmen plant, close to Antofagasta, Chile, from lithium carbonate that is produced at the same plant.

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Use and Applications of Lithium

Did you know that SQM is a Chilean company and one of the largest producers of lithium in the world? Lithium is about more than electromobility. Watch this video to learn more about the uses and applications of this key input for clean energies that move the world.

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