With the aim of being self-sufficient in supplies of potassium chloride (KCl), raw material for the production of potassium nitrate, SQM began operations in the Atacama Salt Flats. The initial investment included the construction of a plant for potassium chloride and potassium sulfate. Currently the business line of potassium includes the sale of these two potassium fertilizers.The main sources of potassium that exist in the market for use in fertilizers are: Potassium chloride (KCl), potassium sulfate (K2SO4) and potassium nitrate (KNO3). Of these three, potassium chloride is the most commonly used worldwide. SQM is a low-cost producer with the flexibility to produce these three sources of potassium based on market needs.