Pozo Almonte

Development of the Pampa del Tamarugal Livestock Productive Unit

To strengthen livestock development in Pozo Almonte, we developed jointly with the Pampa del Tamarugal Aymara Indigenous Farmers Association, a 30-hectare unit for alfalfa farming and production within the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve.

Achievements:

• The first harvest of 10 hectares in 2023 yielded 10,907 alfalfa bales weighing 30 kilograms each, benefiting 19 families and more than 5,000 head of cattle
• We gave agricultural machinery for the harvesting activities: tractor, mower, baler, spinning machine, traction cart and fumigator.
• We gave 20 tons of feed for the associates’ livestock.
• We worked on the installation of water matrices and technified irrigation systems during the second phase of the project, as well as the construction of a storage shed for the harvest.  
• The Program “Desarrollo Unidad Productiva Ganaderos de la Pampa del Tamarugal” obtained the second place in “People” category in the Entrepreneurial Awards Conecta 2023 which was part of Pacto Global Chile de las Naciones Unidas

Pozo Almonte Center for Agricultural Research and Development

In 2019, we inaugurated a research center of 1,150 m² located in the Los Pinos campsite, in order to promote the development of hydroponic crops and the production of cheese for the local market. It is a unique initiative of this kind in the Tarapaca Region

Achievements:

• We trained people that wanted to grow their own hydroponic cultivations and dairy.
• During 2023 359 visits were registered and there was a production of 16.567 hydroponic lettuces.
• In the dairy area, two farmers produced goat cheese with health permits.
• Implementation delivery and tools to improve the elaboration of cheese.
• Course: “Goat Milk Subproducts” to strengthen the local circular economy.
• Purchase of ozone and oxygen nano-bubbles generation equipment in the greenhouse of the Agricultural Search and Investigation Centre to improve the oxygenation of the nutritive solution and to control diseases in the floating roots crops.
• The students from Liceo Padre Alberto Hurtado de Pica were performing their professional practice in the installations oriented to the transfer of technology in the territory that allows the growth of crops in the most dry deserts in the world.

Promoting Agriculture in Pintados Agriculture Colony – Pozo Almonte

We continue working with the farmers of Pintados Agriculture Colony, along with the following organizations: Tierras de Jehova Multicultural Indigenous Association and Juventud del Desierto Indigenous Aymara Association. The professional advisors of SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition are teaching good practices in order to improve the soil structure with the help of sanding and washing to recover farming land for the community.

Achievements:

• We implemented technified irrigation to save water.
• We gave farming equipment for soil preparation.
• We supplied seeds and plants along with a supervised plant nutrition program.
• We implemented a windbreaker to prevent wind damage of flowers in the crops and improve production.
• We donated photovoltaic panels to the Juventud del Desierto Indigenous Association to optimize water extraction processes and reduce costs.
• We improved agricultural roads by applying bischofite.

Energy System in La Tirana – Pozo Almonte

This project will be developed during the first half of 2023. Farmers and ranchers in El Carmelo sector of La Tirana have a modern photovoltaic installation that allows them to power up three-phase pumping and irrigation systems at the Alfalfa Production Center. This project was developed by the company Antü, winner of “More Lithium Less Footprint” award given by SQM. 

Achievements:

• The On Grid 40 kWp photovoltaic installation, consisting of 74 panels of 540 w each, will save about 800 thousand pesos per month in electricity costs.

Environmental Education Centers in Tamarugal

In early 2022, we inaugurated the Environmental Education Center, CEDAM, in the Llamara Salt Flats, with the objective of promoting the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Tarapaca. 

Achievements:

• Protection of the last relict of native tamarugo trees forest, the only wetland on the intermediate depression in this area of Chile, which also has features of scientific interest. 
• In 2023, the project had a visit from the Los Algarrobos school in Alto Hospicio, which belongs to Coanil, allowing 70 students, their teachers and technicians to know more about the ecosystem in Lamara Salt Flats.

New Photovoltaic System – Pintados Farmers

The initiative is part of the commitments established with the local communities, which include road improvements, agricultural and livestock training, and ongoing support fro regional development.

Achievements:

• The farmers of Juventud del Desierto Indigenous Aymara Association in the Agricultural Colony of Pintados received a modern photovoltaic system, which will allow them to optimize and reduce water pumping costs. 
• Management of projects run by the company and the Municipality to benefit the families of Pintados Colony, such as improvement of roads with bischofite, among others.

Expansion of a Rural Health Post in La Tirana

 In July of 2023, we completed work on the expansion of a rural health post in La Tirana, located in Pozo Almonte. This was possible thanks to the support of SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, the Regional Government, the Seremi of Health, Comudespa and the Municipality of Pozo Almonte. 

Achievements:

• We installed 8 containers to increase the capacity of this health post, due to high demand from patients coming to La Tirana.
• We built a space for the Red Cross volunteer service and the delivery of alcohol and mask kits. The rural post will operate 24 hours a day in coordination with a SAMU base for vital emergencies.

National Independence Celebration in Humberstone

A record number of people arrived at Humberstone saltpeter site to participate in the Pampa’s National Independence Celebration 2023. This traditional activity, which is already part of Tarapaca’s Christmas program, is organized by the Saltpeter Museum Corporation, with the support of SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition through the Cultural Donations Law.  

Achievements:

• More than 4,000 people attended this celebration.
• During the celebration, a series of traditional games were played, which were installed in the many Saltpeter Offices. 
• The following folkloric groups performed during the celebration: La Carrero and Band, Wayna Wara Folklore Dance Group, Cueca Group Las Challeras, Salmonico Trio, Bronze Band “Los Humildes”, among other artists. 
• A cachimbo workshop was held to teach how to dance this typical northern dance, as well as a juggling workshop for all children.