We know that the lithium reserves of the Salar de Atacama are located in areas of cultural importance for the indigenous communities, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. For this reason, as a company we have the responsibility not only to preserve its traditions, but also to generate value and conserve the habitat of the Atacama salt flat and the territorial space shared by the Communities.
That is why we promote collaborative work, with dialogue and respect. Thus, we extend the benefits of our operation to the 18 indigenous communities that make up the Council of Atacameño Peoples thanks to an unprecedented Cooperation, Sustainability and Mutual Benefit agreement signed in 2016.
This agreement collects and incorporates the highest standards proposed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the standards established by the ILO through Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.
Through this partnership agreement, Albemarle undertakes to deliver 3.5% of sales annually. This has so far resulted in more than 80 investment initiatives thanks to Albemarle's contribution, which includes a photovoltaic plant, drinking water and sewerage networks, public lighting, construction of community headquarters, 500 scholarships, among others.
Its signing is the result of a process of rapprochement, dialogue and collaboration between the parties that began in 2012, when the Council of Atacameño Peoples and the 18 communities that make it up verified our willingness to establish fruitful dialogues. Precisely, 75% of the clauses of this agreement are related to the care and protection of the environment.
Social value in the Antofagasta region
In this way, the benefits of the activity are shared with the communities, in addition to having the opportunity to enhance their own development in accordance with the right to self-determination. All in addition to the joint work to guarantee the sustainable operation of the Salar de Atacama.
This is how we became one of the first companies in Chile and in the mining industry to sign an associativity agreement with the communities neighboring its operation. More than five years after its signing, the Agreement is an example of the search for shared development and a relationship of trust and mutual benefit based on dialogue, respect and recognition.