Salar de Atacama (Antofagasta, Chile)

Assessment scope

Included in the audit scope are the mining operations at Salar de Atacama including extraction, pumping, and concentration, as well as two production processes associated with potassium sulfate and potassium chloride and truck loading process.

Secondary activities within the scope of the assessment include maintenance activities, laboratories, storage facilities, worker camp and administrative offices.

The audit firm determined the following chapters of the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining are not relevant:

• 2.4 – Resettlement
• 3.4 – Mining in Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
• 3.6 – Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
• 4.7 – Cyanide Management
• 4.8 – Mercury Management

Assessment scope

The surveillance audit will verify that the site operations continue to align with the previously recognized performance. The audit team will verify that the mine’s systems and controls are still in place and are functioning effectively, that no major changes have occurred that negatively affect the mine’s performance, and that the site is progressing on its corrective action plan. The audit will also include confidential interviews with workers and engagement with Indigenous rightsholders and community stakeholders.

Assessment scope

Novandino’s Salar de Atacama lithium mining operations are located in the Atacama Desert, within the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. The operation employs approximately 4,415 workers.

The scope of the independent renewal audit includes the mining operations at Salar de Atacama, including extraction, pumping, and concentration; as well as the production processes associated with lithium sulfate, lithium chloride and potassium chloride. Secondary activities within the scope of the assessment include truck loading operations, maintenance activities, laboratories, storage facilities, the worker camp, and administrative offices.

The operator proposes that the following chapters of the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining are not applicable:
2.4 – Resettlement
3.4 – Mining in Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
3.6 – Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
4.7 – Cyanide Management
4.8 – Mercury Management

These chapters’ relevancy will be assessed by the independent audit firm during the audit’s desktop review stage.