0001104659-21-036513 | 20-F | XBRL Viewer | Chemical Mining CO OF Chile INC

Interest paid on lease liabilities

5,387

14,449

8,815

Interest paid

(81,567)

(70,963)

(59,565)

(1,133)

(1,537)

Interest received

17,046

25,809

22,533

Income taxes paid

(200,624)

(173,319)

(240,115)

Other cash inflows

^[1]

96,058

90,741

(40,562)

Net cash generated from operating activities

182,234

426,971

524,839

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities

Cash flows arising from the loss/gain of control of subsidiaries and other businesses

20,996

994

68,988

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

1,680

487

Other payments to acquire interest in joint ventures

(16,949)

(2,600)

(19,989)

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

(322,242)

(321,324)

(244,693)

Proceeds from sales of intangible assets

8,203

28,126

14,056

Proceeds (payments) related to futures, forward options and swap contracts

(6,902)

1,403

(204)

Purchases of intangible assets

(579)

(2,492)

(74,374)

Loans to related parties

(15,000)

Other cash inflows (outflows)

^[2]

163,702

(190,065)

69,151

Net cash generated used in investing activities

(167,091)

(485,471)

(187,004)

Cash flows generated from (used in) financing activities

Repayment of lease liabilities

(8,015)

(7,221)

Proceeds from long-term loans

400,000

450,000

256,039

Proceeds from short-term loans

120,000

Repayment of borrowings

(264,122)

(7,096)

(213,000)

Dividends paid

(221,995)

(329,787)

(550,352)

Net cash generated (used in) from financing activities

(94,132)

105,896

(387,313)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate

(78,989)

47,396

(49,478)

Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents

(439)

(14,932)

(24,894)

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(79,428)

32,464

(74,372)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

588,530

556,066

630,438

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 509,102

$ 588,530

$ 556,066

[1]	Other inflows of cash from operating activities include net increases (decreases) of value added tax, banking expenses, expenses associated with obtaining loans and taxes associated with interest payments.
[2]	Other inflows (outflows) of cash include investments and redemptions of time deposits and other financial instruments that do not qualify as cash and cash equivalent in accordance with IAS 7, paragraph 7, since they mature in more than 90 days from the original investment date.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Total

Share capital [member]

Foreign currency translation reserves [member]

Hedge reserves [member]

Gains and losses from financial assets reserve [member]

Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit plans reserve [member]

Other miscellaneous reserves [member]

Total reserves [member]

Retained earnings [member]

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent [member]

Non-controlling interests [member]

Equity at beginning of the year at Dec. 31, 2017

$ 2,247,468

$ 477,386

$ (24,913)

$ 2,248

$ 2,937

$ (5,953)

$ 11,332

$ (14,349)

$ 1,724,784

$ 2,187,821

$ 59,647

Equity at beginning of the year (Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policies [member]) at Dec. 31, 2017

(1,680)

Equity at beginning of the year at Dec. 31, 2017

2,245,788

477,386

(24,913)

2,248

2,937

(5,953)

11,332

(14,349)

1,723,104

2,186,141

59,647

Profit for the year

442,063

439,830

2,233

Other comprehensive income

(486)

(1,394)

5,723

(4,048)

(931)

(650)

164

Comprehensive income

441,577

(1,394)

5,723

(4,048)

(931)

(650)

439,830

439,180

2,397

Dividends

^[1]

(549,563)

(539,830)

(9,733)

Increase (decrease) in equity

(107,986)

(1,394)

5,723

(4,048)

(931)

(650)

(100,000)

(100,650)

(7,336)

Equity at end of the year at Dec. 31, 2018

2,137,802

477,386

(26,307)

7,971

(1,111)

(6,884)

11,332

(14,999)

1,623,104

2,085,491

52,311

Profit for the year

280,603

278,115

2,488

Other comprehensive income

(1,755)

562

(775)

841

(2,606)

(1,978)

223

Comprehensive income

278,848

562

(775)

841

(2,606)

(1,978)

278,115

276,137

2,711

Dividends

^[1]

(284,932)

(278,115)

(6,817)

Increase (decrease) due to transfers and other changes

2,754

Increase (decrease) in equity

(3,330)

562

(775)

841

(2,606)

2,754

776

(4,106)

Equity at end of the year at Dec. 31, 2019

2,134,472

477,386

(25,745)

7,196

(270)

(9,490)

14,086

(14,223)

1,623,104

2,086,267

48,205

Profit for the year

168,359

164,518

3,841

Other comprehensive income

19,266

14,176

(2,705)

7,142

810

19,423

(157)

Comprehensive income

187,625

14,176

(2,705)

7,142

810

19,423

164,518

183,941

3,684

Dividends

^[1]

(159,473)

(149,355)

(10,118)

Increase (decrease) due to transfers and other changes

(46)

2,232

(2,278)

Increase (decrease) in equity

28,106

14,176

(2,705)

7,142

810

2,232

21,655

15,163

36,818

(8,712)

Equity at end of the year at Dec. 31, 2020

$ 2,162,578

$ 477,386

$ (11,569)

$ 4,491

$ 6,872

$ (8,680)

$ 16,318

$ 7,432

$ 1,638,267

$ 2,123,085

$ 39,493

[1]	See Note 20.6

The amount of change in equity resulting from transactions and other events, other than those changes resulting from transactions with owners in their capacity as owners.

The amount of residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all its liabilities.

Disclosure of Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Abstract]

The total of income less expenses from continuing and discontinued operations, excluding the components of other comprehensive income. [Refer: Other comprehensive income]

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IAS
-Number 7
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph b
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=7&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_18_b&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IFRS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 24
-Subparagraph b
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_24_b&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IFRS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph a
-Clause ii
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_32_a_ii&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IFRS
-Number 8
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph b
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_28_b&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Note Effective on first application of IFRS 9
-Name IFRS
-Number 4
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 39L
-Subparagraph e
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=4&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-b&anchor=para_39L_e&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IFRS
-Number 8
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 23
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Name IFRS
-Number 12
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph B10
-Subparagraph b
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 106
-Subparagraph d
-Clause i
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_106_d_i&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Note Effective 2021-01-01
-Name IFRS
-Number 17
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 113
-Subparagraph b
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=17&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_113_b&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2020-01-01
-Paragraph 81A
-Subparagraph a
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2020-en-r&anchor=para_81A_a&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2020-01-01

+ Details

Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Text Block]

Note 1

Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries

1.1

Historical background

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. is an open stock corporation founded under the laws of the Republic of Chile and its Chilean Tax Identification Number is 93.007.000-9.

The Company was incorporated through a public deed dated June 17, 1968 by the public notary of Santiago Mr. Sergio Rodríguez Garcés. Its existence was approved by Decree No. 1,164 of June 22, 1968 of the Ministry of Finance, and it was registered on June 29, 1968 in the Registry of Commerce of Santiago, on page 4,537 No. 1,992. SQM’s headquarters are located at El Trovador 4285, Floor 6, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, The Company's telephone number is +(56 2) 2425-2000.

The Company is registered in the CMF under number 184 of March 18, 1983 and is therefore subject to oversight by that entity.

1.2

Main domicile where the Company performs its production activities

The Company’s main domiciles are: Calle Dos Sur plot No. 5 - Antofagasta; Arturo Prat 1060 - Tocopilla; Administration Building w/n - Maria Elena; Administration Building w/n Pedro de Valdivia - María Elena, Anibal Pinto 3228 - Antofagasta, Kilometer 1378 Ruta 5 Norte Highway - Antofagasta, Coya Sur Plant w/n - Maria Elena, kilometer 1760 Ruta 5 Norte Highway - Pozo Almonte, Salar de Atacama (Atacama Saltpeter deposit) potassium chloride plant w/n - San Pedro de Atacama, potassium sulfate plant at Salar de Atacama w/n – San Pedro de Atacama, Minsal Mining Camp w/n CL Plant CL, Potassium– San Pedro de Atacama, formerly the Iris Saltpeter office w/n, Commune of Pozo Almonte, Iquique.

1.3

Codes of main activities

The codes of the main activities as established by the CMF, as follows:

1700 (Mining)

2200 (Chemical products)

1300 (Investment)

1.4	Description of the nature of operations and main activities

The products of the Company are mainly derived from mineral deposits found in northern Chile where mining takes place and caliche and brine deposits are processed.

	(a)	Specialty plant nutrition: Four main types of specialty plant nutrients are produced: potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate and specialty blends. In addition, other specialty fertilizers are sold including third party products.

	(b)	Iodine: The Company produces iodine and iodine derivatives, which are used in a wide range of medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications, including x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD and LED, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, electronics, pigments and dye components.

	(c)	Lithium: The Company produces lithium carbonate, which is used in a variety of applications, including electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass (ceramic glass), air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals and lithium derivatives. We are also a leading supplier of lithium hydroxide, which is primarily used as an input for the lubricating greases industry and for certain cathodes for batteries.

	(d)	Industrial chemicals: The Company produces three industrial chemicals: sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and potassium chloride. Sodium nitrate is used primarily in the production of glass, explosives, and metal treatment. Potassium nitrate is used in the manufacturing of specialty glass, and it is also an important raw material to produce of frits for the ceramics and enamel industries. Solar salts, a combination of potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate, are used as a thermal storage medium in concentrated solar power plants. Potassium chloride is a basic chemical used to produce potassium hydroxide, and it is also used as an additive in oil drilling as well as in food processing.

	(e)	Potassium: The Company produces potassium chloride and potassium sulfate from brines extracted from the Salar de Atacama. Potassium chloride is a commodity fertilizer used to fertilize a variety of crops including corn, rice, sugar, soybean and wheat. Potassium sulfate is a specialty fertilizer used mainly in crops such as vegetables, fruits and industrial crops.

	(f)	Other products and services: The Company also sells other fertilizers and blends, some of which we do not produce. Mainly potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate and potassium chloride. This business line also includes revenue from commodities, services, interests, royalties and dividends.

1.5

Other background

(a)

Employees

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the workforce was as follows:

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Employees	SQM S.A.		other subsidiaries		Total		SQM S.A.		other subsidiaries		Total
Executives		30		85		115		30		91		121
Professionals		94		1,156		1,250		110		1,170		1,280
Technicians and operators		267		3,310		3,577		282		3,481		3,763
Foreign employees		17		548		565		17		560		577
Overall total		408		5,099		5,507		439		5,302		5,741

(b)

Main shareholders

As of December 31, 2020, there were 1,358 shareholders.

Following table shows information about the main shareholders of the Company’s Series A or Series B shares in circulation as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, in line with information provided by the DCV, with respect to each shareholder that, to our knowledge, owns more than 5% of the outstanding Series A or Series B shares. The following information is derived from our registry and reports managed by the DCV and informed to the CMF and the Chilean Stock Exchanges:

Shareholders as of December 31, 2020	No. of Series A		% of Series A shares			No. of Series B		% of Series B shares			% of total shares
Inversiones TLC SpA (1)		62,556,568		43.80	%		-		-			23.77	%
The Bank of New York Mellon, ADRs		-		-			50,792,452		42.19	%		19.30	%
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (2)		44,894,152		31.43	%		922,971		0.77	%		17.41	%
Potasios de Chile S.A.		18,179,147		12.73	%		-		-			6.91	%
Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada		8,798,539		6.16	%		-		-			3.34	%
Euroamerica C de B S. A.		1,418		-			8,788,517		7.30	%		3.34	%
Banco Santander via foreign investor accounts		-		-			7,294,827		6.06	%		2.77	%
Banco de Chile via State Street		-		-			6,971,782		5.79	%		2.65	%
Banco de Chile non-resident third party accounts		-		-			6,129,339		5.09	%		2.33	%
Inversiones la Esperanza de Chile Limitada		4,147,263		2.90	%		46,500		0.04	%		1.59	%
Banchile Corredora de Bolsa S. A.		459,202		0.32	%		2,426,758		2.02	%		1.10	%
Banco de Chile on behalf of Citibank NA New York customers		177,463		0.12	%		1,732,249		1.44	%		0.73	%

Shareholders as of December 31, 2019	No. of Series A		% of Series A shares			No. of Series B		% of Series B shares			% of total shares
Inversiones TLC SpA (1)		62,556,568		43.80	%		-		-			23.77	%
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (2)		44,894,152		31.43	%		3,793,154		3.15	%		18.50	%
The Bank of New York Mellon, ADRs		-		-			38,311,788		31.83	%		14.56	%
Potasios de Chile S.A.		18,179,147		12.73	%		-		-			6.91	%
Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada		8,798,539		6.16	%		-		-			3.34	%
Banco Itaú via foreign investor accounts		-		-			7,373,216		6.13	%		2.80	%
Banco de Chile non-resident third party accounts		109		-			6,842,746		5.68	%		2.60	%
Banco Santander via foreign investor accounts		-		-			6,618,416		5.50	%		2.51	%
Euroamerica C de B S. A.		3,056		-			4,863,467		4.04	%		1.85	%
Banchile C de B S. A.		491,729		0.34	%		4,285,696		3.56	%		1.82	%
Inversiones la Esperanza de Chile Limitada		4,147,263		2.90	%		46,500		0.04	%		1.59	%
Bolsa de comercio de Santiago Bolsa de valores		30,590		0.02	%		3,077,930		2.56	%		1.18	%

(1) As reported by DCV, which records the Company's shareholders' register as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, Inversiones TLC SpA, a subsidiary of Tianqi, is the direct owner of 62,556,568 shares of SQM equivalent to 23.77% of SQM’s shares. Through Tianqi’s subsidiaries it owns 5,516,772 Series B SQM shares as reported by Inversiones TLC Spa. So as of December 31, 2020, Tianqi owns 25.86% of SQM's total Series A and B shares.

(2) Total Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. 57,235,201 Series A and B shares; 11,418,078 Series B shares are held by different brokers.

1.6

Covid-19

In January 2020, the WHO deemed COVID-19 a global pandemic. In March 2020, the Chilean Ministry of Health declared a nationwide State of Emergency. As a precaution, our management has implemented several measures to help reduce the speed at which the coronavirus spreads, including measures to mitigate the spread in the workplace, significant reductions in employee travel and a mandatory quarantine for people who have arrived from high risk destinations, in consultation with governmental and international health organization guidelines, and will continue to implement measures consistent with evolving coronavirus situation.

On March 16, 2020, the Company reported on various points in relation to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and its being declared to be a global pandemic by the WHO.

(1)

Regarding the financial and operational effects that this situation could mean for the Company, it is worth noting that the Company sells its products worldwide, with Asia, Europe and North America being its main markets. Border closures, decrease in commercial activity and difficulties and disruptions in the supply chains in the markets in which we sell have impacted our ability to fulfill our previous sales volume estimates, the impact on our sales volumes and average prices will depend on the duration of the virus in different markets, the efficiency of the measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus in each country and fiscal incentives that may be implemented in different jurisdictions to promote economic recovery.

For now, our operations have not seen any material impacts related to the outbreak of COVID-19 virus.

We have taken measures to mitigate the impacts of this health emergency on our employees and limit the impact it could have on our operations (described below in point 2).

(2)

Regarding the measures that management has adopted or intends to adopt to mitigate possible financial and/or operational effects, we inform that the Company has implemented a series of measures in its operations in Chile and abroad that seek to protect its workers and reduce the speed at which the virus spreads. The measures adopted by the Company are:

(a)

The flexibility of the working day, arrival and departure times, together with the incentive to work from home in those cases where this is possible.

(b)

Avoidance of crowds, seminars and large meetings in the Company´s offices and operating facilities.

(c)

Strengthening personal hygiene protocols (use of alcohol-based gel, masks, etc.) and sanitation in plants, cafeterias and offices.

(d)

Significant reduction in domestic and international travel, along with obligatory quarantine for people who have arrived from high risk destinations.

(e)

The costs associated with the measures implemented by the company correspond primarily to increased expenses in transportation, supplies, room and board, among others.

	(3)	Regarding the existence of committed insurance and its level of coverage, we inform that as of today, we have not identified any events which would trigger coverage from the insurance policies that the Company has contracted.

(4)

Finally, we hereby inform that we do not currently have any other information that management believes is relevant to provide.

As of December 31, 2020, there have been no significant changes in the impacts associated with COVID-19 reported to the CMF.

Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements [Abstract]

Disclosure of basis of preparation of financial statements [text block]

Note 2

Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements

2.1

Accounting period

These consolidated financial statements cover the following periods:

(a)

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2020 and 2019

(b)

Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods from January 1 to December 31, 2020 and 2019.

(c)

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income from January 1 to December 31, 2020 and 2019.

(d)

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

(e)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

2.2

Consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with IFRS and represent the full, explicit and unreserved adoption of IFRS.

These consolidated financial statements fairly reflect the Company’s financial position, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the comprehensive results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows occurring for the years then ended.

IFRS establish certain alternatives for their application, those applied by the Company are detailed in this Note and Note 3.

The accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated annual accounts comply with each IFRS in force at their date of presentation.

Pursuant to CMF requirements, on December 31, 2020 the effects related to the application of IFRS 16 “Leases” are presented in separate items and the following reclassifications have been made with respect to the information reported on December 31, 2019 to ensure a consistent presentation between periods, which are considered not significant for the previously issued financial statements. See Note 4.

Items	Original balances reported as of December 31, 2019		Reclassification			Balances reclassified as of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Property, plant and equipment, (net)		1,607,070		(37,164	)		1,569,906
Right-of-use assets		-		37,164			37,164
Other current financial liabilities		298,822		(7,694	)		291,128
Lease liabilities, current		-		7,694			7,694
Other non-current financial liabilities		1,518,926		(30,203	)		1,488,723
Lease liabilities, non-current		-		30,203			30,203

2.3

Basis of measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following:

(a)

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value.

(b)

Financial derivatives measured at fair value.

(c)

Certain financial investments measured at fair value with an offsetting entry in other comprehensive income.

2.4	Accounting pronouncements

New accounting pronouncements

(a)

The following standards, interpretations and amendments are mandatory for the first time for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2020:

Amendments and improvements	Description	Mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after
Amendment to IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” and “IAS 8” Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors - Published in October 2018.	This amendment establishes a consistent definition of materiality in all the IFRCs and the Conceptual Framework for Financial Information; it clarifies the explanation of the definition of material; and it incorporates some of the guidelines in IAS 1 on immaterial information.	01-01-2020

Amendment to IFRS 3 “Definition of a Business” - Published in October 2018.	This amendment revises the definition of a business. Based on the feedback received by the IASB, the application of the current guidance is frequently seen as too complex, and results in too many transactions that qualify as business combinations.	01-01-2020

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 “Reform to the referential interest rate” Published in September 2019.	These amendments provide certain simplifications in relation to the reform to the referential interest rates. These simplifications relate to hedge accounting and affect the IBOR reform, which generally shouldn’t result in the finalization of hedge accounting. However, any hedge ineffectiveness should continue to be recorded in the results.	01-01-2020

Amendment to IFRS 16 “Lease Concessions” - Published in May 2020.	This amendment provides lessees with an optional exemption regarding the assessment of whether a lease concession associated with COVID-19 is a lease modification. Lessees may opt to account for lease concessions as they would if there were no lease modifications. In many cases, this would give rise to the accounting for a concession as a variable lease payment.	01-01-2020

Management confirm that the adoption of the aforementioned standards, amendments and interpretations did not significantly impact the company’s consolidated financial statements.

(b)

Standards, interpretations and amendments issued that had not become effective for financial statements beginning on January 1, 2020 and which the Company has not adopted early are as follows:

Standards and Interpretations	Description	Mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after
Amendment to IAS 1 “Presentation of financial statements” on classification of liabilities.	These limited scope amendments of IAS 1 “Presentation of financial statements” clarify that the liabilities will be classified as current or non-current depending on the rights that exist at the close of the reporting period. The classification is not affected by the expectations of the entity or the events subsequent to the report date (for example, the receipt of a waiver or noncompliance with the pact). The amendment also clarifies what IAS 1 means when referring to “liquidation” of a liability. The amendment must be applied retroactively in accordance with IAS 8. In May 2020, the IASB issued an “Exposure Draft” proposing deferral of the effective application date to January 1, 2023.	01-01-2022

Reference to the Conceptual Framework - Amendments to IFRS 3.	Minor modifications were made to IFRS 3 “Definition of a Business” to update references to the conceptual framework for financial reporting and to add an exception to the recognition of contingent liabilities and contingent assets within the scope of IAS 37 “Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets” and Interpretation 21 “Levies.” The modifications also confirm that contingent assets should not be recognized in the date of acquisition.	01-01-2022

Amendment to IAS 16 “Property, plant and equipment”	This prohibits companies from deducting from the cost of the property any revenue received from the sale of articles produced while the company is preparing the asset for its anticipated use. The company must recognize this sales revenue and associated costs in the profit or loss for the fiscal year.	01-01-2022

Amendment to IAS 37, “Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets.”	This clarifies for onerous contracts which inevitable costs a company must include to assess whether a contract will result in a loss.	01-01-2022

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.	This clarifies which fees must be included in the 10% test for the derecognition of financial liabilities.	01-01-2022

IFRS 16 Leases.	Modification of illustrative example 13 to eliminate the illustration of lessor payments in relation to improvements to rental properties, to eliminate any confusion as to the treatment of lease incentives.	01-01-2022

IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards.	This enables entities that have measured their assets and liabilities against book values in their head office books to also measure the accumulated translation differences using the amounts notified by the head office. This amendment will also apply to associates and joint ventures that have taken the same IFRS 1 exemption.	01-01-2022

Amendment to IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and IAS 28 “Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures”, Published in September 2014.	These amendments address an inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28 in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The main consequence of the amendments is that a full gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involves a business (whether it is housed in a subsidiary or not), A partial gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business, even if these assets are housed in a subsidiary.	undetermined

Management believes that the adoption of the above standards, amendments and interpretations will not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

2.5

Basis of consolidation

(a)

Subsidiaries

The Company established control as the basis of consolidation of its financial statements. The Company controls a subsidiary when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary.

The consolidation of a subsidiary starts when the Group controls it and it is no longer included in the consolidation when this control is lost.

Subsidiaries are consolidated through a line by line method, adding items that represent assets, liabilities, income and expenses with a similar content, and eliminating operations between companies within the SQM Group.

Results for dependent companies acquired or disposed of during the period are included in the consolidated accounts from the date on which control is transferred to the SQM Group or until the date when this control ends, as relevant.

To account for an acquisition, of a business the Company uses the acquisition method. Under this method the acquisition cost is the fair value of assets delivered, equity securities issued, and incurred or assumed liabilities at the date of exchange. Assets, liabilities and contingencies identifiable assumed in a business combination are measured initially at fair value at the acquisition date. For each business combination, the Company will measure the non-controlling interest of the acquiree either at fair value or as proportional share of net identifiable assets of the acquire.

2.6

Investments in associates and joint ventures

(a)

Joint ventures

Investments in joint arrangements are classified as joint operations or joint ventures. The classification depends on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor, rather than the legal structure of the joint arrangement.

With respect to joint operations, the Company recognizes its direct right to the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the joint arrangement.

(b)

Joint ventures and investments in associates

Interests in companies over which joint control is exercised (joint ventures) or where an entity has significant influence (associates) are recognized using the equity accounting method. Significant influence is presumed when the investor owns over 20% of the investee’s share capital. The investment is recognized using this method in the statement of financial position at cost plus changes subsequent to acquisition and includes the proportional share of the associate’s equity. For these purposes, the percentage interest in the associate is used. The associated acquired goodwill is included in the investee’s book value and is not amortized. The debit or credit to the income statement reflects the proportional share of the profit or loss of the associate or joint venture.

Unrealized gains from transactions with joint ventures or associates are eliminated in accordance with the Company's percentage interest in such entities. Any unrealized losses are also eliminated, unless that transaction provides evidence that the transferred asset is impaired.

Changes in associate’s or joint ventures equity are recognized proportionally with a charge or credit to "Other Reserves" and are classified according to their origin. The reporting dates of the associate or joint ventures, the Company and related policies are similar for equivalent transactions and events in similar circumstances. In the event that significant influence is lost, or the investment is sold, or held for sale, the equity method is suspended, not recognizing the proportional share of the gain or loss. If the resulting value under the equity method is negative, the share of profit or loss is reflected as zero in the consolidated financial statements, unless there is a commitment by the Company to restore the capital position of the Company, in which case the related risk provision and expense are recorded.

Dividends received by these companies are recorded by reducing the value of the investment and are shown in cash flows from operating activities, and the proportional share of the gain or loss recognized in accordance with the equity method is included in the consolidated income statement under "Share of Gains (Losses) of Associates and Joint Ventures Accounted for Using the Equity Method''.

Significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of changes in accounting policies accounting [Abstract]

Disclosure of changes in accounting policies, accounting estimates and errors [text block]

Note 3

Significant accounting policies

3.1

Classification of balances as current and non-current

In the consolidated statement of financial position, balances are classified in consideration of their recovery (maturity) dates; i.e., those maturing within a period equal to or less than 12 months are classified as current counted from the closing date of the consolidated financial statements and those with maturity dates exceeding the aforementioned period are classified as non-current.

The exception to the foregoing relates to deferred taxes, which are classified as non-current, regardless of the maturity they have.

3.2

Functional and presentation currency

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, without decimal places, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency and is the currency of the main economic environment in which it operates. Consequently, the term foreign currency is defined as any currency other than the U.S. dollar.

3.3

Accounting policy for foreign currency translation

(a)

SQM group entities:

The revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities of all entities that have a functional currency other than the presentation currency are converted to the presentation currency as follows:

Assets and liabilities are converted at the closing exchange rate prevailing on the reporting date.

Revenues and expenses of each profit or loss account are converted at monthly average exchange rates.

All resulting foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized as a separate component in translation reserves.

In consolidation, foreign currency differences arising from the translation of a net investment in foreign entities are recorded in shareholder’s equity (“other reserves”), At the date of disposal, such foreign currency translation differences are recognized in the statement of income as part of the gain or loss from the sale.

The main exchange rates and UF used to translate monetary assets and liabilities, expressed in foreign currency at the end and average of each period in respect to U.S. dollars, are as follows:

	Closing exchange rates				Average exchange rates
Currencies	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Brazilian real		5.18		4.02		5.14		4.11
New Peruvian sol		3.62		3.31		3.60		3.35
Argentine peso		84.14		59.83		82.62		59.86
Japanese yen		105.56		108.90		103.81		109.12
Euro		0.81		0.89		0.82		0.90
Mexican peso		19.93		18.89		19.97		19.11
Australian dollar		1.30		1.43		1.33		1.45
Pound Sterling		0.74		0.76		0.74		0.76
South African rand		14.61		14.06		14.88		14.42
Chilean peso		710.95		748.74		731.92		767.22
Chinese yuan		6.51		6.98		6.53		7.01
Indian rupee		73.30		71.31		73.65		71.16
Thai Baht		29.94		29.97		30.08		30.22
Turkish lira		7.36		5.94		7.70		5.85
UF (*)		40.89		37.81		39.73		36.90

(*) US$ per UF

(b)

Transactions and balances

The Company’s non-monetary transactions in currencies other than the functional currency (Dollar) are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at the exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. All differences are recorded in the statement of income except for all monetary items that provide an effective hedge for a net investment in a foreign operation. These items are recognized in other comprehensive income until disposal of the invesment when they are recognized in the statement of income. Charges and credits attributable to foreign currency translation differences on those hedge monetary items are also recognized in other comprehensive income.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are retranslated to the functional currency at the historical exchange rate of the transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured based on fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date on which the fair value is determined.

3.4

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Cash equivalents correspond to highly liquid short-term investments that are easily convertible into known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in their value and mature in less than three months from the date of acquisition of the instrument.

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and cash equivalents as defined above.

The statement of cash flows present cash transactions performed during the year, determined using the direct method.

3.5

Accounting policy for Financial assets

Management determines the classification of its financial assets, in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 9, at fair value (either through other comprehensive income, or through profit or loss), and at amortized cost. The classification depends on the business model of the entity to manage the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

In the initial recognition, the Company measures its financial assets at fair value more or less, in the case of a financial asset that is not accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, the transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset on the date when the Company commits to the purchase or sale of an asset. In the case of account receivables and other accounts receivables, the transaction price at the initial recognition is measured in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 15.

After initial recognition, the Company measures its financial assets according to the Company's business model for managing its financial assets and the contractual terms of its cash flows:

(a)

Financial instruments measured at amortized cost. Financial assets that meet the following conditions are included in this category (i) the business model that supports it aims to maintain the financial assets to obtain the contractual cash flows and the contractual conditions of the financial asset give place, on specified dates, to cash flows that are only payments of the principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount. The Company’s financial assets that meet these conditions are: (ii) cash equivalents; (iii) related party receivables; (iv) trade debtors; (v) other receivables.

(b)

Financial instruments at fair value. A financial asset should be measured at fair value through profit or loss or fair value through other comprehensive income, depending on the following:

(i)

"Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income": Assets held to collect contractual cash flows and to be sold, where the asset cash flows are only capital and interest payments, are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Changes in book values are through other comprehensive income, except for the recognition of impairment losses, interest income and exchange gains and losses, which are recognized in the income statement. When a financial asset is derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified from equity to the income statement. Interest income from these financial assets is included in financial income using the effective interest method. Exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement and impairment losses are separately presented in the income statement.

(ii)

"Fair Value Through Profit and Loss": Assets that do not meet the amortized cost or "Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income" criteria are valued at "Fair Value Through Profit and Loss".

(c)

Financial equity assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. Equity instruments that are not classified as held for trading and which the Group has irrevocably chosen to recognize in this category.

Financial asset impairment

The Company evaluates expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortized cost and fair value through other comprehensive income. The impairment method used depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

The Company applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measure expected credit losses using the lifetime expected loss on all trade receivables. Expected credit losses are measured by grouping receivables by their shared credit risk characteristics and days overdue.

The Company has concluded that the expected loss rates for trade receivables are a reasonable approximation of the loss rates for these assets. Expected loss rates are based on sales payment profiles and historical credit losses within this period. Historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and expected information regarding macroeconomic factors that affect the ability of customers to meet their commitments.

Impairment losses from receivables and contract assets are shown as net impairment losses in the line “Impairment of financial assets and reversal of impairment losses”, see Note 23.7. The subsequent recovery of previously canceled amounts is accredited in the same line.

3.6

Financial liabilities

Management determines the classification of its financial liabilities, in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 9, at fair value or at amortized cost. The classification depends on the business model of the entity to manage the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

At the initial recognition, the Company measures its financial liabilities by their fair value more or less, in the case of a financial liability that is not accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, the transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial liability. After initial recognition, the Company measures its financial liabilities at amortized cost unless the Company, at the initial moment, irrevocably designates the financial liability as measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost are commercial accounts payable and other accounts payable and other financial liabilities.

Valuation at amortized cost is made using the effective interest rate method. Amortized cost is calculated by considering any premium or discount on the acquisition and includes transaction costs that are an integral part of the effective interest rate.

Financial liabilities are recorded as not current when they mature in more than 12 months and as current when they mature in less than 12 months.

3.7

Reclassification of financial instruments

When the Company changes its business model for managing financial assets, it will reclassify all its financial assets affected by the new business model. Financial liabilities cannot be reclassified.

3.8

Financial instrument derecognition

The Company derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred; and the control of the financial assets has not been retained.

The Company derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations or a part of these are discharged, paid to the creditor or legally extinguished from the principle responsibility contained in the liability.

3.9	Derivative and hedging financial instruments

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value as of the date on which the derivatives contract is signed and, they are subsequently assessed at fair value. The method for recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative has been designated as an accounting hedge instrument and, if so, it depends on the type of hedging, which may be as follows:

Fair value hedge of assets and liabilities recognized (fair value hedges);

Hedging of a single risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge).

At the beginning of the transaction, the Company documents the relationship that exists between hedging instruments and those items hedged, as well as their objectives for risk management purposes and the strategy to conduct different hedging operations.

The Company also documents its evaluation both at the beginning and at the end of each period if the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective to offset changes in the fair value or in cash flows of hedged items.

The fair value of derivative instruments used for hedging purposes is shown in Note 14.3. Changes in the cash flow hedge reserve are classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining expiration period of the hedged item is more than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability if the remaining expiration period of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

Derivatives that are not designated or do not qualify as hedging derivatives are classified as current assets or liabilities, and changes in the fair value are directly recognized through profit or loss.

Fair value hedge

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in profit or loss, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps that hedge fixed rate borrowings is recognized in profit or loss within finance costs, together with changes in the fair value of the hedged fixed rate borrowings attributable to interest rate risk. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized in profit or loss within other income or other expenses. If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the effective interest method is used is amortized to profit or loss over the period to maturity using a recalculated effective interest rate.

Cash flow hedges

The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is initially recognized with a debit or credit to other comprehensive income, while any ineffective portion is immediately recognized with a debit or credit to income, as appropriate depending on the nature of the hedged risk. The amounts accumulated in net equity are carried over to results when the hedged items are settled or when these have an impact on results.

When a hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative deferred gain or loss and deferred costs of hedging in equity at that time remains in equity until the forecast transaction occurs.

When the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss and deferred costs of hedging that were reported in equity are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

3.10

Derivative financial instruments not considered as hedges

Derivative financial instruments not considered as hedges are recognized at fair value with the effect in the results of the year. The Company has derivative financial instruments to hedge foreign currency risk exposure.

The Company continually evaluates the existence of embedded derivatives in both its contracts and in its financial instruments. As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company does not have any embedded derivatives.

3.11

Deferred acquisition costs from insurance contracts

Acquisition costs from insurance contracts are classified as prepayments and correspond to insurance contracts in force, recognized using the straight-line method and on an accrual basis independent of payment date. These are recognized under other non-financial assets.

3.12

Leases

(a)

Right-of-use assets

The Company recognizes right-of-use assets on the initial lease date (i.e., the date on which the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, adjusted by any new measurement of the lease liability. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of recognized lease liabilities, direct initial costs incurred and lease payments made on the start date or sooner, less the lease incentives received. Unless the Company is reasonably sure it will take ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease period, the assets recognized through right-of-use are depreciated in a straight line during the shortest period of their estimated useful life and lease period. Right-of-use assets are subject to impairment as per “IAS 36 Impairment of Assets”.

(b)

Lease liabilities

On the lease start date, the Company recognizes lease liabilities measured at present value of lease payments that will be made during the lease period. Lease payments include fixed payments (including payments that are essentially fixed), less incentives for lease receivables, variable lease payments that are dependent on an index or rate and amounts that are expected to be paid as guaranteed residual value. Lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option if the Company is reasonably sure it will exercise this and penalty payments for terminating a lease, if the lease period reflects that the Company will exercise the option to terminate. Variable lease payments that are not dependent on an index or rate are recognized as expenses in the period that produces the event or condition that triggers payment.

When calculating the present value of lease payments, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate on the initial lease date if the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be determined easily. After the start date, the lease liability balance will increase to reflect the accumulation of interest and will diminish as lease payments are made. Furthermore, the book value of lease liabilities is remeasured in the event of an amendment, a change in the lease period, a change in the fixed lease payments in substance or a change in the assessment to buy the underlying asset.

Payments made that affect lease liabilities are presented as part of the financing activities in the cash flow statement.

(c)

Short-term leases and low-value asset leases

The Company applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to leases with a lease term of 12 months or less starting on the start date and that don’t have a purchase option. It also applies the low-value asset lease recognition exemptions. Lease payments in short-term leases and low-value asset leases are recognized as lineal expenses during the lease term.

(d)

Significant judgments in the determination of the lease term for contracts with renewal options

The Company determines the lease term as the non-cancellable period of the lease, together with periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain that this will be exercised, or any period covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably certain that this will not be exercised.

The Company has the option, under some of its leases, to lease assets for additional terms. The Company applies its judgment when assessing whether it is reasonably certain that it will exercise the option to renovate. In other words, it considers all the relevant factors that create an economic incentive for it to exercise the option to renovate. After the start date, the Company reevaluates the lease term if there is a significant event or change in the circumstances that are under its control and affect its capacity to exercise (or not exercise) the option to renovate.

3.13

Inventory measurement

The method used to determine the cost of inventories is the weighted average monthly cost of warehouse storage. In determining production costs for own products, the company includes the costs of labor, raw materials, materials and supplies used in production, depreciation and maintenance of the goods that participate in the production process, the costs of product movement necessary to maintain stock on location and in the condition in which they are found, and also includes the indirect costs of each task such as laboratories, process and planning areas, and personnel expenses related to production, among others.

For finished and in-process products, the company has four types of provisions, which are reviewed quarterly:

(a)

Provision associated with the lower value of stock: The provision is directly identified with the product that generates it and involves three types: (i) provision of lower realizable value, which corresponds to the difference between the inventory cost of intermediary or finished products, and the sale price minus the necessary costs to bring them to the same conditions and location as the product with which they are compared; (ii) provision for future uncertain use that corresponds to the value of those products in process that are likely not going to be used in sales based on the company’s long-term plans; (iii) reprocessing costs of products that are unfeasible for sale due to current specifications.

(b)

Provision associated with physical differences in inventory: A provision is made for differences that exceed the tolerance considered in the respective inventory process (physical and annual inventories are taken for the productive units in Chile and the port of Tocopilla, the business subsidiaries depend on the last zero ground obtained, but in general it is at least once a year), these differences are recognized immediately.

(c)

Potential errors in the determination of stock: The company has an algorithm that is reviewed at least once a year and corresponds to diverse percentages assigned to each inventory based on the product, location, complexity involved in the associated measurement, rotation and control mechanisms.

(d)

Provisions undertaken by business subsidiaries: these are historical percentages that are adjusted as zero ground is attained based on normal inventory management.

Inventories of raw materials, materials and supplies for production are recorded at acquisition cost. Cyclical inventories are performed in warehouses, as well as general inventories every three years. Differences are recognized at the moment they are detected. The company has a provision that makes quarterly calculations from percentages associated with each type of material (classification by warehouse and rotation), these percentages use the lower value resulting from deterioration or obsolescence as well as potential losses. This provision is reviewed at least annually, and considers the historical profit and loss obtained in the inventory processes.

3.14

Transactions with non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests are recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity but separate from equity attributable to the owners of the Parent.

3.15	Related party transactions

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are part of the Company’s normal operations within its scope of business activities. Conditions for such transactions are those normally effective for those types of operations with regard to terms and market prices. The maturity conditions vary according to the originating transaction.

3.16

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment assets are stated at acquisition cost, net of the related accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment losses that they might have experienced.

In addition to the price paid for the acquisition of tangible property, plant and equipment, the Company has considered the following concepts as part of the acquisition cost, as applicable:

(a)

Accrued interest expenses during the construction period that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are those that require a substantial period prior to being ready for use. The interest rate used is that related to the project’s specific financing or, should this not exist, the average financing rate of the investor company.

(b)

The future costs that the Company will have to experience, related to the closure of its facilities at the end of their useful life, are included at the present value of disbursements expected to be required to settle the and its subsequent variation is recorded directly in results.

Having initially recognized provisions for closure and refurbishment, the corresponding cost is capitalized as an asset in “Property, plant and equipment” and amortized in line with the amortization criteria for the associated assets.

Construction-in-progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment in operation once the assets are available for use and the related depreciation and amortization begins on that date.

Extension, modernization or improvement costs that represent an increase in productivity, ability or efficiency or an extension of the useful lives of property, plant and equipment are capitalized as a higher cost of the related assets. All the remaining maintenance, preservation and repair expenses are charged to expense as they are incurred.

The replacement of assets, which increase the asset’s useful life or its economic capacity, are recorded as a higher value of property, plant and equipment with the related derecognition of replaced or renewed elements.

Gains or losses which are generated from the sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognized as income (or loss) in the period and calculated as the difference between the asset’s sales value and its net carrying value.

Costs derived from the daily maintenance of property, plant and equipment are recognized when incurred.

3.17

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated through the straight-line distribution of cost over the estimated technical useful life of the asset, which is the period in which the Company expects to use the asset. When components of one item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are recorded as separate assets. Useful lives are reviewed on an annual basis.

Fixed assets located in Salar de Atacama consider useful life to be the lesser value between the technical useful life and the years remaining until 2030.

In the case of certain mobile equipment, depreciation is performed depending on the hours of operation.

The useful lives used for the depreciation and amortization of assets included in property, plant and equipment in years are presented below:

Classes of property, plant and equipment	Minimum life or rate (years)		Maximum life or rate (years)		life or average rate in years
Mining assets		3		7		6
Energy generating assets		3		16		9
Buildings		3		25		13
Supplies and accessories		2		10		7
Office equipment		5		5		5
Transport equipment		5		8		6
Network and communication equipment		4		10		8
IT equipment		5		11		7
Machinery, plant and equipment		5		25		13
Other property, plant and equipment		3		15		10

3.18

Goodwill

Goodwill acquired represents the excess in acquisition cost on the fair value of the Company's ownership of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary on the acquisition date. Goodwill acquired related to the acquisition of subsidiaries is included in the line item goodwill, which is subject to impairment tests annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired and is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses related to the sale of an entity include the carrying value of goodwill related to the entity sold.

This intangible asset is assigned to cash-generating units with the purpose of testing impairment losses. It is allocated based on cash-generating units expected to obtain benefits from the business combination from which the aforementioned goodwill acquired arose.

3.19

Intangible assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets other than goodwill mainly relate to water rights, emission rights, commercial brands, costs for rights of way for electricity lines, license costs and the development of computer software and mining property and concession rights, client portfolio and commercial agent.

(a)

Water rights

Water rights acquired by the Company relate to water from natural sources and are recorded at acquisition cost. Given that these assets represent legal rights granted in perpetuity to the Company, they are not amortized, but are subject to annual impairment tests.

(b)

Rights of way for electric lines

As required for the operation of industrial plants, the Company has paid rights of way in order to install wires for the different electric lines on third party land. These rights are presented under intangible asset. Amounts paid are capitalized at the date of the agreement and amortized in the statement of income, according to the life of the right of way.

(c)

Computer software

Licenses for IT programs acquired are capitalized based on their acquisition and customization costs. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Expenses related to the development or maintenance of IT programs are recognized as an expense as and when incurred. Costs directly related to the production of unique and identifiable IT programs controlled by the Group, and which will probably generate economic benefits that are higher than its costs during more than a year, are recognized as intangible assets. Direct costs include the expenses of employees who develop information technology software and general expenses in accordance with corporate charges received.

The costs of development for IT programs are recognized as assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

(d)

Mining property and concession rights

The Company holds mining property and concession rights from the Chilean and Western Australian Governments. Property rights from the State of Chile are usually obtained at no initial cost (other than the payment of mining patents and minor recording expenses) and once the rights on these concessions have been obtained, they are retained by the Company while annual patents are paid. Such patents, which are paid annually, are recorded as prepaid assets and amortized over the following twelve months. Amounts attributable to mining concessions acquired from third parties that are not from the Chilean Government are recorded at acquisition cost within intangible assets.

(e)

Estimated useful lives or amortization rates used for finite identifiable intangible assets

Finite useful life measures the length of, or number of production or similar units constituting that useful life., except for the mining claims granted by Corfo, which correspond to assets subject to restitution. For this reason they are considered assets with a finite useful life and their useful life is assigned until the year 2030 when the contract ends.

The estimated useful life for software which they are amortized corresponds to the periods defined by the contracts or rights from which they originate.

Minimum and maximum amortization lives or rates of intangible assets:

Estimated useful life or amortization rate	Minimum Life or Rate	Maximum Life or Rate
Water rights and rights of way	Indefinite	Indefinite
Mining rights granted by Corfo	10 years	10 years
Mining rights	Unit-production method
IT programs	2 years	8 years

3.20	Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses are charged to profit or loss in the period in which the expenditure was incurred.

3.21	Exploration and evaluation expenses

The Company holds mining concessions for exploration and exploitation of ore, the Company gives the following treatment to expenses associated with exploration and assessment of these resources:

(a)

Caliche

Once the rights have been obtained, the Company records the disbursements directly associated with the exploration and assessment of the deposit as an at cost asset. These disbursements include the following items: geological surveys, drilling, borehole extraction and sampling, activities related to the technical assessment and commercial viability of the extraction, and in general, any disbursement directly related to specific projects where the objective is to find ore resources.

If the technical studies determine that the ore grade is not economically viable, the asset is directly charged to profit and loss. If determined otherwise, the asset described above is associated with the extractable ore tonnage which is amortized as it is used. These assets are presented in the “other non-current non-financial assets” category, reclassifying the portion related to the area to be extracted that year as inventories.

(b)

Metal exploration

Expenses related to metal exploration are charged to profit or loss in the period in which they are recognized if the project assessed doesn't qualify for consideration as advanced exploration otherwise, these are amortized during the development stage.

(c)

Salar de Atacama exploration

Salar de Atacama exploration expenses are presented as non-current assets as the property, plant and equipment category and correspond mainly to wells that can also be used in the extraction of the deposit and/or monitoring, these are amortized over 10 years.

(d)

Mount Holland exploration

Mount Holland exploration expenses are presented into “Property, Plant and Equipment”, specifically in Constructions in progress and primarily consider exploration boreholes and complementary studies for the lithium ore study of the area of Western Australia, Australia. These expenses will begin to be amortized in the development stage.

3.22

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets subject to depreciation and amortization are also subject to impairment testing, provided that an event or change in the circumstances indicates that the amounts in the accounting records may not be recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the book value of the asset over its recoverable amount.

For assets other than goodwill, the Group annually assesses whether there is any indication that a previously recognized impairment loss may no longer exist or may have decreased. Should such indications exist, the recoverable amount is estimated.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher between the fair value of an asset or cash generating unit less costs of sales and its value in use, and is determined for an individual asset unless the asset does not generate any cash inflows that are clearly independent from other assets or groups of assets

In evaluating value in use, estimated future cash flows are discounted using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessment, the value of money over time and the specific asset risks.

Impairment losses from continuing operations are recognized with a debit to profit or loss in the categories of expenses associated with the impaired asset function.

A previously recognized impairment loss is only reversed if there have been changes in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last time an impairment loss was recognized. If this is the case, the carrying value of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. This increased amount cannot exceed the carrying value that would have been determined, net of depreciation, if an asset impairment loss had not been recognized in prior years. This reversal is recognized with a credit to profit or loss.

Assets with indefinite lives are assessed for impairment annually.

The current value of future cash flows generated by these assets has been estimated given the variation in sales volumes, market prices and costs, discounted with a WACC rate. For December 31, 2020, the WACC rate was 9.73%.

3.23

Minimum dividend

As required by Chilean law and regulations, our dividend policy is decided upon from time to time by our Board of Directors and is announced at the Annual Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, which is generally held in April of each year. Shareholder approval of the dividend policy is not required. However, each year the Board must submit the declaration of the final dividend or dividends in respect of the preceding year, consistent with the then-established dividend policy, to the Annual Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting for approval. As required by the Chilean Companies Act, unless otherwise decided by unanimous vote of the holders of issued shares, we must distribute a cash dividend in an amount equal to at least 30% of our consolidated net income for that year (determined in accordance with CMF regulations), unless and to the extent the Company has a deficit in retained earnings. (See Note 20.4).

3.24

Earnings per share

The basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the profit for the year attributable to the ordinary owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

The Company has not conducted any type of operation of potential dilutive effect that would entail the disclosure of diluted earnings per share.

3.25

Capitalization of interest expenses

The cost of interest is recognized as an expense in the year in which it is incurred, except for interest that is directly related to the acquisition and construction of tangible property, plant and equipment assets and that complies with the requirements of IAS 23.

The Company capitalizes all interest costs directly related to the construction or to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, which require a substantial time to be suitable for use.

The financial expenses accrued during the construction period that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of assets that qualify for this, use the corresponding interest rate for the financing specific to the project; where this does not exist, the mean financing rate of the subsidiary that makes the investment is used.

3.26

Other provisions

Provisions are recognized when:

The Company has a present,legal or constructive obligation as the result of a past event.

It is more likely than not that certain resources must be used, to settle the obligation.

A reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

In the event that the provision or a portion of it is reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset solely if there is certainty of income.

In the consolidated statement of income, the expense for any provision is presented net of any reimbursement.

Should the effect of the value of money over time be significant, provisions are discounted using a discount rate before tax that reflects the liability’s specific risks. When a discount rate is used, the increase in the provision over time is recognized as a finance cost.

The Company’s policy is to maintain provisions to cover risks and expenses based on a better estimate to deal with possible or certain and quantifiable responsibilities from current litigation, compensations or obligations, pending expenses for which the amount has not yet been determined, collaterals and other similar guarantees for which the Company is responsible. These are recorded at the time the responsibility or the obligation that determines the compensation or payment is generated.

3.27

Obligations related to employee termination benefits and pension commitments

Obligations towards the Company’s employees comply with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements in force, which are formalized through collective employment agreements and individual employment contracts, except for the United States, which is regulated in accordance with employment plans in force up to 2002. (See more details in Note 18.4).

These obligations are valued using actuarial calculations, according to the projected unit credit method which considers such assumptions as the mortality rate, employee turnover, interest rates, retirement dates, effects related to increases in employees’ salaries, as well as the effects on variations in services derived from variations in the inflation rate. The criteria in force contained in the revised IAS 19 are also considered.

Actuarial gains and losses that may be generated by variations in defined, pre-established obligations are directly recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income”.

Actuarial losses and gains have their origin in deviations between the estimate and the actual behavior of actuarial assumptions or in the reformulation of established actuarial assumptions.

The Company’s subsidiary SQM North America has established pension plans for its retired employees that are calculated by measuring the projected obligation using a net salary progressive rate net of adjustments for inflation, mortality and turnover assumptions, deducting the resulting amounts at present value. The net balance of this obligation is presented under the “Non-Current Provisions for Employee Benefits” (refer to Note 18.4).

3.28	Compensation plans

Compensation plans implemented through benefits provided in share-based payments settled in cash are recognized in the financial statements at their fair value, in accordance with IFRS 2. Changes in the fair value of options granted are recognized with a charge to payroll in the results for the period (see Note 18.6).

3.29

Revenue recognition

Revenue includes the fair value of considerations received or receivable for the sale of goods and services during the performance of the Company's activities. Revenue is presented net of value added tax, estimated returns, rebates and discounts and after the elimination of sales among subsidiaries.

Revenues are recognized when the specific conditions for each income stream are met, as follows:

(a)

Sale of goods

The sale of goods is recognized when the Company has delivered products to the customer, and there is no obligation pending compliance that could affect the acceptance of products by the customer. The delivery does not occur until products have been shipped to the customer or confirmed as received by the customer, and the related risks of obsolescence and loss have been transferred to the customer and the customer has accepted the products in accordance with the conditions established in the sale, when the acceptance period has ended, or when there is objective evidence that those criteria required for acceptance have been met.

Sales are recognized in consideration of the price set in the sales agreement, net of volume discounts and estimated returns at the date of the sale. Volume discounts are evaluated in consideration of annual foreseen purchases and in accordance with the criteria defined in agreements.

(b)

Sale of services

Revenue associated with the rendering of services is recognized considering the degree of completion of the service as of the date of presentation of the consolidated classified statement of financial position, provided that the result from the transaction can be estimated reliably.

(c)

Income from dividends

Income from dividends is recognized when the right to receive the payment is established.

3.30

Finance income and finance costs

Finance income is mainly composed of interest income from financial instruments such as term deposits and mutual fund deposits. Interest income is recognized in profit or loss at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Finance costs are mainly composed of interest on bank borrowing expenses, interest on bonds issued and interest capitalized for borrowing costs for the acquisition, construction or production or qualifying assets. Borrowing costs and bonds issued are also recognized in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

3.31

Current income tax and deferred

Corporate income tax for the year is determined as the sum of current and deferred income taxes from the different consolidated companies.

Current taxes are based on the application of the various types of taxes attributable to taxable income for the period.

Differences between the book value of assets and liabilities and their tax basis generate the balance of deferred tax assets or liabilities, which are calculated using the tax rates expected to be applicable when the assets and liabilities are realized.

In conformity with current tax regulations, the provision for corporate income tax and taxes on mining activity is recognized on an accrual basis, presenting the net balances of accumulated monthly tax provisional payments for the fiscal period and associated credits. The balances of these accounts are presented in current income taxes recoverable or current taxes payable, as applicable.

The income tax and variations in deferred tax assets or liabilities that are not the result of business combinations are recorded in the statement of income accounts or equity accounts in the consolidated statement of financial position, considering the origin of the gains or losses which have generated them.

At each reporting period, the carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed and recognized only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to allow the recovery of all or a portion of the deferred tax assets.

With respect to deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associated companies and interest in joint ventures, deferred tax assets are recognized solely provided that it is more likely than not that the temporary differences will be reversed in the near future and that there will be taxable income with which they may be used. The deferred taxes related to items directly recognized in equity is registered with effect on other comprehensive income and not with effect on income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally receivable right of offsetting tax assets against tax liabilities and the deferred tax is related to the same tax entity and authority.

The recognized deferred tax assets refer to the amount of income tax to recover in future periods, related to:

deductible temporary differences;

compensation for losses obtained in prior periods, which have not yet been subject to tax deduction; and

compensation for unused credits from prior periods.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets when it has the certainty that they can be offset with tax income from subsequent periods, unused tax losses or credits to date, but only when this availability of future tax income is probable and can be used for offsetting these unused tax losses or credits.

The recognized deferred tax liabilities refer to the amount of income tax to pay in a future period, related to taxable temporary differences.

3.32

Operating segment reporting

IFRS 8 requires that companies adopt a management approach to disclose information on the operations generated by its operating segments. In general, this is the information that management uses internally for the evaluation of segment performance and making the decision on how to allocate resources for this purpose.

An operating segment is a group of assets and operations responsible for providing products or services subject to risks and performance that are different from those of other business segments. A geographical segment is responsible for providing products or services in a given economic environment subject to risks and performance that are different from those of other segments operating in other economic environments.

Allocation of assets and liabilities, to each segment is not possible given that these are associated with more than one segment, except for depreciation, amortization and impairment of assets, which are directly allocated in accordance with the criteria established in the costing process for product inventories to the corresponding segments.

3.33

Primary accounting criteria, estimates and assumptions

Management is responsible for the information contained in these consolidated financial statements, which expressly indicate that all the principles and criteria included in IFRS, as issued by the IASB, have been applied in full.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and its subsidiaries, management has made judgments and estimates to quantify certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and commitments included therein. Basically, these estimates refer to:

Estimated useful lives are determined based on current facts and past experience and take into consideration the expected physical life of the asset, the potential for technological obsolescence, and regulations. (See Notes 3.22, 15 and 16).

Impairment losses of certain assets - Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not amortized and are assessed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the events or changes in circumstances indicate that these may have deteriorated Other assets, including property, plant and equipment, exploration assets, goodwill and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts exceed their recoverable amounts. If an impairment assessment is required, the assessment of value in use often requires estimates and assumptions such as discount rates, exchange rates, commodity prices, future capital requirements and future operating performance. Changes in such estimates could impact the recoverable values of these assets. Estimates are reviewed regularly by management (See Notes 15 and 16).

Assumptions used in calculating the actuarial amount of pension-related and severance indemnity payment benefit commitments (See Note 18) and determination of long-term provisions.

Contingencies – The amount recognized as a provision, including legal, contractual, constructive and other exposures or obligations, is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the related liability, including any related interest charges, considering the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. In addition, contingencies will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Therefore, the assessment of contingencies inherently involves the exercise of significant judgment and estimates of the outcome of future events. The Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies based upon the best information available, relevant tax laws and other appropriate requirements (See Notes 21).

Volume determination for certain in-process and finished products is based on topographical measurements and technical studies that cover the different variables affecting products in stock (density and moisture, among others), and related allowance.

Estimates for obsolescence provisions to ensure that the carrying value of inventory is not in excess of the net realizable Inventory valuation. (See Note 11).

Despite the fact that these estimates have been made on the basis of the best information available on the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements, certain events may occur in the future and oblige their amendment (upwards or downwards) over the next few years, which would be made prospectively.

3.34

Environment

In general, the Company follows the criteria of considering amounts used in environmental protection and improvement as environmental expenses. However, the cost of facilities, machinery and equipment used for the same purpose are considered property, plant and equipment, as the case may be.

Changes in accounting estimates and policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Changes In Accounting Estimates Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of changes in accounting estimates [text block]

Note 4

Changes in accounting estimates and policies

4.1

Changes in accounting estimates

There have been no changes in the methodologies used to determine such estimates in the periods presented.

4.2

Changes in accounting policies

The accounting principles and criteria were consistently applied in both periods, except for the new instructions established by the CMF for the taxonomy of the financial statements in 2020. The presentation of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities recognized under IFRS 16 has been modified. This change has been made as of January 01, 2020 and retroactively as of December 31, 2019.

Financial risk management

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of financial risk management [text block]

Note 5

Financial risk management

5.1

Financial risk management policy

The Company’s financial risk management policy is focused on safeguarding the stability and sustainability of the Company and its subsidiaries with regard to all such relevant financial uncertainty components.

The Company’s operations are subject to certain financial risk factors that may affect its financial position or results. The most significant risk exposures are market risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, credit risk, and interest rate risk, among others.

There could also be additional risks, which are either unknown or known but not currently deemed to be significant, which could also affect the Company’s business operations, its business, financial position, or profit or loss.

The financial risk management structure includes identifying, determining, analyzing, quantifying, measuring and controlling these events. Management and in particular, Finance Management, is responsible for constantly assessing the financial risk.

5.2

Risk Factors

(a)

Credit risk

A global economic contraction may have potentially negative effects on the financial assets of the Company, which are primarily made up of financial investments and trade receivables, and the impact on of our customers could extend the payment terms of the Company's receivables by increasing its exposure to credit risk. Although measures are taken to minimize the risk, this global economic situation could mean losses with adverse material effects on the business, financial position or profit and loss of the Company's operations.

Trade receivables: to mitigate credit risk, the Company maintains active control of collection and requires the use of credit insurance. Credit insurance covers the risk of insolvency and unpaid invoices corresponding to 80% of all receivables with third parties. For the uncovered portion, the Company uses other instruments such as letters of credit and prepayments. The credit risk associated with receivables is analyzed in Note 14.2 b) and the associated accounting policy can be found in Note 3.5.

The concentration of credit risk with respect to sales debtors is reduced, due to the large number of companies that comprise the Company's customer base and their distribution throughout the world.

No significant modifications have been made during the period to risk models or parameters used in comparison to December 31, 2019, and no modifications have been made to contractual cash flows that have been significant during this period.

Financial investments: correspond to time deposits whose maturity date is greater than 90 days and less than 360 days from the date of investment, so they are not exposed to excessive market risks. The counterparty risk in implementation of financial operations is assessed on an ongoing basis for all financial institutions in which the Company holds financial investments.

The credit quality of financial assets that are not past due or impaired can be evaluated by reference to external credit ratings (if they are available) or historical information on counterparty late payment rates:

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2020

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

9,002

Banco de Chile

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

10,503

Banco Estado

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

1,001

Banco Itau Corpbanca

Time deposits

P-2

A-2

7,299

Banco Santander – Santiago

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

16,702

Scotiabank Sud Americano

Time deposits

F1+

7,002

JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional

Investment fund

Aaa-mf

AAAm

AAAmmf

102,753

Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional cash reserves

Investment fund

AAAm

AAAmmf

107,625

Other banks with lower balances

Time deposits

Total

261,973

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2020

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

185,589

Banco Itaú Corpbanca

90 days to 1 year

P-2

A-2

49,006

Banco Santander - Santiago

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

45,168

Banco Scotiabank Sud Americano

90 days to 1 year

F1+

31,668

JP Morgan Asset Management

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

N1+

34,028

Total

345,459

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2019

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco de Chile

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

50,221

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

42,096

Banco Itaú Corpbanca

Time deposits

P-2

A-2

39,093

Banco Santander

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

2,708

Scotiabank Sud Americano

Time deposits

F1+

14,428

Banco Estado

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

500

BBVA Banco Francés

Time deposits

JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional

Investment fund

Aaa-mf

AAAm

AAAmmf

181,155

Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional cash reserves

Investment fund

AAAm

AAAmmf

146,078

Total

476,332

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2019

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco Scotiabank Sud Americano

90 days to 1 year

P-2

54,180

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

178,448

Banco Santander (*)

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

74,365

Banco Itau Corpbanca

90 days to 1 year

P-2

A-2

127,579

Banco Security

90 days to 1 year

A-2

17,965

Banco de Chile

90 days to 1 year

18,026

Banco Estado

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

15,126

Total

485,689

(*) This includes ThUS$ 1,870 associated with collateral in guarantee used to reduce the liquidity risk.

(b)

Currency risk

The functional currency of the company is the US dollar, due to its influence on the determination of price levels, its relation to the cost of sales and considering that a significant part of the Company’s business is conducted in this currency. However, the global nature of the Company's business generates an exposure to exchange rate variations of several currencies with the US dollar. Therefore, the Company maintains hedge contracts to mitigate the exposure generated by its main mismatches (net between assets and liabilities) in currencies other than the US dollar against the exchange rate variation, updating these contracts periodically depending on the amount of mismatching to be covered in these currencies. Occasionally, subject to the approval of the Board, the Company ensures short-term cash flows from certain specific line items in currencies other than the US dollar.

A significant portion of the Company’s costs, especially salary payments, is associated with the Peso. Therefore, an increase or decrease in its exchange rate with the US dollar would affect the Company's profit and loss. By the fourth quarter of 2020, approximately US$ 473 million accumulated in expenses are associated with the Peso.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company held derivative instruments classified as hedges of foreign exchange risks associated with 100% of all of the bond liabilities denominated in UF, for an asset at fair value of US$ 18.41 million. As of December 31, 2019, a liability was recognized amounting to US$ 18.9 million.

Furthermore, on December 31, 2020, the Company held derivative instruments classified as hedges of foreign exchange risks associated with 100% of all nominative term deposits in UF and in pesos, at a fair value of US$ 21 million in liabilities. On December 31, 2019, an asset was recognized for an amount of US$ 16.4 million.

(c)

Interest rate risk

Interest rate fluctuations, primarily due to the uncertain future behavior of markets, may have a material impact on the financial results of the Company. Significant increases in the rate could make it difficult to access financing at attractive rates for the Company's investment projects.

The Company maintains current and non-current financial debt at fixed rates and LIBOR rate plus spread.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company has around 4% of its financial liabilities linked to variations in the LIBOR rate. 100% of these obligations are covered by derivative instruments classified as interest rate hedging; therefore, a significant rate increase would not impact our financial condition.

(d)

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk relates to the funds needed to comply with payment obligations. The Company’s objective is to maintain financial flexibility through a comfortable balance between fund requirements and cash flows from regular business operations, bank borrowings, bonds, short term investments, and marketable securities, among others. For this purpose, the Company keeps a high liquidity ratio

, which enables it to cover current obligations with clearance. (On December 31, 2020, this was 5.40).

The Company has an important capital expense program which is subject to change over time.

On the other hand, world financial markets go through periods of contraction and expansion that are unforeseeable in the long-term and may affect SQM’s access to financial resources. Such factors may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.

The Company constantly monitors the matching of its obligations with its investments, taking due care of maturities of both, from a conservative perspective, as part of this financial risk management strategy. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had unused, available revolving credit facilities with banks, for a total of US$ 478 million.

The position in other cash and cash equivalents are invested in highly liquid mutual funds with an AAA risk rating.

(1)

Unsecured obligations are presented on a contractual basis and have no effects related to anticipated redemptions.

	Nature of undiscounted cash flows
As of December 31, 2020 (figures expressed in millions of US dollars)	Carrying amount		Less than 1 year		1 to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
Bank borrowings		70.08		0.94		71.40		-		72.34
Unsecured obligations (1)		1,872.09		88.22		927.17		1,727.14		2,742.53
Sub total		1,942.17		89.16		998.57		1,727.14		2,814.87
Hedging liabilities		40.21		6.06		12.34		11.07		29.47
Derivative financial instruments		5.39		5.39		-		-		5.39
Sub total		45.60		11.45		12.34		11.07		34.86
Current and non-current lease liabilities		31.07		6.40		21.04		7.17		34.61
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable		203.93		203.93		-		-		203.93
Total		2,222.77		310.94		1,031.95		1,745.38		3,088.27

	Nature of undiscounted cash flows
As of December 31, 2019 (figures expressed in millions of US dollars)	Carrying amount		Less than 1 year		1 to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
Bank borrowings		70.19		2.17		74.87		-		77.04
Unsecured obligations		1,697.11		326.34		614.29		1,184.38		2,125.01
Sub total		1,767.30		328.51		689.16		1,184.38		2,202.05
Hedging liabilities		23.66		6.57		24.33		32.37		63.27
Derivative financial instruments		3.17		3.17		-		-		3.17
Sub total		26.83		9.74		24.33		32.37		66.44
Current and non-current lease liabilities		37.90		8.90		23.01		10.27		42.18
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable		205.79		205.79		-		-		205.79
Total		2,037.82		552.94		736.50		1,227.02		2,516.46

All current assets divided by all current liabilities.

5.3

Risk measurement

The Company has methods to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of financial risk hedging strategies, both prospectively and retrospectively. These methods are consistent with the risk management profile of the SQM Group. See Note 13.8.

Separate information on the main office, parent entity and joint action agreements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Separate Information On The Main Office Parent Entity And Joint Action Agreements [Abstract]

Separate information on the main office, parent entity and joint action agreements [Text Block]

Note 6

Separate information on the main office, parent entity and joint action agreements

6.1

Parent’s stand-alone assets and liabilities

Parent’s stand-alone assets and liabilities	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Assets		4,173,308			4,069,649
Liabilities		(2,050,223	)		(1,983,382	)
Equity		2,123,085			2,086,267

6.2

Parent entity

Pursuant to Article 99 of the Securities Market Law, the CMF may determine that a company does not have a controlling entity in accordance with the distribution and dispersion of its ownership. On November 30, 2018, the CMF issued the ordinary letter No. 32,131 whereby it determined that the Pampa Group do not exert decisive power over the management of the Company since it does not have a predominance in the ownership that allows it to make management decisions. Therefore, the CMF has determined not to consider Pampa Group the controlling entity of the Company and that the Company does not have a controlling entity given its current ownership structure.

Board of Directors, Senior Management and Key management personnel

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of information about Board of Directors Senior Management and Key management personnel [Abstract]

Disclosure of Information About Board of Directors Senior Management and Key management personnel [Text Block]

Note 7

Board of Directors, Senior Management and Key management personnel

7.1

Remuneration of the Board of Directors and Senior Management

(a)

Board of directors

SQM S.A. is managed by a Board of Directors which is composed of 8 regular directors, who are elected for a three-year period. The Board of Directors was elected during the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2019, which included the election of 2 independent directors.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company included the following committees and committee members:

Directors’ Committee: This committee is comprised by Georges de Bourguignon, Laurence Golborne Riveros y Alberto Salas Muñoz, and fulfills the functions established in Article 50 bis of Chilean Law on publicly-held corporations. This committee takes on the role of the audit committee in accordance with the US-based Sarbanes Oxley law.

The Company’s Health, Safety and Environment Committee: This committee is comprised of Gonzalo Guerrero Yamamoto, Patricio Contesse Fica y Robert J. Zatta.

Corporate Governance Committee: This committee is comprised of Hernán Büchi Buc, Patricio Contesse Fica y Francisco Ugarte Larrain.

During the periods covered by these financial statements, there are no pending receivable and payable balances between the Company, its directors or members of Senior Management, other than those related to remuneration, fee allowances and profit-sharing. In addition, there were no transactions conducted between the Company, its directors or members of Senior Management.

(b)

Board of Directors’ Compensation

Directors’ compensation differs according to the period during the corresponding year. Thus, from April 25, 2019 to April 22, 2020 (Period 2019-2020), Directors’ compensation was determined by the annual general shareholders' meeting held on April 25, 2019. While for the following period (Period 2020-2021), Directors’ compensation was determined by the annual general shareholders' meeting held on April 23, 2020. For each of these periods

Directors’ compensation is detailed as follows:

Period 2019-2020

(i)

The payment of a fixed, gross and monthly amount of UF 800 in favor of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, of UF 700 in favor of the vice-president of the board of directors and of UF 600 in favor of the remaining six directors and regardless of the number of Board of Directors’ Meetings held or not held during the related month.

(ii)

A variable gross amount payable in national currency to the Chairman and Vice President of the Company equivalent to 0.12% of the net liquid income earned by the Company in 2019

;

(iii)

A variable gross amount payable in local currency to each Company director, excluding the Chairman and Vice President of the Company, equivalent to 0.06% of the net liquid income earned by the Company in 2019.

Period 2020-2021:

(i)

(ii)

A variable gross amount payable in national currency to the Chairman and Vice President of the Company equivalent to 0.09% of the net liquid income that the Company effectively obtains during the 2020

;

(iii)

A variable gross amount payable in local currency to each Company director, excluding the Chairman and Vice President of the Company, equivalent to 0.045% of the net liquid income that the Company effectively obtains during the 2020

These fixed and variable amounts for both periods shall not be challenged and those expressed in percentage terms shall be paid immediately after the respective annual general shareholders meeting approves the financial statements, the annual report, the account inspectors report and the external auditors report for the respective year. All amounts expressed in UF shall be paid in Chilean pesos at its value on the last day of the respective calendar month, as determined by the CMF (formerly Superintendence of Banks and Financial Institutions) the Chilean Central Bank or any other relevant institution that replaces them.

Accordingly, the compensation and profit sharing paid to members of the Directors' Committee and the directors as of December 31, 2020 amounted to ThUS$ 4,582 and as of December 31, 2019 to ThUS$ 5,168.

(c)	Directors’ Committee compensation

Directors' Committee compensation differs according to the period during the corresponding year. Thus, for the Period 2019-2020, Directors’ Committee compensation was determined by the annual general shareholders' meeting held on April 25, 2019. While for the Period 2020-2021, Directors’ Committee compensation was determined by the annual general shareholders' meeting held on April 23, 2020. For each of these periods the compensation of the Directors Committee comprises

Period 2019-2020

(i)

The payment of a fixed, gross and monthly amount of UF 200 in favor of each of the 3 directors who were members of the Directors’ Committee, regardless of the number of meetings of the Directors’ Committee that have or have not been held during the month concerned.

(ii)

The payment in domestic currency and in favor of each of the 3 directors of a variable and gross amount equivalent to 0.02% of total net profit that the Company effectively obtains during the 2019 fiscal year.

Period 2020-2021

(i)

(ii)

The payment in domestic currency and in favor of each of the 3 directors of a variable and gross amount equivalent to 0.015% of total net profit that the Company effectively obtains during the 2020 fiscal year.

(d)

Health, Safety and Environmental Matters Committee:

The remuneration of this committee for the 2019–2020 period was composed of the payment of a fixed, gross, monthly amount of UF 100 for each of the 3 directors on the committee regardless of the number of meetings it has held. For the 2020-2021 period, this remuneration remains unchanged.

(e)

Corporate Governance Committee

The remuneration for this committee for the 2019–2020 period was composed of the payment of a fixed, gross, monthly amount of UF 100 for each of the 3 directors on the committees regardless of the number of meetings it has held. For the 2020-2021 period, this remuneration remains unchanged.

(f)

Guarantees constituted in favor of the directors

No guarantees have been constituted in favor of the directors.

(g)

Senior management compensation:

(i)

This includes monthly fixed salary and variable performance bonuses. (See Note 7.2)

(ii)

The Company has an annual bonus plan based on goal achievement and individual contribution to the Company’s results. These incentives are structured as a minimum and maximum number of gross monthly salaries and are paid once a year.

(iii)

In addition, there are retention bonuses for its executives (see Note 18.6)

(h)

Guarantees pledged in favor of the Company’s management

No guarantees have been pledged in favor of the Company’s management.

(i)

Pensions, life insurance, paid leave, shares in earnings, incentives, disability loans, other than those mentioned in the above points.

The Company’s Management and Directors do not receive or have not received any benefit during the ended December 31, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019 or compensation for the concept of pensions, life insurance, paid time off, profit sharing, incentives, or benefits due to disability other than those mentioned in the preceding points.

7.2

Key management personnel compensation

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the number of the key management personnel is 126 and 124, respectively.

Key management personnel compensation

For the year ended
December 31,

2020

For the year ended
December 31,

2019

For the year ended
December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Key management personnel compensation

22,858

22,598

27,907

Please also see the description of the compensation plan for executives in Note 18.6.

Equity-accounted investees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Equity-accounted investees [Abstract]

Disclosure of investments accounted for using equity method [text block]

Note 8

Equity-accounted investees

8.1

Investments in associates recognized according to the equity method of accounting

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, in accordance with criteria established in Note 2:

	Equity-accounted investees						Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the period ended									Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the period ended									Share in total other comprehensive income of associates accounted for using the equity method for the period ended
Associate	As of December 31, 2020 (**)		As of December 31, 2019 (**)		As of December 31, 2018 (**)		As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		11,505		11,609		10,821		(156	)		634			596			-			1			-			(156	)		635			596
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS (*)		-		26,001		21,582		4,031			3,912			241			-			198			489			4,031			4,110			730
Ajay North America		14,468		14,669		14,951		2,191			2,871			3,728			-			-			-			2,191			2,871			3,728
Ajay Europe SARL		7,875		7,451		7,845		1,029			1,165			1,373			756			(179	)		(439	)		1,785			986			934
Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd		-		-		-		-			-			316			-			-			-			-			-			316
SQM Eastmed Turkey (*)		-		623		310		247			354			370			-			(42	)		(21	)		247			312			349
Kore Potash PLC		26,175		24,739		20,467		(224	)		(534	)		(1,543	)		(374	)		(549	)		(1,206	)		(598	)		(1.083	)		(2,749	)
Total		60,023		85,092		75,976		7,118			8,402			5,081			382			(571	)		(1.177	)		7,500			7,831			3,904

(*) As of December 31, 2020, these investments no longer form part of the group. See Note 8.4 (a).

(**) These investments include adjustments for unrealized results.

							Dividends received for the period ending
Associate	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of ownership in associates			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL	Distribution and commercialization of specialty plant nutrients in the Middle East.	PO Box 71871, Abu Dhabi	United Arab Emirates		37	%		-		-		6,632
Ajay North America	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	1400 Industry RD Power Springs GA 30129	United States		49	%		1,967		2,796		2,807
Ajay Europe SARL	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	Z.I. du Grand Verger BP 227 53602 Evron Cedex	France		50	%		1,197		1,055		811
Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	31 Soi 138 (Meesuk) LLapdrawrd, Bangkapi, 10240 Bangkok	Thailand		40	%		-		-		362
SQM Eastmed Turkey	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	Organize Sanayi Bolgesi, Ikinci Kisim, 22 cadde TR07100 Antalya	Turkey		50	%		-		-		-
Kore Potash Ltd	Prospecting, exploration and mining development	L 3 88 William ST Perth, was 6000	United Kingdom		20.20	%		-		-		-
Total								3,164		3,851		10,612

The companies described in the table below are related parties of the following associates:

(1) Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS

(2) Terra Tarsa B.V.

(3) Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

							Dividends received for the period ending
Associate	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of ownership in associates (*)			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC (2)	Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients.	74800 Ukraine, Kakhovka, 4 Yuzhnaya Str.	Ukraine		100	%		-		-		-
Terra Tarsa BV (1)	Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients, in the Middle East.	Herikerbergweg 238, Luna Arena, 1101CM Amsterdam PO Box 23393, 1100DW Amsterdam Zuidoost	Holland		50	%		-		-		-
Plantacote NV (1)	Sale of CRF and production and sales of WSNPK.	Houtdok-Noordkaai 25a, 2030 Antwerpen, Belgium	Belgium		100	%		-		-		-
Doctochem Tarim Sanayai Ticaret LTD (1)	Production, distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrition.	Eski Büyükdere Cad No: 7 GIZ 2000 Plaza K:17 D:67-68 Maslak Sariyer Ístambul.	Turkey		100	%		-		-		-
Terra Tarsa Don LLC (2)	Distribution and sale of specialty fertilizers.	Zorge Street, house 17, 344090, Rostov-on-Don	Russian Federation		100	%		-		-		-
Doktolab Tarim Arastirma San. (1)	Laboratory services.	27. Cd. No:2, 07190 Aosb 2. Kısım/Döşemealtı, Antalya, Turkey	Turkey		100	%		-		-		-
International Technical and Trading Agencies Co WLL (3)	Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients, in the Middle East.	P.O Box: 950918 Amman 11195	Jordan		50	%		-		-		-
Total								-		-		-

(*) This percentage does not consider the shareholdings of the holders of these subsidiaries.

8.2

Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of associates

	As of December 31, 2020								for the period ended as of December 31, 2020
	Assets				Liabilities									Other
Associate	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		Gain (loss)			comprehensive Income		Comprehensive income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		29,313		8,586		6,706		101		6,641		(420	)		-		(420	)
Ajay North America		18,513		15,749		4,737		-		42,920		4,471			-		4,471
Ajay Europe SARL		22,032		1,493		7,773		-		41,950		2,058			1,736		3,794
Kore Potash PLC		5,691		124,112		786		-		-		(3,233	)		486		(2,747	)
Total		75,549		149,940		20,002		101		91,511		2,876			2,222		5,098

	As of December 31, 2019								for the period ended as of December 31, 2019
	Assets				Liabilities									Other
Associate	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		Gain (loss)			comprehensive Income			Comprehensive income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		28,543		9,971		7,133		-		31,588		1,713			4			1,717
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS		97,797		15,196		22,420		38,522		93,768		7,824			396			8,220
Ajay North America		19,748		13,250		3,061		-		38,833		5,860			-			5,860
Ajay Europe SARL		19,589		1,456		6,144		-		35,709		2,329			(358	)		1,971
SQM Eastmed Turkey		2,718		1,833		2,600		704		3,086		709			(84	)		625
Kore Potash PLC		7,938		119,362		2,214		-		-		(2,716	)		(2,791	)		(5,507	)
Total		176,333		161,068		43,572		39,226		202,984		15,719			(2,833	)		12,886

	As of December 31, 2018								for the period ended as of December 31, 2018
	Assets				Liabilities									Other
Associate	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		Gain (loss)			comprehensive income			Comprehensive income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		23,496		11,444		5,695		-		33,098		1,611			(1	)		1,610
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS		66,498		12,242		27,067		8,509		74,144		481			978			1,459
Ajay North America		21,644		12,409		3,542		-		40,290		7,608			-			7,608
Ajay Europe SARL		21,219		1,214		6,743		-		36,337		2,747			(878	)		1,869
SQM Eastmed Turkey		1,724		2,160		1,829		1,434		3,192		740			(42	)		698
Kore Potash PLC		6,659		148,426		2,180		-		-		(8,198	)		(6,882	)		(15,080	)
Total		141,240		187,895		47,056		9,943		187,061		4,989			(6,825	)		(1,836	)

8.3	Other information

The Company has no participation in unrecognized losses in investments in associates.

The Company has no investments that are not accounted for according to the equity method.

The basis of preparation of the financial information of associates corresponds to the amounts included in the financial statements in conformity with IFRS.

8.4

Disclosures on interest in associates

(a)

Transactions conducted in 2020

During the second quarter Kore Potash PLC made a share payment to its non-executive board members, which resulted in a 0.60% share reduction for the company. This resulted in a transfer in equity of non-controlling interest to other reserves in an amount of ThUS$ 754.

During the third quarter of 2020 SQM S.A. increased its shares in Kore Potash PLC to 20.26% as a result of the acquisition of 260,598,591 shares out of 584,753,846 shares issued for a capital increase corresponding to ThUS$ 1,679.

During the third quarter of 2020, its interest in Doktor Tarsa Tarim and its subsidiaries were sold through Soquimich European Holdings B.V. at a value of ThUS$ 33,066, which brought about a loss of ThUS$ 11,408. As of the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, there was a balance of ThUS$ 4,745 in other current receivables and ThUS$ 9,491 in non-current receivables.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, SQM Holland B.V., acquired a WSNPK business from Plantacote N.V. at a value of ThUS$ 16,757, which generated goodwill of ThUS$7,380.

During the third quarter of 2020, shares held in SQM Eastmed Turkey were sold through Soquimich European Holdings B.V. at a value of ThUS$ 618, which brought about a loss of ThUS$ 408.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, Kore Potash PLC made a share-based payment to its non-executive board members, which resulted in a 0.06% share reduction for the company, finalizing with a share percentage of 20.20%. This resulted in a decrease in consolidated equity of non-controlling interests in other reserves of ThUS$ 79.

(b)

Transactions conducted in 2019

SQM S.A. increased the capital of Kore Potash Ltd by ThUS$ 2,600 in July 2019, which increased its interest to 19.67% of the shareholder’s investment.

On December 11, 2019, Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS acquired 100% of the shares in Doctochem Tarim Sanayi Ticaret LTD.

(c)

Transactions conducted in 2018

During the first quarter, the Company increased its capital in Kore Potash PLC by ThUS$ 3,000.

On November 14, 2018, Soquimich European Holdings B.V. sold its share in Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd., generating a loss of ThUS$ 759.

In 2018, Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S., changed its functional currency from Turkish Lira to the United States Dollar.

Joint Ventures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Joint Ventures Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of joint ventures [text block]

Note 9

Joint Ventures

9.1

Policy for the accounting of equity accounted investment in joint ventures

This accounting policy is described in Note 2.6. For these joint ventures there is no quoted market price to measure these investments.

At the date of issuance of these financial statements, the Company is not aware of the existence of any significant contingent liabilities associated with the partnerships in joint ventures.

9.2

Disclosures of interest in joint ventures

Operations conducted in 2020

In the second quarter of 2020, the Company has taken 100% ownership of SQM Vitas BV through the subsidiary Soquimich European Holdings with a cost of ThUS$ 1,276 and its name has been changed to SQM Holland. (See Note 8.1)

In the second quarter of 2020, shares held in Arpa Speciali S.R.L. were sold through SQM Pavoni

& C., SpA. at a value of ThUS$ 56, which brought about a loss of ThUS$ 125. An initial installment of ThUS$ 17 was charged, leaving two pending installments of ThUS$ 20 maturing June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2022. The pending installments are classified as other accounts receivable.

In the third quarter of 2020, shares held in Coromandel SQM India were sold through Soquimich European Holdings B.V. at a value of ThUS$ 1,505, which brought about a loss of ThUS$ 643.

During fourth quarter of 2020, the shares in SQM Qingdao-Star Co, Ltd. were sold through SQM Industrial S.A. for ThUS$ 1,303, which brought about a gain of ThUS$ 62. As of December 31, 2020, the sale proceeds were recorded in other receivables.

A subsequent event associated with the joint venture with Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd. is reported in Note 31.2. Accordingly, the effect on the statement of income for the fourth quarter of 2020 under "Other gains (losses)" is a gain of ThUS$7,036 on the reversal of the impairment associated with this investment.

Operations conducted in 2019

On January 01, 2019, SQM Vitas Perú changed its functional currency from the Peruvian sol to Dollar.

Operations conducted in 2018

During the first quarter of 2018, Minera Exar S.A. increased its capital by ThUS$ 13,000. The entity was a joint venture and contributions were made on January 25, 2018 (ThUS$ 6,000) and on February 14, 2018 (ThUS$ 7,000) by SQM Potasio S.A. and Lithium Americas Corporation (LAC). Both partners share 50% ownership of the respective company.

On March 14, 2018, the company SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. was closed.

As of the date, Minera Exar S.A. has changed its functional currency from the Argentine peso to the United States dollar.

In April 2018, Minera Exar made a new capital increase of ThUS$ 7,000, which was contributed in equal parts by its partners.

On May 15, 2018, the subsidiary Soquimich European Holdings BV, signed a joint venture agreement with PAVONI & C., SpA in Italy, EUR 5.5 million were paid for a 50% share, generating a lower value of EUR 2.6 million. The functional currency of the joint venture is the Euro.

On December 31, 2018, the conditions were met for Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd, to be recognized as a separate joint venture. In previous years, the financial statements for this entity were included as part of SQM Australia Pty.

On December 31, 2018, as part of the investment in Pavoni & C., SpA. the goodwill generated in the purchase of this joint venture by an amount of ThUS$ 3,206.

The subsidiary SQM Industrial S.A. recorded an impairment loss of ThUS$ 8,802, corresponding to its Sichuan SQM-Migao Chemical Fertilizer Co, Ltd, joint venture. The impairment is disclosed by netting the value of the aforementioned investment, in the caption “Equity method investments".

During December 2018, the Company sold its shares in Minera Exar S.A. and generated a profit before taxes of ThUS$ 14,507.

9.3

Investment in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting

							Dividends received for the period ending
Joint venture	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of interest in ownership			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.	Production and distribution of soluble fertilizers.	Huangjing Road, Dawan Town, Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu Municipality, Sichuan Province	China		50	%		-		-		-
Coromandel SQM India	Production and distribution of potassium nitrate.	1-2-10, Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad – 500003 Andhra Pradesh	India		50	%		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Fzco.	Production and commercialization of specialty plant, animal nutrition and industrial hygiene.	Jebel ALI Free Zone P.O. Box 18222, Dubai	United Arab Emirates		50	%		-		10,598		-
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.	Production and distribution of nutrient plant solutions with specialties NPK soluble.	Longquan Town, Jimo City, Qingdao Municipality, Shangdong Province	China		50	%		2,223		-		-
SQM Vitas Holland	Without information production of specialized fertilizers and other products for distribution in Italy and other countries.	Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost	Holland		50	%		-		-		-
Pavoni & C. Spa	products for distribution in Italy and other countries.	Corso Italia 172, 95129 Catania (CT), Sicilia	Italy		50	%		-		-		-
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.	Development and operation of the Mt Holland Lithium project, which will include the construction of a lithium extraction and refining mine	L18, 109 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6000 \|PO Box Z5200 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6831	Australia		50	%		-		-		-
Total								2,223		10,598		-

The companies described in the following table are related to the following joint ventures:

(1)

SQM Vitas Fzco.

(2)

Pavoni & C. Spa.

							Dividends received for the period ending
Joint venture	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of interest in ownership (*)			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)	Production and trading of specialty vegetable and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene.	Via Cndeias, Km. 01 Sem Numero, Lote 4, Bairro Cia Norte, Candeias, Bahia.	Brazil		49.99	%		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)	Production and trading of specialty vegetable and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene	Av. Juan de Arona 187, Torre B, Oficina 301-II, San Isidro, Lima	Peru		50	%		-		-		-
Arpa Speciali S.R.L. (2)	Production of specialty fertilizers and others for distribution in Italy and other countries.	Mantova (MN) Via Cremona 27 Int. 25	Italy		50.48	%		-		-		-
Total								-		-		-

(*) The percentages presented correspond to the ownership used in the consolidation of the company.

	Equity-accounted investees						Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020 (****)		As of December 31, 2019 (****)		As of December 31, 2018 (****)		As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Coromandel SQM India (*)		-		1,568		1,729		-			(98	)		174
SQM Vitas Fzco.		9,720		9,111		20,202		2,010			1,797			1,781
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd. (*)		-		3,464		3,168		83			296			188
SQM Vitas B.V.		-		1,304		1,345		-			(15	)		(14	)
Minera Exar S.A. (1)		-		-		-		-			-			(206	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		7,222		6,864		7,084		9			36			(39	)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd. (**)		-		40		53		-			-			36
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd. (***)		9,028		1,992		1,992		(280	)		(632	)		(650	)
Total		25,970		24,343		35,573		1,822			1,384			1,270

	Share on other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, net of tax									Share on total other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Coromandel SQM India (*)		-			(38	)		(159	)		-			(136	)		15
SQM Vitas Fzco.		(1,469	)		437			(903	)		541			2,234			878
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd. (*)		-			-			-			83			296			188
SQM Vitas B.V.		-			(27	)		(70	)		-			(42	)		(84	)
Minera Exar S.A. (1)		-			-			-			-			-			(206	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		349			(255	)		70			358			(219	)		31
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd. (**)		16			(13	)		-			16			(13	)		36
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd. (***)		-			-			-			(280	)		(632	)		(650	)
Total		(1,104	)		104			(1,062	)		718			1,488			208

(*) As of December 31, 2020, these investments were no longer part of the group, see note 9.2 (a).

(**) As of December 31, 2020, this joint venture has a negative value of ThUS$ (92), which is presented in Other non-current provisions.

(***) See subsequent events in Notes 9.2 and 29.2.

(****) These investments include adjustments for unrealized gains.

The amounts described in the following box represent numbers used in the consolidation of the company:

	Equity-accounted investees						Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)		3,511		5,347		5,915		1,018		564		1,439
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)		1,659		1,955		2,671		660		211		(275	)
Arpa Speciali S.R.L. (2) (*)		-		92		62		-		31		(44	)
Total		5,170		7,394		8,648		1,678		806		1,120

	Share on other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, net of tax									Share on total other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)		(1,469	)		(225	)		(792	)		(451	)		339		647
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)		-			661			(112	)		660			872		(387	)
Arpa Speciali S.R.L. (2) (*)		-			(1	)		-			-			30		(44	)
Total		(1,469	)		435			(904	)		209			1,241		216

The following companies are subsidiaries of:

(1)

SQM Vitas Fzco.

(2)

Pavoni & C. Spa

9.4	Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses from joint ventures

	As of December 31, 2020									For the period ended December 31, 2020
	Assets					Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current			Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		29,507			4,412		14,156		-		9		(562	)		-			(562	)
Coromandel SQM India		-			-		-		-		-		-			-			-
SQM Vitas Fzco.		(496	)		20,431		496		-		-		4,019			-			4,019
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		-			-		-		-		-		-			-			-
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		40,064			5,527		33,410		-		78,960		2,036			(2,938	)		(902	)
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		34,548			7,928		33,145		1,080		37,591		1,319			-			1,319
Pavoni & C. Spa		10,645			7,493		9,270		836		15,958		16			698			714
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		1,418			2,131		2,823		910		-		(232	)		33			(199	)
Total		115,686			47,922		93,300		2,826		132,518		6,596			(2,207	)		4,389

	As of December 31, 2019								For the period ended December 31, 2019
	Assets				Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		28,668		5,129		13,472		-		7		(1,262	)		-			(1,262	)
Coromandel SQM India		4,504		633		1,704		-		8,197		(197	)		(77	)		(274	)
SQM Vitas Fzco.		9,695		1		1,136		-		36		3,595			(876	)		2,719
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		7,534		26		632		-		12,003		592			-			592
SQM Vitas B.V.		2,609		-		2		-		-		(30	)		(53	)		(83	)
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		46,118		7,299		40,334		-		87,901		1,128			(451	)		677
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		29,452		8,378		24,855		6,044		28,590		421			1,322			1,743
Pavoni & C. Spa		9,444		7,074		8,466		735		14,296		71			(510	)		(439	)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		1,616		958		2,111		383		-		-			(25	)		(25	)
Total		139,640		29,498		92,712		7,162		151,030		4,318			(670	)		3,648

	As of December 31, 2018								For the period ended December 31, 2018
	Assets				Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		28,577		5,913		12,902		-		16		(1,301	)		-			(1,301	)
Coromandel SQM India		5,905		852		3,050		-		11,605		348			(318	)		30
SQM Vitas Fzco.		30,430		17,592		2,678		-		16,583		3,561			(1,806	)		1,755
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		7,754		114		1,533		-		13,004		377			-			377
SQM Vitas B.V.		2,692		-		1		-		-		(28	)		(139	)		(167	)
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		36,648		7,566		31,808		-		82,625		2,879			(1,585	)		1,294
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		22,365		7,785		18,996		5,966		28,619		(550	)		(223	)		(773	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		10,062		6,490		8,098		698		15,461		(79	)		140			61
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		239		100		233		-		-		106			-			106
Total		144,672		46,412		79,299		6,664		167,913		5,313			(3,931	)		1,382

9.5

Other Joint Venture disclosures

	Cash and cash equivalents				Other current financial liabilities				Other non-current financial liabilities
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		30		33		-		-		-		-
Coromandel SQM India		-		2,240		-		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Fzco.		4,251		3,071		-		-		-		-
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		-		4,640		-		-		-		-
SQM Vitas B.V.		-		2,609		-		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		4,065		2,101		6,820		9,106		-		-
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		1,043		225		227		258		691		895
Pavoni & C. Spa		767		314		5,573		5,509		-		-
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		653		693		953		472		-		-
Total		10,809		15,926		13,573		15,345		691		895

	Depreciation and amortization expense for the period ending						Interest expense for the period ending						Income tax benefit (expense) for the period ending
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		(394	)		(743	)		-			-			244			153
Coromandel SQM India		-			(291	)		-			(4	)		-			(27	)
SQM Vitas Fzco.		(1	)		-			(2	)		(7	)		-			-
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		-			(62	)		-			-			-			(241	)
SQM Vitas B.V.		-			-			-			(1	)		-			-
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		(355	)		(33	)		(656	)		(1,176	)		(34	)		181
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		(257	)		(287	)		(326	)		(435	)		(197	)		(316	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		(263	)		(149	)		(410	)		-			(120	)		(214	)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		(213	)		(126	)		(18	)		(32	)		714			-
Total		(1,483	)		(1,691	)		(1,412	)		(1,655	)		607			(464	)

9.6

Joint Ventures

In 2017, together with our subsidiary SQM Australia Pty, we entered into an agreement to acquire 50% of the assets of the Mt Holland lithium project in Western Australia. The Mt Holland Lithium Project consist, to design, construct and operate a mine, concentrator and refinery to produce approximately 50,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide per year.

On January 23, 2020, after finalizing the definitive feasibility study, the Company and its project partner Wesfarmers Limited, have decided to postpone the final investment decision to the first quarter of 2021.

In addition, the Company will finance the activities of Mt Holland for a year in an amount of US$ 30 million. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had made contributions in the amount of US$ 30 million, of which, US$ 15 million was paid in favor of the partner in the project and presented as other receivables. If the Company does not approve the investment decision, Wesfarmers Limited does not have an obligation to pay the joint venture an amount equal to the amount contributed by the Company.

See subsequent events in Note 29.2.

Cash and cash equivalents

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

DisclosureOfCashAndCashEquivalentsExplanatory [Abstract]

Cash and cash equivalents

Note 10

Cash and cash equivalents

10.1

Types of cash and cash equivalents

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents are detailed as follows:

Cash	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Cash on hand		54		71
Cash in banks		244,848		105,141
Other demand deposits		2,227		6,986
Total Cash		247,129		112,198

Cash equivalents	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents		51,595		149,099
Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents		210,378		327,233
Total cash equivalents		261,973		476,332
Total cash and cash equivalents		509,102		588,530

10.2

Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the short-term investments classified as cash and cash equivalents relate to mutual funds (investment liquidity funds) for investments in:

Institution	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves		107,625		181,155
JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional		102,753		146,078
Total		210,378		327,233

Short-term investments are highly liquid mutual funds that are basically invested in short-term fixed rate notes in the U.S. market.

10.3

Information on cash and cash equivalents by currency

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, information on cash and cash equivalents by currency is detailed as follows:

Currency	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Peso (*)		7,190		8,240
Dollar		454,402		558,572
Euro		17,144		3,131
Mexican Peso		1,378		2,103
South African Rand		14,286		3,929
Japanese Yen		1,646		1,559
Peruvian Sol		3		4
Indian rupee		6		6
Chinese Yuan		11,597		2,484
Indonesian rupee		3		3
Argentine Peso		-		3
Pound Sterling		19		3
Australian Dollar		1,411		8,492
South Korean won		16		-
Dirham United Arab Emirates		-		-
Polish Zloty		1		1
Total		509,102		588,530

(*) The Company maintains financial derivative instruments policies which allow management to convert term deposits denominated in pesos and UF to Dollars.

10.4	Amount restricted cash balances

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, cash balances are presented with some form of restriction (see note 21.7).

Financial assets pledged as collateral

On November 4, 2004, Isapre Norte Grande has a guarantee equivalent to the total amount owed to its subsidiaries and medical suppliers, which is administered and maintained by Banco de Chile.

As of December 31, 2020, and, December 31, 2019 pledged assets are as follows

Restricted cash balances	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.		731		551
Total		731		551

10.5

Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents

The detail at the end of each period is as follows:

Receiver of the deposit	Type of deposit	Original Currency	Interest Rate			Placement date	Expiration date	Principal		Interest accrued to-date		As of December 31, 2020
								ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.35	%	12-30-2020	03-30-2021		7,000		-		7,000
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.35	%	11-30-2020	01-08-2021		1,500		1		1,501
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		0.61	%	11-30-2020	01-08-2021		2,000		1		2,001
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		0.61	%	11-30-2020	01-08-2021		3,500		1		3,501
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.46	%	12-01-2020	01-15-2021		500		-		500
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-01-2020	01-15-2021		500		-		500
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-02-2020	01-20-2021		2,500		1		2,501
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.5	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		500		-		500
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.5	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		1,000		-		1,000
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.5	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		6,000		1		6,001
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.51	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		6,000		1		6,001
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.26	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		500		-		500
Banco Estado	Fixed term	Dollar		0.14	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		1,000		1		1,001
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		1,500		-		1,500
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		0.56	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		5,000		1		5,001
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		0.68	%	12-18-2020	01-01-2021		500		-		500
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		0.68	%	12-18-2020	02-01-2021		2,000		1		2,001
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.2	%	12-23-2020	02-05-2021		2,000		1		2,001
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-24-2020	02-08-2021		1,000		-		1,000
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.26	%	12-29-2020	01-08-2021		2,500		1		2,501
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.15	%	12-30-2020	02-12-2021		700		-		700
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Peso		0.35	%	12-29-2020	01-05-2021		3,798		-		3,798
BBVA Banco Francés	Fixed term	Dollar		1.8	%	12-31-2020	03-06-2021		86		-		86
Total									51,584		11		51,595

Receiver of the deposit	Type of deposit	Original Currency	Interest Rate			Placement date	Expiration date	Principal		Interest accrued to-date		As of December 31, 2019
								ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-18-2019	02-13-2020		18,000		74		18,074
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		2.85	%	12-26-2019	02-20-2020		20,000		8		20,008
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-15-2019	01-23-2020		14,000		62		14,062
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		3.50	%	11-15-2019	01-09-2020		18,000		80		18,080
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-15-2019	01-16-2020		18,000		79		18,079
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		2.90	%	12-26-2019	02-20-2020		33,000		13		33,013
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Peso		2.16	%	12-30-2019	01-08-2020		6,812		-		6,812
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.51	%	11-21-2019	01-28-2020		1,000		4		1,004
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.75	%	12-02-2019	02-27-2020		2,000		6		2,006
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.60	%	11-25-2019	01-28-2020		1,000		4		1,004
Banco Estado	Fixed term	Dollar		2.15	%	12-16-2019	01-06-2020		500		-		500
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		2.55	%	12-09-2019	02-04-2020		1,700		3		1,703
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		2.55	%	12-16-2019	01-06-2020		2,500		3		2,503
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		3.64	%	11-29-2019	02-13-2020		1,500		5		1,505
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		2.80	%	11-12-2019	01-28-2020		2,000		8		2,008
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		2.33	%	10-16-2019	01-12-2020		1,000		5		1,005
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		2.45	%	12-17-2019	01-13-2020		3,600		3		3,603
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		3.20	%	11-13-2019	01-30-2020		500		2		502
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		3.40	%	12-02-2019	02-27-2020		2,000		5		2,005
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-18-2019	01-30-2020		1,500		6		1,506
BBVA Banco Francés	Fixed term	Dollar		39	%	12-26-2019	01-27-2020		52		1		53
Banco Itaú S.A.	On demand	Dollar		8	%	10-17-2019	01-17-2020		64		-		64
Total									148,728		371		149,099

10.6

Net Debt reconciliation

This section sets out an analysis of net debt and relating movements for each of the periods presented. The definition of the net debt is described in Note 20.1.

Net debt	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Cash and cash equivalents		509,102			588,530
Other current financial assets		348,069			505,490
Other non-current financial hedge assets		37,276			3,918
Other current financial liabilities		(68,955	)		(291,128	)
Lease liabilities, current		(5,528	)		(7,694	)
Other non-current financial liabilities		(1,899,513	)		(1,488,723	)
Lease liabilities, non-current		(25,546	)		(30,203	)
Total		(1,105,095	)		(719,810	)

	As of			From cash flow									Not from cash flow									As of
Cash and cash equivalents	December 31, 2019			Amounts from loans			Amounts from interests			Other cash income/expenses			Hedging and non- hedging instruments			Exchange rate differences			Others			December 31, 2020
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Obligations with the public and bank loans		(1,753,028	)		(136,692	)		73,933			7,819			-			(33,280	)		(81,616	)		(1,922,864	)
Current and non-current lease liabilities		(37,897	)		8,015			1,133			-			-			-			(2,325	)		(31,074	)
Financial instruments derived from hedging		(23,655	)		814			7,634			-			(20,909	)		-			(4,094	)		(40,210	)
Financial instruments derived from non-hedging		(3,169	)		-			-			-			(2,226	)		-			-			(5,395	)
Current and non-current financial liabilities		(1,817,749	)		(127,863	)		82,700			7,819			(23,135	)		(33,280	)		(88,035	)		(1,999,543	)
Cash and cash equivalents		588,530			-			-			(78,988	)		-			(440	)		-			509,102
Deposits that do not qualify as cash and cash equivalents		485,689			-			-			(123,196	)		-			(14,032	)		(3,002	)		345,459
Derivatives from hedge assets		21,188			-			(1,216	)		(39,290	)		56,207			-			388			37,277
Derivatives from other financial non-hedge assets		2,532			-			-			6,902			(6,824	)		-			-			2,610
Total		(719,810	)		(127,863	)		81,484			(226,753	)		26,248			(47,752	)		(90,649	)		(1,105,095	)

The definition of debt is described in Note 13

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Inventories Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of inventories [text block]

Note 11

Inventories

The composition of inventory at each period-end is as follows:

Type of inventory	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Raw material		10,694		7,287
Production supplies		31,007		26,064
Products-in-progress		487,830		457,563
Finished product		563,497		492,424
Total		1,093,028		983,338

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company held caliche stockpiles, solutions in solar ponds and intermediary salts amounting ThUS$ 422,535 and ThUS$ 393,600, respectively (including products in progress).

As of December 31, 2020, bulk inventories recognized within work in progress and finished goods were ThUS$ 108,909 and ThUS$ 176,561, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, bulk inventories recognized within work in progress and finished goods were ThUS$ 104,295 and ThUS$ 204,686, respectively. Bulk products in progress do not include ponds or stockpiles, but they do include intermediary salts on pads.

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, inventory allowances recognized, amounted to ThUS$ 80,930 and ThUS$ 88,174, respectively. For finished and in-process products, recognized allowances include the provision associated with the lower value of stock (considers lower realizable value, uncertain future use, reprocessing costs of off-specification products, etc.), provision for inventory differences and the provision for potential errors in the determination of inventories (e.g., errors in topography, grade, moisture, etc.), (see Note 3.13).

For raw materials, supplies, materials and parts, the lower value provision was associated to the proportion of defective materials and potential differences.

The breakdown of inventory allowances is detailed as follows:

Type of inventory	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Raw material and supplies for production		1,934		2,488
Products-in-progress		66,122		71,468
Finished product		12,874		14,218
Total		80,930		88,174

The Company has not pledged inventory as collateral for the periods indicated above.

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, movements in provisions are detailed as follows:

Conciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Beginning balance		88,174			105,282			96,284
Increase in Lower Value (1)		(5,404	)		(6,987	)		7,845
Additional Provision Differences of Inventory (2)		(704	)		(123	)		3,176
Increase / Decrease eventual differences and others (3)		1,244			(6,262	)		2,436
Provision Used		(2,380	)		(3,736	)		(4,459	)
Total changes		(7,244	)		(17,108	)		8,998
Final balance		80,930			88,174			105,282

(1)

There are three types of Lower Value Provisions: (a) Economic Realizable Lower Value, (b) Potential Inventory with Uncertain Future Use and (c) Reprocessing Costs of Off-Specification Products.

(2)

Provisions for Inventory Differences generated when physical differences are detected when taking inventory, which exceed the tolerance levels for this process.

(3)

This algorithm corresponds to the provision of diverse percentages based on the complexity in the measurement and rotation of stock, as well as standard differences based on previous results, as is the case with provisions relating to Commercial Offices.

Related party disclosures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Related Party Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of related party [text block]

Note 12

Related party disclosures

12.1	Related party disclosures

Balances pending at period-end are not guaranteed, accrue no interest and are settled in cash, no guarantees have been delivered or received for trade and other receivables due from related parties or trade and other payables due to related parties.

12.2	Relationships between the parent and the entity

Pursuant to Article 99 of Law of the Securities Market Law, the CMF may determine that a company does not have a controlling entity in accordance with the distribution and dispersion of its ownership. On November 30, 2018, the CMF issued the ordinary letter No. 32,131 whereby it determined that Pampa Group, do not exert decisive power over the management of the Company since it does not have a predominance in the ownership that allows it to make management decisions. Therefore, the CMF has determined not to consider Pampa Group as the controlling entity of the Company and that the Company does not have a controlling entity given its current ownership structure.

12.3	Detailed identification of related parties and subsidiaries

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the detail of entities that are identified as subsidiaries or related parties of the SQM Group is as follows:

Tax ID No	Name	Country of origin	Functional currency	Nature
foreign	Nitratos Naturais Do Chile Ltda.	Brazil	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Nitrate Corporation of Chile Ltd.	United Kingdom	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM North America Corp.	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Europe N.V.	Belgium	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Soquimich European Holding B.V.	Netherlands	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Corporation N.V.	Curacao	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Comercial De México S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	North American Trading Company	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Perú S.A.	Peru	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Ecuador S.A.	Ecuador	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Nitratos Mexico S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P.	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Investment Corporation N.V.	Curacao	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Brasil Limitada	Brazil	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM France S.A.	France	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Japan Co. Ltd.	Japan	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.	Aruba	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Oceania Pty Limited	Australia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Rs Agro-Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.	Aruba	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Indonesia S.A.	Indonesia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Virginia L.L.C.	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Comercial Caimán Internacional S.A.	Panama	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM África Pty. Ltd.	South Africa	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Colombia SAS	Colombia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Internacional N.V.	Belgium	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM (Shanghai) Chemicals Co. Ltd.	China	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Lithium Specialties LLC	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Iberian S.A.	Spain	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd.	China	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Thailand Limited	Thailand	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Australia PTY	Australia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Holland B.V.	Netherlands	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Korea LLC	Korea	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.801.610-5	Comercial Hydro S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.651.060-9	SQM Potasio S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.592.190-7	SQM Nitratos S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.592.180-K	Ajay SQM Chile S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.947.100-0	SQM Industrial S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.906.120-1	Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
79.876.080-7	Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary

Tax ID No	Name	Country of origin	Functional currency	Nature
79.770.780-5	Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.768.170-9	Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.626.800-K	SQM Salar S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.534.490-5	Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
76.425.380-9	Exploraciones Mineras S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.064.419-6	Comercial Agrorama Ltda.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
76.145.229-0	Agrorama S.A.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
76.359.919-1	Orcoma Estudios SPA	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.360.575-2	Orcoma SPA	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.686.311-9	SQM MaG SpA	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
77.114.779-8	Sociedad Contractual Minera Búfalo	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL	Arab Emirates	Arab Emirates dirham	Associate
foreign	Ajay North America	United States	Dollar	Associate
foreign	Ajay Europe SARL	France	Euro	Associate
foreign	Kore Potash PLC	United Kingdom	Dollar	Associate
foreign	Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.	China	Dollar	Joint venture
foreign	SQM Vitas Fzco.	Arab Emirates	Arab Emirates dirham	Joint venture
foreign	SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.	China	Dollar	Joint venture
foreign	Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.	Australia	Dollar	Joint venture
foreign	Pavoni & C, SPA	Italy	Euro	Joint venture
96.511.530-7	Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera	Chile	Dollar	Other related parties
96.529.340-K	Norte Grande S.A.	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
79.049.778-9	Callegari Agrícola S.A.	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
foreign	SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)	Brazil	Real brazilian	Other related parties
foreign	SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)	Peru	Dollar	Other related parties
foreign	Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL (2)	Oman	United Arab Emirates dirham	Other related parties
foreign	International Technical and Trading Agencies CO WLL (2)	Jordan	United Arab Emirates dirham	Other related parties

(1)

These Companies are subsidiaries of the joint venture SQM Vitas Fzco.

(2)

These Companies are subsidiaries of the joint venture Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL Ltda. and therefore it absorbs these and takes responsibility of all of their assets and liabilities.

* The following entities were considered related parties as of December 31, 2019 (see Note 8.4 letter a and Note 9.2): SQI Corporation N.V., SQM Italia SRL, Doktor Tarsa Tarim, SQM Eastmed Turkey, Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC, Terra Tarsa B.V., Plantacote N.V., Terra Tarsa Don LLC, Doktolab Tarim Arastirma San., Doctochem Tarim Sanayi Ticaret Ltd. STI, Coromandel SQM India Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd. and Arpa Speciali S.R.L.

The following other related parties correspond to mining contractual corporations.

Tax ID No.	Name	Country of origin	Functional currency	Relationship
N/A	Ara Dos Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ara Tres Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ara Cuatro Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ara Cinco Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Curicó Dos Primera del Salar de Pampa Alta, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Curicó Tres Primera del Sector de Pampa Alta, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Evelyn Veinticuatro Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Filomena Tres Primera de Oficina Filomena, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Filomena Cuatro Primera de Oficina Filomena, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Primera de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Segunda del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Tercera de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Cuarta de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Quinta de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Segunda del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Tercera del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ivon Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ivon Décima Segunda de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ivon Sexta de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Julia Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Lorena Trigésimo Quinta de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Perseverancia Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Tamara 40 Primera del Sector S.E. OF. Concepción, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Tamara Tercera de Oficina Concepción, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Tamara 40 Segunda del Sector S.E. OF Concepción, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties

12.4	Detail of related parties and related party transactions

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, associated businesses, joint ventures and other related parties are part of the Company's common transactions. Their conditions are those customary for this type of transactions in respect of terms and market prices. Maturity terms for each case vary by virtue of the transaction giving rise to them.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the detail of significant transactions with related parties is as follows

Tax ID No

Name

Nature

Country of
origin

Transaction

As of
December 31,
2020

As of
December 31,
2019

As of
December 31,
2018

ThUS$

Foreign

Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS

Associate

Turkey

Sale of products

1,053

14,767

16,726

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.

Associate

France

Sale of products

23,162

21,348

19,470

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.

Associate

France

Dividends

1,197

1,055

811

Foreign

Ajay North America LL.C.

Associate

United States of America

Sale of products

20,259

16,932

16,810

Foreign

Ajay North America LL.C.

Associate

United States of America

Dividends

1,967

2,796

2,807

Foreign

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Associate

Arab Emirates

Sale of products

3,749

5,811

Foreign

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Associate

Arab Emirates

Dividends

6,632

Foreign

Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd. (1)

Associate

Thailand

Sale of products

4,960

Foreign

Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd. (1)

Associate

Thailand

Dividends

362

Foreign

SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria

Other related parties

Brazil

Sale of products

41,341

46,876

44,827

Foreign

SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.

Other related parties

Perú

Sale of products

17,723

24,138

17,204

Foreign

SQM Vitas Fzco

Joint venture

Arab Emirates

Dividends

10,598

Foreign

Coromandel SQM India

Joint venture

India

Sale of products

1,510

3,955

7,696

Foreign

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Sale of products

1,929

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC

Other related parties

Ukraine

Sale of products

737

1,280

1,674

Foreign

Plantacote NV

Other related parties

Belgium

Sale of products

4,096

4,554

Foreign

Pavoni & CPA

Joint venture

Italy

Sale of products

1,125

3,152

201

Foreign

Arpa Speciali S.R.L.

Other related parties

Italy

Sale of products

2,359

207

Foreign

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Dividends

2,223

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Don LLC

Other related parties

Russian Federation

Sale of products

187

Foreign

SQM Eastmed Turkey

Associate

Turkey

Sale of products

Below is a list of transactions with clients and suppliers with whom a relationship with key Company personnel was identified:

Tax ID No

Name

Nature

Country of origin

Transaction

As of
December 31,
2020

ThUS$

10.581.580-8

Gonzalo Guerrero Yamamoto

Chairman / director

Chile

Services – Supplier

71.644.300-0

Universidad del Desarrollo

Chairman / director

Chile

Services – Supplier

125

72.012.000-3

Universidad Tecnológica de Chile

Chairman / director

Chile

Services – Supplier

76.389.727-3

Sociedad Periodística El Libero

Shareholders

Chile

Services – Supplier

76.825.265-3

Link Capital Partners SpA

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

224

76.839.170-k

Proveedora Industrial Arrigoni

Director in common

Chile

Services – Supplier

90.193.000-7

El Mercurio S.A.P.

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

92.580.000-7

Emp. Nac. Telecomunicaciones S.A.

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

1,847

96.806.980-2

Entel PCS Telecomunicaciones S.A.

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

264

97.004.000-5

Banco de Chile

Director in common

Chile

Services – Supplier

44,696

99.012.000-5

Cia. de Seg. de Vida Consorcio Nacional

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

90.266.000-3

Enaex S.A.

Director in common

Chile

Servicies – Client

92.580.000-7

Emp. Nac. Telecomunicaciones S.A.

Family of director

Chile

Servicies – Client

96.529.340-K

Norte Grande S.A.

Director in common

Chile

Lease

135

12.5

Trade receivables due from related parties, current:

Tax ID No

Company

Nature

Country of origin

Currency

As of December
31, 2020

As of December
31, 2019

ThUS$

Foreign

Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS

Associate

Turkey

Dollar

110

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A. R.L.

Associate

France

Euro

4,625

3,712

Foreign

Ajay North America LLC.

Associate

United States of America

Dollar

2,956

2,290

Foreign

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Associate

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Dirham

595

803

96.511.530-7

Soc. de Inversiones Pampa Calichera

Other related parties

Chile

Dollar

Foreign

SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria

Other related parties

Brazil

Dollar

24,335

27,275

Foreign

SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.

Other related parties

Peru

Dollar

24,205

23,475

Foreign

Coromandel SQM India

Joint venture

India

Indian Rupee

1,792

Foreign

SQM Vitas Fzco.

Joint venture

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Dirham

236

234

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC

Other related parties

Ukraine

Ukrainian hryvnia

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Don LLC

Other related parties

Federation of Russia

Russian Ruble

Foreign

Plantacote NV

Other related parties

Belgium

Euro

657

Foreign

SQM Eastmed Turkey

Associate

Turkey

Euro

Foreign

Pavoni & C SpA

Joint venture

Italy

Euro

1,095

1,028

Foreign

Arpa Speciali S.R.L.

Other related parties

Italy

Euro

134

Foreign

Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd

Joint venture

Australia

Foreign

Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Dollar

4,464

Allowance

(356

)

Total

62,601

61,227

The receivables for Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. are presented net of provisions (provisions as of December 31, 2020 ThUS$ 6,502 and December 31, 2019 ThUS$ 10,965).

12.6

Trade payables due to related parties, current:

Tax ID No

Company

Nature

Country of
origin

Currency

As of

December 31,
2020

As of

December 31,
2019

ThUS$

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.

Associate

France

Euro

Foreign

Ajay North America LL.C.

Associate

United States of America

Dollar

232

Foreign

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Dollar

243

Foreign

Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd

Joint venture

Australia

Australian dollar

324

232

Total

606

475

12.7

Other disclosures:

As of December 31, 2020, the Company has made contributions to Mt Holland in favor of Wesfarmers in the amount of US$ 15 million. This value is presented in the financial statements in the line “Trade and other accounts receivable.” For more details, see Note 9.6.

Note 7 describes the remuneration of the Board of Directors, administration and key management personnel

Financial instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Financials instruments [Abstract]

Disclosure of financial instruments [text block]

Note 13

Financial instruments

13.1

Types of other current and non-current financial assets

Description of other financial assets	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Financial assets at amortized cost (1)		345,459		485,689
Derivative financial instruments
- For hedging		-		17,270
- Non-hedging (2)		2,610		2,531
Total other current financial assets		348,069		505,490
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income		14,569		4,785
Derivative financial instruments
- For hedging		37,276		3,918
Other financial assets at amortized cost		80		75
Total other non-current financial assets		51,925		8,778

Institution	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones		185,589		185,400
Banco Santander (3)		45,168		74,365
Banco Itau Corpbanca		49,006		120,628
Banco Security		-		17,964
Banco de Chile		-		18,026
Banco Estado		-		15,126
Scotiabank Sud Americano		31,668		54,180
JP Morgan Asset Management		34,028		-
Total		345,459		485,689

(1)

Corresponds to term deposits whose maturity date is greater than 90 days and less than 360 days from the investment date constituted in the aforementioned financial institutions:

(2)

Correspond to forwards and options that were not classified as hedging instruments (See detail in Note 13.3).

(3)

As of December 31, 2020, there were no margin calls and as of December 31, 2019, this value was ThUS$ 1,870.

13.2

Trade and other receivables

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Trade and other receivables	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Trade receivables, current		313,265		-		313,265		367,583		-		367,583
Prepayments, current		19,900		-		19,900		20,309		-		20,309
Other receivables, current		32,041		11,165		43,206		11,250		1,710		12,960
Total trade and other receivables		365,206		11,165		376,371		399,142		1,710		400,852

See discussion about credit risk in Note 5.2.

	As of December 31, 2020							As of December 31, 2019
Trade and other receivables	Assets before allowances		Allowance for doubtful trade receivables			Assets for trade receivables, net		Assets before allowances		Allowance for doubtful trade receivables			Assets for trade receivables, net
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Receivables related to credit operations, current		327,586		(14,321	)		313,265		383,775		(16,192	)		367,583
Trade receivables, current		327,586		(14,321	)		313,265		383,775		(16,192	)		367,583
Prepayments, current		20,684		(784	)		19,900		21,092		(783	)		20,309
Other receivables, current		36,664		(4,623	)		32,041		15,659		(4,409	)		11,250
Current trade and other receivables		57,348		(5,407	)		51,941		36,751		(5,192	)		31,559
Other receivables, non-current		11,165		-			11,165		1,710		-			1,710
Non-current receivables		11,165		-			11,165		1,710		-			1,710
Total trade and other receivables		396,099		(19,728	)		376,371		422,236		(21,384	)		400,852

(a)

Portfolio analysis

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019 the detail of the renegotiated portfolio is as follows:

As of December 31, 2020
Portfolio analysis
Past due segments	Number of customers with non- renegotiated portfolio		Gross non-renegotiated portfolio ThUS$		Number of customers with renegotiated portfolio		Gross renegotiated portfolio ThUS$
Current		1,281		301,939		23		179
1 - 30 days		119		12,140		8		60
31 - 60 days		12		1,226		-		-
61 - 90 days		5		159		-		-
91 - 120 days		5		1,448		1		41
121 - 150 days		2		2,384		2		2
151 - 180 days		3		1,398		4		12
181 - 210 days		1		-		2		5
211 - 250 days		3		2		6		114
>250 days		156		5,030		64		1,447
Total		1,587		325,726		110		1,860

As of December 31, 2019
Portfolio analysis
Past due segments	Number of customers non- renegotiated portfolio		Gross non-renegotiated portfolio ThUS$		Number of customers renegotiated portfolio		Gross renegotiated portfolio ThUS$
Current		1,486		351,931		69		892
1 - 30 days		166		20,195		72		526
31 - 60 days		26		1,279		4		10
61 - 90 days		12		519		3		54
91 - 120 days		5		1,026		2		66
121 - 150 days		5		361		7		49
151 - 180 days		7		190		2		33
181 - 210 days		4		51		-		-
211 - 250 days		6		48		8		11
>250 days		144		5,449		137		1,085
Total		1,861		381,049		304		2,726

(b)

Estimate for doubtful accounts

As of December 31, 2020
	Trade accounts receivable days past due
Trade and other receivables	Current			1 to 30 days			31 to 60 days			61 to 90 days			Over 90 days			Trade		Trade receivables due from related parties
																ThUS$		ThUS$
Expected Loss Rate on		1	%		10	%		39	%		52	%		79	%		-		-
Total Gross Book Value		302,118			12,200			1,226			159			11,883			327,586		70,145
Deterioration Estimate		3,187			1,207			477			83			9,367			14,321		7,545

As of December 31, 2019
	Trade accounts receivable days past due
Trade and other receivables	Current			1 to 30 days			31 to 60 days			61 to 90 days			Over 90 days			Trade		Trade receivables due from related parties
																ThUS$		ThUS$
Expected Loss Rate on		1	%		18	%		34	%		44	%		78	%		-		-
Total Gross Book Value		352,823			20,721			1,288			573			8,370			383,775		72,550
Deterioration Estimate		5,285			3,664			440			251			6,552			16,192		11,323

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, movements in provisions are as follows:

Provisions	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Provision Impairment Accounts receivable at the beginning of the Period		32,707			32,634
(Decrease) increase impairment of accounts receivable		(4,684	)		1,057
Use of Provision Applied to Accounts Receivable		(750	)		(984	)
Impairment of Accounts Receivable Provision at the end of the Period		27,273			32,707
(1) Trade and Other Receivables Provision		14,321			16,192
(2) Current other Receivables Provision		5,407			5,192
(3) Provision Trade payables due to related parties, current		7,545			11,323
Recovery of Insurance		347			320

Impairment of Accounts Receivable Provision		27,273			32,707
Renegotiated Provision		1,728			1,905
Non-renegotiated Provision		25,545			30,802

13.3	Hedging assets and liabilities

The balance represents derivative financial instruments measured at fair value which have been classified as hedges for exchange and interest rate risks relating to the total obligations with the public associated with bonds in UF and investments in Chilean pesos. As of December 31, 2020, the notional amount of cash flows agreed upon in US dollars of the cross-currency swap contracts amounted to ThUS$ 565,295 (As of December 31, 2019 amounted to ThUS$ 435,167).

Expressed in ThUS$	Assets / (Liabilities) Derivative Instrument			Total Realized			Hedging Reserve in Gross Equity

Hedging with debt as underlying as of December 31, 2020
Hedging Assets		37,276			24,428			12,848
Hedging Liabilities		(19,195	)		(12,956	)		(6,239	)
Underlying Debt Hedge		18,081			11,472			6,609
Underlying Investment Coverage as of December 31, 2020
Hedging Assets		-			-			-
Hedging Liabilities		(21,004	)		(20,626	)		(378	)
Underlying Investments Hedge		(21,004	)		(20,626	)		(378	)

Expressed in ThUS$	Assets / (Liabilities) Derivative Instrument			Total Realized			Hedging Reserve in Gross Equity

Hedging with debt as underlying as of December 31, 2019
Hedging Assets		3,918			(4,194	)		8,112
Hedging Liabilities		(22,771	)		(25,363	)		2,592
Underlying Debt Hedge		(18,853	)		(29,557	)		10,704
Underlying Investment Coverage as of December 31, 2019
Hedging Assets		17,270			17,857			(587	)
Hedging Liabilities		(889	)		(711	)		(178	)
Underlying Investments Hedge		16,381			17,146			(765	)

Hedging Effect in Profit and Equity for the period as of December 31, 2020	Variation Total			Result			Hedge Reserve Variation

Analysis Effect by Type of Coverage
Underlying Debt Hedge		36,935			41,029			(4,094	)
Underlying Investments Hedge		(37,385	)		(37,772	)		387
Total hedging effect on profit or loss and equity in the period		(450	)		3,257			(3,707	)
Analysis Effect by type of asset
Hedging in Current and Non-Current Assets		16,088			10,765			5,323
Hedging in Current and Non-Current Liabilities		(16,538	)		(7,508	)		(9,030	)
Total Hedge Effect in Profit or Loss and Equity for the period		(450	)		3,257			(3,707	)

The balances in the “total realized” column consider the intermediate effects of the contracts in force from January 1 to December 31, 2020 and from January 1 to December 31, 2019.

Derivative contract maturities are detailed as follows:

Series	Contract amount		Currency	Maturity date
	ThUS$
H		134,049	UF	01/04/2023
O		58,748	UF	02/01/2022
P		134,228	UF	01/15/2028
Q		106,933	UF	06/01/2030

Effectiveness

The Company uses cross currency swap derivative instruments to hedge the possible financial risk associated with the volatility of the exchange rate associated with Chilean pesos and UF. The objective is to hedge the exchange rate and inflation financial risks associated with bonds payable. Hedges are documented and tested to measure their effectiveness.

Based on a comparison of critical terms, hedging is highly effective, given that the hedged amount is consistent with obligations maintained for bonds denominated in Pesos and UF. Likewise, hedging contracts are denominated in the same currencies and have the same maturity dates of bond principal and interest payments.

Effectiveness tests have verified that hedges are effective as of the reporting date.

13.4

Financial liabilities

Other current and non-current financial liabilities

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail is as follows:

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Other current and non-current financial liabilities	Currents		Non-Current		Total		Currents		Non-Current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Liabilities at amortized cost
Bank borrowings		82		69,376		69,458		199		69,138		69,337
Obligations with the public		36,781		1,816,626		1,853,407		280,578		1,403,108		1,683,686
Derivative financial instruments
For hedging		26,699		13,511		40,210		7,183		16,477		23,660
Non-Hedging		5,393		-		5,393		3,168		-		3,168
Total		68,955		1,899,513		1,968,468		291,128		1,488,723		1,779,851

Current and non-current bank borrowings

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the detail is as follows:

Current and non-current bank borrowings	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Current loans		82		199
Non-current loans		69,376		69,138
Current and non-current loans		69,458		69,337

Bank borrowings, current:

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail of this caption is as follows:

Debtor

Creditor

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

Tax ID No.

Financial
institution

Country

Currency or
adjustment index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

O-E

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

USD

Upon maturity

05/30/2023

1.00%

1.36%

Debtor

Creditor

Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2020

Current amounts as of December 31, 2020

Company

Financial institution

Up to 90 days

90 days to 1 year

Total

Up to 90 days

90 days to 1
year

Subtotal

Borrowing
costs

Total

ThUS$

SQM S.A.

Scotiabank Cayman

Total

Debtor

Creditor

Currency or

Tax ID No

Company

Country

Tax ID
No

Financial institution

Country

adjustment
index

Repayment

maturity

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

Foreign

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

US$

Upon maturity

05/29/2023

2.11%

3.01%

Foreign

Nitratos Naturais do Chile Lim.

Brazil

Foreign

Banco ITAU Brasil

Brazil

BRL

Upon maturity

12/31/2019

13.57%

4.25%

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2019						Current amounts as of December 31, 2019
Company	Financial institution	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Subtotal		Borrowing costs		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Scotiabank Cayman		-		-		-		-		187		187		-		187
Nitratos Naturais do Chile	Banco ITAU Brasil		-		-		-		12		-		12		-		12
Total			-		-		-		12		187		199		-		199

Unsecured obligations, current:

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail of current unsecured interest-bearing obligations is composed of promissory notes and bonds, as follows:

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

registration or ID
of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment
index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

1.95%

4.38%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

1.08%

3.63%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.59%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$400

01/22/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.17%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2021

Semiannual

0.58%

4.90%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2021

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.24%

3.80%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2021

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.37%

3.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2021

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.92%

3.45%

Effective rates of bonds in Pesos and UF are expressed and calculated in Dollars based on the flows agreed in Cross Currency Swap Agreements.

			Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2020						Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2020
Company	Country	Series	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Subtotal		Borrowing costs			Total
			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$250		4,648		-		4,648		4,648		-		4,648		(433	)		4,215
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$300		-		2,658		2,658		-		2,658		2,658		(614	)		2,044
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$450		7,508		-		7,508		7,508		-		7,508		(679	)		6,829
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$400		-		2,869		2,869		-		2,869		2,869		(237	)		2,632
SQM S.A.	Chile	H		18,212		-		18,212		18,212		-		18,212		(172	)		18,040
SQM S.A.	Chile	O		962		-		962		962		-		962		(82	)		880
SQM S.A.	Chile	P		1,824		-		1,824		1,824		-		1,824		(12	)		1,812
SQM S.A.	Chile	Q		-		350		350		-		350		350		(21	)		329
Total				33,154		5,877		39,031		33,154		5,877		39,031		(2,250	)		36,781

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax I No.

Company

Country

registration or ID
of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment
index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

04/21/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

0.43%

5.50%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.35%

4.38

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

1.42

3.63

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.07

4.25

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2020

Semiannual

1.36

4.90

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2020

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.41

3.80

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2020

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.71

3.25

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2020

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.11

3.45

			Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2019						Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2019
Company	Country	Series	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Subtotal		Borrowing costs			Total
			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$250		-		252,674		252,674		-		252,674		252,674		(386	)		252,288
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$250		4,648		-		4,648		4,648		-		4,648		(433	)		4,215
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$300		-		2,658		2,658		-		2,658		2,658		(614	)		2,044
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$450		-		2,869		2,869		-		2,869		2,869		(679	)		2,190
SQM S.A.	Chile	H		17,166		-		17,166		17,166		-		17,166		(139	)		17,027
SQM S.A.	Chile	O		890		-		890		890		-		890		(67	)		823
SQM S.A.	Chile	P		1,686		-		1,686		1,686		-		1,686		(12	)		1,674
SQM S.A.	Chile	Q		-		323		323		-		323		323		(6	)		317
Total				24,390		258,524		282,914		24,390		258,524		282,914		(2,336	)		280,578

Effective rates of bonds in Pesos and UF are expressed and calculated in Dollars based on the flows agreed in Cross Currency Swap Agreements.

Classes of interest-bearing loans, non-current

The following table shows the details of bank loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Debtor

Creditor

Currency or

Type of

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

Tax ID No.

Financial institution

Country

adjustment index

amortization

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

Foreign

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

USD

Maturity

1.98%

1.36%

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2020								Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2020
Company	Financial institution	Between 1 and 2		Between 2 and 3		Between 3 and 4		Total		Between 1 and 2		Between 2 and 3		Between 3 and 4		Subtotal		Costs of obtaining loans			Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Scotiabank Cayman		-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		(624	)		69,376
Total			-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		(624	)		69,376

Debtor

Creditor

Currency or

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

Tax ID No.

Financial institution

Country

adjustment index

Type of
amortization

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

Foreign

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

USD

Maturity

2.84%

3.01%

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2019								Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2019
Company	Financial institution	Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Total		Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Costs of obtaining loans			Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Scotiabank Cayman		-		-		70,000		70,000		-		-		70,000		70,000		(862	)		69,138
Total			-		-		70,000		70,000		-		-		70,000		70,000		(862	)		69,138

Non-current unsecured interest-bearing bonds

The following table shows the details of “unsecured debentures that accrue non-current interest” as of December 31, 2020, and 2019:

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

registration or ID
of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment
index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2025

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.08%

4.38%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2023

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.43%

3.63%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2029

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.18%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$400

01/22/2050

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.22%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2030

Semiannual

4.76%

4.90%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2033

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.68%

3.80%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2028

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.24%

3.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2038

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.43%

3.45%

	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2020												Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2020
Series	Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Total		Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Subtotal		Bond issuance costs			Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
MUS$250		-		-		-		250,000		-		250,000		-		-		-		250,000		-		250,000		(1,336	)		248,664
MUS$300		-		300,000		-		-		-		300,000		-		300,000		-		-		-		300,000		(781	)		299,219
MUS$450		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		(5,020	)		444,980
MUS$400		-		-		-		-		400,000		400,000		-		-		-		-		400,000		400,000		(6,582	)		393,418
H		-		-		-		-		126,386		126,386		-		-		-		-		126,386		126,386		(1,378	)		125,008
O		-		-		-		-		61,334		61,334		-		-		-		-		61,334		61,334		(904	)		60,430
P		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		(77	)		122,591
Q		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		(352	)		122,316
Total		-		300,000		-		250,000		1,283,056		1,833,056		-		300,000		-		250,000		1,283,056		1,833,056		(16,430	)		1,816,626

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

registration or ID of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment index

Payment of interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2025

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.08%

4.38%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2023

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.43%

3.63%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2029

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.19%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2030

Semiannual

4.78%

4.90%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2033

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.70%

5.50%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2028

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.24%

3.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2038

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.45%

	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2019												Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2019
Series	Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Total		Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Subtotal		Bond issuance costs			Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
MUS$250		-		-		-		-		250,000		250,000		-		-		-		-		250,000		250,000		(1,514	)		248,486
MUS$300		-		-		300,000		-		-		300,000		-		-		300,000		-		-		300,000		(1,393	)		298,607
MUS$450		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		(5,923	)		444,077
H		13,749		13,749		13,749		13,749		75,621		130,617		13,749		13,749		13,749		13,749		75,621		130,617		(1,253	)		129,364
O		-		-		-		-		56,715		56,715		-		-		-		-		56,715		56,715		(811	)		55,904
P		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		(89	)		113,341
Q		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		(101	)		113,329
Total		13,749		13,749		313,749		13,749		1,059,196		1,414,192		13,749		13,749		313,749		13,749		1,059,196		1,414,192		(11,084	)		1,403,108

Additional information

Bonds

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the details of each issuance are as follows:

(i)

Series “H” bonds

On January 13, 2009, the Company placed the Series H bond for UF 4,000,000 (ThUS$ 139,216) at an annual interest rate of 4.9%, with a term of 21 years and amortizations of principal beginning in July, 2019.

On July 5, 2019, amortization of principal amounted to UF 181,818.18, (ThUS$ 7,494) with an associated cross currency swap hedge income of ThUS$ 439.

On January 5, 2020, amortization of principal amounted to UF 181,818.18. (ThUS$ 6,787) with an associated cross currency swap hedge loss of ThUS$ 268.

On July 5, 2020, amortization of principal amounted to UF 181,818.18. (ThUS$ 6,509) with an associated cross currency swap hedge loss of ThUS$ 546.

See more details in Note 20.1

For the periods ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Series H bonds and their associated CCS hedging:

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payments of interest, Series H bonds		6,601		7,868		8,325
CCS Coverage		2,575		1,952		495

(ii)

Single series bonds, second issue MUS$ 250

On April 21, 2010, the Company informed the CMF of its placement in international markets of an unsecured bond of ThUS$ 250,000, pursuant to Rule 144 -A and Regulation S of the Securities and Exchange Commission with a maturity of 10 years with an annual interest rate of 5.5%.

The Company paid the principal on April 21, 2020.

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the detail of payments charged to the line of single series bonds, second issue is as follows

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Interest payment

6,875

13,750

(iii)

Series “O” bonds

On April 4, 2012, the Company issued “Series O” for UF 1,500,000 (ThUS$ 69,901) at a term of 21 years with a single payment at the maturity of the term and an annual interest rate of 3.80%.

See more details in Note 20.1

For the periods ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to Series O bonds and their associated CCS hedging

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payment of interest, Series O bonds		2,070		2,308		2,457
CCS Coverage		599		354		205

(iv)

Single series bonds, third issue MUS$ 300

On April 3, 2013, the Company issued a non-secured bond in the United States with a value of US$ 300 million. pursuant to Rule 144-A and Regulation S of the SEC. The bond is for a 10-year term with an annual coupon rate of 3.625%.

For the periods ended 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made with a debit to the line of single-series bonds, third issue:

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

10,875

(v)

Single series bonds, fourth issuance MUS $250

On October 23, 2014, the Company issued unsecured bonds amounting ThUS$ 250,000 in international markets, pursuant to Rule 144-A and Regulation S of the SEC. These bonds mature in 2025 and have annual interest rate of 4.375%.

For the periods ended on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made.

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

10,938

(vi)

Series “P” bonds

The Company on March 31, 2018 issued the placement on the stock market of the Series “P” bond (the "Bonds” Series P) with a value of UF 3,000,000, with a charge to the 10 year Bonds Line registered in the CMF Securities Registry under number 563.

The bonds Series P (i) mature on January 15, 2028; (ii) will accrue on the unpaid principal, expressed in UF, at an annual interest rate of 3.25% from January 15, 2018; and (iii) can be early redeemed by the Company starting from the date of placement, that was, as of April 5, 2018.

For the periods ended on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments and their associated CCS have been made:

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payment of interest series P		3,534		3,960		1,085
CCS Coverage		3,439		2,995		1,421

(vii)

Series Q bonds

On October 31, 2018, the issuance of Series Q bonds was authorized in the general stock market for the amount of UF 3,000,000, which were registered in the Securities Registry of your Commission on February 14, 2012 under number 700.

The bonds Series Q (i) mature on the first day of June 2038; (ii) will earn an interest rate of 3.45% per annum on the outstanding capital, expressed in Unidades de Fomento, from June 1, 2018 thereon; and (iii) may be early redeemed by the Company starting from the placement date, that was, as of November 8, 2018.

On November 8, 2018, all the Series Q Bonds have been placed and sold to Euroamerica S.A. for a total amount of $ 83,567,623,842, which was paid in full and in cash by Euroamerica S.A. to the Company.

See more details in Note 20.1

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made:

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payment of interest series Q		3,769		3,791		319
CCS Coverage		1,021		-		-

(viii)

Single series fifth issue bonds ThUS$ 450,000

On May 7, 2019, the CMF was informed that the Company issued and placed unsecured bonds for ThUS$ 450,000 pursuant to Rule 144-A and Regulation S of the Securities and Exchange Commission on international markets. These bonds will mature in 2029 and carry an interest rate of 4.25% per annum.

For the periods ended on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made:

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

19,125

9,563

(ix)

Single series sixth issue bonds MUS$ 400

On January 22, 2020, the Company has placed unsecured bonds in international markets for US$ 400 million, pursuant to Rule 144-A and Regulation S of the Securities and Exchange Commission, at an annual interest rate of 4.250% and a maturity in the year 2050.

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

8,500

13.5	Trade and other payables

Details trade and other payables

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Details trade and other payables	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Accounts payable		203,346		-		203,346		205,414		-		205,414
Other accounts payable		587		-		587		376		-		376
Prepayments from customers		-		4,027		4,027		-		-		-
Total		203,933		4,027		207,960		205,790		-		205,790

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the balance of current and past due accounts payable is made up as follows:

Suppliers current on all payments

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31, 2020
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		111,323		1,947		123		31		5		4,027		117,456
Services		46,187		1,380		16		757		86		-		48,426
Others		29,325		7		-		-		-		-		29,332
Total		186,835		3,334		139		788		91		4,027		195,214

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31, 2019
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		126,577		4,655		128		116		2,019		-		133,495
Services		51,785		168		-		-		87		-		52,040
Others		8,741		146		-		-				-		8,887
Total		187,103		4,969		128		116		2,106		-		194,422

Suppliers past due on payments

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31, 2020
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		1,305		59		47		39		517		-		1,967
Services		2,298		764		-		453		505		-		4,020
Others		3,258		150		371		118		2,275		-		6,172
Total		6,861		973		418		610		3,297		-		12,159

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31 2019
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		2,086		264		35		65		1,060		-		3,510
Services		3,073		329		116		387		580		-		4,485
Others		1,918		45		311		215		508		-		2,997
Total		7,077		638		462		667		2,148		-		10,992

Purchase commitments held by the Company are recognized as liabilities when the goods and services are received by the Company. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has purchase orders amounting to ThUS$ 55,516 and ThUS$ 89,391 as of December 31, 2019.

13.6

Financial asset and liability categories

Financial Assets

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Description of financial assets	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Cash and cash equivalent		509,102		-		509,102		588,530		-		588,530
Trade receivables due from related parties at amortized cost		62,601		-		62,601		61,227		-		61,227
Financial assets measured at amortized cost		345,459		80		345,539		485,689		75		485,764
Loans and receivables measured at amortized cost		365,206		11,165		376,371		399,142		1,710		400,852
Total financial assets measured at amortized cost		1,282,368		11,245		1,293,613		1,534,588		1,785		1,536,373
Financial instruments for hedging purposes through equity		-		37,276		37,276		17,270		3,918		21,188
Financial instruments held for trading at through profit or loss		2,610		-		2,610		2,531		-		2,531
Financial assets classified as available for sale at fair value through equity		-		14,569		14,569		-		4,785		4,785
Total financial assets at fair value		2,610		51,845		54,455		19,801		8,703		28,504
Total financial assets		1,284,978		63,090		1,348,068		1,554,389		10,488		1,564,877

Financial Liabilities

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Description of financial liabilities	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
For hedging purposes through equity		26,699		13,511		40,210		7,183		16,477		23,660
Held for trading at fair value through profit or loss		5,393		-		5,393		3,168		-		3,168
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss		32,092		13,511		45,603		10,351		16,477		26,828
Bank loans		82		69,376		69,458		199		69,138		69,337
Obligations to the public		36,781		1,816,626		1,853,407		280,578		1,403,108		1,683,686
Lease Liabilities		5,528		25,546		31,074		7,694		30,203		37,897
Trade and other payables		203,933		4,027		207,960		205,790		-		205,790
Trade payables due to related parties		606		-		606		475		-		475
Total financial liabilities at amortized cost		246,930		1,915,575		2,162,505		494,736		1,502,449		1,997,185
Total financial liabilities		279,022		1,929,086		2,208,108		505,087		1,518,926		2,024,013

13.7	Fair value measurement of finance assets and liabilities

The fair value hierarchy is detailed as follows:

(a)

Level 1:

using quoted prices (unadjusted) only in active markets.

(b)

Level 2:

when in any phase in the valuation process inputs other than quoted prices have been used in Level 1 that are observable directly in markets.

(c)

Level 3:

inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

	As of December 31, 2020						Measurement Methodology
Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities	Carrying Amount at Amortized Cost		Fair value (informative)		Book Value Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		509,102		509,102		-		-		509,102		-
Other current financial assets
- Time deposits		345,459		345,459		-		-		345,459		-
- Derivative financial instruments
- Forwards		-		-		2,263		-		2,263		-
- Options		-		-		347		-		347		-
Non-current accounts receivable		11,165		11,165		-		-		-		-
Other non-current financial assets:
- Other		99		99		-		-		99		-
- Actions		-		-		14,549		14,549		-		-
- Hedging assets – Swaps		-		-		37,276		-		37,276		-
Other current financial liabilities
- Bank loans		82		82		-		-		82		-
- Derivative instruments		-		-		-		-		-		-
- Forwards		-		-		4,614		-		4,614		-
- Options		-		-		780		-		780		-
-Hedging liabilities - Swaps		-		-		5,695		-		5,695		-
-Inversions -Swaps		-		-		21,004		-		21,004		-
- Unsecured obligations		36,781		36,781		-		-		36,781		-
- Current lease liabilities		5,528		5,528		-		-		5,528		-
Other non-current financial liabilities
- Bank loans		69,376		71,029		-		-		71,029		-
- Unsecured obligations		1,816,626		2,355,943		-		-		2,355,943		-
- Non-current hedging liabilities		-		-		13,511		-		13,511		-
- Non-current lease liabilities		25,546		26,027		-		-		26,027		-

	As of December 31, 2019						Measurement methodology
Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities	Carrying Amount at Amortized Cost		Fair value (informative)		Book Value Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		588,530		588,530		-		-		588,530		-
Other current financial assets:
- Time deposits		485,689		485,689		-		-		485,689		-
-Derivative financial instruments		-		-		-		-		-		-
- Forwards		-				2,420		-		2,420		-
- Options		-		-		111		-		111		-
-Investment hedge swaps		-		-		17,270		-		17,270		-
Non-current accounts receivable		1,710		1,710		-		-		-		-
Other non-current financial assets
- Other		94		94		-		-		94		-
- Actions		-		-		4,785		4,785		-		-
- Hedging assets – Swaps		-		-		3,918		-		3,918		-
Other current financial liabilities
- Bank loans		199		199		-		-		199		-
-Derivative instruments		-		-		-		-		-		-
- Forwards		-		-		2,837		-		2,837		-
- Options		-		-		289		-		289		-
- Hedging liabilities – Swaps		-		-		7,183		-		7,183		-
- Unsecured obligations		280,578		280,578		-		-		280,578		-
-Current lease liabilities		7,694		7,694		-		-		7,694		-
Other non-current financial liabilities:
- Bank loans		69,138		71,033		-		-		71,033		-
- Unsecured obligations		1,403,108		1,658,506		-		-		1,658,506		-
- Non-current hedging liabilities		-		-		16,477		-		16,477		-
- Non-current lease liabilities		30,203		33,187		-		-		33,187		-

13.8

Estimated fair value of financial instruments

As required by IFRS 7, the following information is presented for the disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities.

Although inputs represent Management's best estimate, they are subjective and involve significant estimates related to the current economic and market conditions, as well as risk features.

Methodologies and assumptions used depend on the risk terms and characteristics of instruments and include the following as a summary:

Estimate of fair value for the record

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value consist of forwards hedging the mismatch in the balance sheet and cash flows, options hedging the mismatch in the balance sheet and cross currency swaps to hedge bonds issued in local currency (Peso/UF).

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities recognized by cross currency swaps contracts is calculated as the difference between the present value of discounted cash flows of the asset (Ch/UF) and liability (US$) parts of the derivative. In the case of the IRS, the asset value recognized is calculated as the difference between the discounted cash flows of the asset (variable rate) and liability (fixed rate) parts of the derivative. Forwards are calculated as the difference between the strike price of the contract and the spot price plus the forwards points at the date of the contract. Financial options: the value recognized is calculated using the Black-Scholes method.

In the case of CCS, the entry data used for the valuation models are UF, Peso, Dollar and basis swap rates. In the case of fair value calculations for interest rate swaps, the Forward Rate Agreement rate and ICVS 23 Curve (Bloomberg: cash/deposits rates, futures, swaps). In the case of forwards, the forwards curve for the currency in question is used. Finally, for options, the spot price, risk-free rate and volatility of exchange rate are used, all in accordance with the currencies used in each valuation. The financial information used as entry data for the Company’s valuation models is obtained from Bloomberg, the well-known financial software company. Conversely, the fair value provided by the counterparties of derivatives contracts is used only as a control and not for valuation.

The effects on profit or loss of movements in these amounts is recognized in the caption finance costs, foreign currency translation gain (loss) or cash flow hedges reserve in the statement of comprehensive income, depending on each particular case.

Estimate of fair value for reporting purposes

Cash equivalent approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

The fair value of trade receivables, current is considered to be equal to the carrying amount due to the maturity of such accounts at short-term.

Payables, current lease liabilities and other current financial liabilities are considered fair value equal to book value due to the short-term maturity of these accounts.

The fair value of the debt (long-term secured and unsecured debentures; bonds denominated in local currency (Peso/UF) and foreign currency (Dollar), loans denominated in foreign currency (Dollar) and lease liabilities of the Company are calculated at current value of cash flows subtracted from market rates upon valuation, considering the terms of maturity and exchange rates. The UF and Peso rate curves are used as inputs for the valuation model. This information is obtained through from the renowned financial software company, Bloomberg, and the Chilean Association of Banks and Financial Institutions.

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Presentation of leases for lessee [abstract]

Disclosure of leases [text block]

Nota 14

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities

14.1

Right-of-use assets

Reconciliation of changes in right-of-use assets as of December 31, 2020, net value	Land		Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment		Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories		Office equipment		Network and communication equipment		Mining assets		IT equipment		Energy generating assets		Constructions in progress		Machinery, plant and equipment			Buildings, plant and equipment
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		-		25,742			-		3,356			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		8,066			37,164
Additions		-		1,782			-		-			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		121			1,903
Depreciation expenses		-		(3,535	)		-		(877	)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		(4,019	)		(8,431	)
Other increases / decreases		-		(612	)		-		-			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-			(612	)
Total changes		-		(2,365	)		-		(877	)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		(3,898	)		(7,140	)
Closing balance		-		23,377			-		2,479			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		4,168			30,024

Reconciliation of changes in right-of-use assets as of December 31, 2019, net value	Land		Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment		Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories		Office equipment		Network and communication equipment		Mining assets		IT equipment		Energy generating assets		Constructions in progress		Machinery, plant and equipment			Buildings, plant and equipment
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance	-		-			-		-			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-			-
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		-		29,289			-		3,893			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		11,933			45,115
Balance recognized in IFRS 16		-		29,289			-		3,893			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		11,933			45,115
Depreciation expenses		-		(3,547	)		-		(537	)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		(3,867	)		(7,951	)
Total changes		-		(3,547	)		-		(537	)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		(3,867	)		(7,951	)
Closing balance		-		25,742			-		3,356			-		-		-		-		-		-		-		8,066			37,164

The Company’s lease activities included the following aspects:

(a)

The nature of the Company’s lease activities is related to contracts focused primarily on business operations, mainly rights-of-use to equipment and real estate,

(b)

The Company does not estimate any significant future cash outflows that would potentially expose the Company, and these are likewise not reflected in the measurement of lease liabilities, related to concepts such as: (i) Variable lease payments, (ii) Expansion options and termination options, (iii) Guaranteed residual value and (iv) Leases not yet undertaken but committed by the Company.

(c)

These are not subject to restrictions or agreements imposed by contracts.

There were no sales transactions with leases later in the period.

14.2	Lease liabilities

As of December 31, 2020

As of December 31, 2019

Lease liabilities

Current

Non-Current

Current

Non-Current

ThUS$

Lease liabilities

5,528

25,546

7,694

30,203

Total

5,528

25,546

7,694

30,203

Current and non-current lease liabilities

Debtor

Creditor

Contract

Type of

Maturity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

TAX ID No.

Supplier

Country

indexation unit

amortization

date

Effective rate

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

83.776.000-3

Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda

Chile

Monthly

03-31-2021

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

76.146.110-9

Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda

Chile

Peso

Monthly

09-01-2020

8.93

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

76.065.017-K

SKM Industrial Ltda.

Chile

Peso

Monthly

06-01-2022

8.93%

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

96.862.140-8

Ameco Chile S.A.

Chile

Peso

Monthly

04-24-2021

4.07%

79.947.100-0

SQM Industrial S.A.

Chile

96.856.400-5

El Trovador S.A.

Chile

Monthly

02-08-2030

3.10%

79.947.100-0

SQM Industrial S.A.

Chile

76.976.580-8

Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda

Chile

Monthly

08-26-2024

2.72%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

76.729.932-K

SAAM Logistics S.A.

Chile

Monthly

08-01-2022

0.81%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

91.577.000-2

Muelles de Penco S.A.

Chile

Monthly

07-06-2023

1.30%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

91.577.000-2

Muelles de Penco S.A.

Chile

Monthly

07-06-2023

1.30%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

76.722.280-7

Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA

Chile

Monthly

05-01-2028

3.38%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

96.565.580-8

Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.

Chile

Monthly

05-24-2021

6.18%

Foreign

SQM North America Corp.

USA

Foreign

Paces West LL.

USA

Dollar

Monthly

12-31-2027

3.36%

Foreign

SQM North America Corp.

USA

Foreign

Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC

USA

Dollar

Monthly

08-31-2024

3.33%

Foreign

SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Foreign

Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Dollar

Monthly

12-03-2026

3.45%

Foreign

SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Foreign

Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Mexican Peso

Monthly

10-31-2023

7.84%

Foreign

SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Foreign

Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Mexican Peso

Monthly

10-31-2023

7.84%

Foreign

SQM Europe N.V.

Belgium

Foreign

Straatsburgdok N.V.

Belgium

Euro

Monthly

03-31-2027

1.30%

Foreign

SQM Australia PTY

Australia

Foreign

The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd

Australia

Australian dollar

Monthly

01-31-2021

3.60%

(a)

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, current lease liabilities are analyzed as follows:

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2020						Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2020
Company	Supplier	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		536		-		536		536		-		536
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		202		607		809		181		566		747
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		135		-		135		134		-		134
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		466		1,399		1,865		353		1,076		1,429
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		180		540		720		164		498		662
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		41		124		165		54		107		161
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		44		133		177		57		115		172
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		157		471		628		123		376		499
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		55		18		73		54		18		72
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		53		163		216		41		128		169
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		31		96		127		28		85		113
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		99		296		395		81		246		327
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		20		59		79		16		49		65
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		7		21		28		6		18		24
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		91		302		393		83		279		362
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		14		42		56		14		42		56
Total			2,131		4,271		6,402		1,925		3,603		5,528

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2019						Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2019
Company	Supplier	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		554		1,662		2,216		506		1,578		2,084
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		74		124		198		71		121		192
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		202		607		809		166		519		685
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		135		404		539		129		394		523
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		466		1,399		1,865		343		1,044		1,387
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		180		540		720		159		485		644
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		106		142		248		103		140		243
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		45		60		105		44		59		103
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		48		64		112		47		64		111
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		157		471		628		119		363		482
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		55		164		219		51		157		208
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		49		156		205		34		116		150
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		31		93		124		26		81		107
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		99		296		395		78		238		316
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		20		59		79		15		46		61
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		7		21		28		5		16		21
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		91		273		364		82		247		329
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		16		32		48		16		32		48
Total			2,335		6,567		8,902		1,994		5,700		7,694

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Non-current lease liabilities are analyzed as follows:

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2020								Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2020
Company	Supplier	1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total		1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		337		-		-		337		330		-		-		330
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		3,730		5,594		5,905		15,229		2,993		4,847		5,622		13,462
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		1,441		420		-		1,861		1,379		417		-		1,796
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		262		-		-		262		163		96		-		259
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		281		-		-		281		175		103		-		278
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		1,255		1,883		889		4,027		1,047		1,707		867		3,621
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		452		730		258		1,440		377		668		253		1,298
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		263		90		-		353		249		89		-		338
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		789		1,151		-		1,940		689		1,094		-		1,783
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		144		-		-		144		133		-		-		133
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		52		-		-		52		48		-		-		48
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		816		1,339		113		2,268		768		1,308		113		2,189
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		11		-		-		11		11		-		-		11
Total			9,833		11,207		7,165		28,205		8,362		10,329		6,855		25,546

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2019								Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2019
Company	Supplier	1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total		1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		554		-		-		554		547		-		-		547
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		1,147		-		-		1,147		1,077		-		-		1,077
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		135		-		-		135		134		-		-		134
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		3,730		5,594		7,373		16,697		2,903		4,701		7,287		14,891
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		1,441		1,141		-		2,582		1,342		1,115		-		2,457
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		1,255		1,883		1,464		4,602		1,013		1,651		1,455		4,119
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		73		-		-		73		72		-		-		72
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		439		709		508		1,656		351		627		492		1,470
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		257		224		-		481		234		217		-		451
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		789		1,184		362		2,335		665		1,088		356		2,109
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		157		65		-		222		135		63		-		198
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		57		24		-		81		49		23		-		72
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		801		1,295		564		2,660		744		1,248		559		2,551
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		55		-		-		55		55		-		-		55
Total			10,890		12,119		10,271		33,280		9,321		10,733		10,149		30,203

Other lease disclosures

Total lease expenses related to lease payments were ThUS$ 61,705 and ThUS$ 56,051 for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. See Note 23.8.

Expenses related to variable payments not included in lease liabilities were MUS$

1,133

and MUS$

1,096

for the periods ending December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Income from subleases on right-of-use assets were ThUS$ 176 and ThUS$ 261 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Payments for contractual operating leases are disclosed in Note 5.2 Liquidity Risk.

Intangible assets and goodwill

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]

Disclosure of intangible assets and goodwill [text block]

Note 15

Intangible assets and goodwill

15.1

Balances

As of December 31, 2020
Intangible assets and goodwill	Useful life	Net Value
		ThUS$
IT programs	Finite		4,826
Mining rights	Finite		150,046
Water rights and rights of way.	Indefinite		23,343
Customer-related intangible assets	Finite		-
Other intangible assets	Finite		192
Intangible assets other than goodwill			178,407
Goodwill	Indefinite		41,966
Total Intangible Asset			220,373

As of December 31, 2019
Intangible assets and goodwill	Useful life	Net value
		ThUS$
IT programs	Finite		6,011
Mining rights	Finite		157,570
Water rights and rights of way.	Indefinite		23,342
Customer-related intangible assets	Finite		1,273
Other intangible assets.	Finite		162
Intangible assets other than goodwill			188,358
Goodwill	Indefinite		34,726
Total Intangible Assets			223,084

Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2020:

Gross Value Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs		Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite		Customer-related intangible assets		Other intangible assets		Goodwill		Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Opening Balance		34,471		158,337			25,423		1,778		2,188		38,120		260,317
Additions		508		2,295			-		-		72		7,380		10,255
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates		5		-			1		-		-		-		6
Decreases through sale		-		(136	)		-		-		-		-		(136	)
Other increases (decreases)		297		-			-		-		14		-		311
Total increases (decreases)		810		2,159			1		-		86		7,380		10,436
Closing balance		35,281		160,496			25,424		1,778		2,274		45,500		270,753

Accumulated amortization and impairment Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		(28,460	)		(767	)		(2,081	)		(505	)		(2,026	)		(3,394	)		(37,233	)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates		-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Other increases (decreases)		-			(2	)		-			-			-			-			(2	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year		(14	)		(654	)		-			(990	)		-			(140	)		(1,798	)
Amortization		(1,981	)		(9,027	)		-			(283	)		(56	)		-			(11,347	)
Total increases (decreases)		(1,995	)		(9,683	)		-			(1,273	)		(56	)		(140	)		(13,147	)
Closing balance		(30,455	)		(10,450	)		(2,081	)		(1,778	)		(2,082	)		(3,534	)		(50,380	)

Net value Movements in Identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite		Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		6,011			157,570			23,342		1,273			162			34,726			223,084
Additions		508			2,295			-		-			72			7,380			10,255
Amortization		(1,981	)		(9,027	)		-		(283	)		(56	)		-			(11,347	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year		(14	)		(654	)		-		(990	)		-			(140	)		(1,798	)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates		5			-			1		-			-			-			6
Decreases through sale		-			(136	)		-		-			-			-			(136	)
Other increases (decreases)		297			(2	)		-		-			14			-			309
Total increases (decreases)		(1,185	)		(7,524	)		1		(1,273	)		30			7,240			(2,711	)
Closing balance		4,826			150,046			23,343		-			192			41,966			220,373

Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019:

Gross Value Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets		Other intangible assets		Goodwill		Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Opening Balance		29,137			159,424			25,425			1,778		2,165		38,120		256,049
Additions		2,606			227			-			-		23		-		2,856
Other increases / decreases of foreign currency		(7	)		-			(2	)		-		-		-		(9	)
Decreases through sale		-			(1,314	)		-			-		-		-		(1,314	)
Other increases (decreases)		2,735			-			-			-		-		-		2,735
Total increases (decreases)		5,334			(1,087	)		(2	)		-		23		-		4,268
Closing balance		34,471			158,337			25,423			1,778		2,188		38,120		260,317

Accumulated amortization and impairment Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		(24,569	)		(168	)		(1,649	)		(205	)		(1,988	)		(3,254	)		(31,833	)
Other increases / decreases of foreign currency		3			-			-			-			-			-			3
Other increases (decreases)		(256	)		-			-			-			-			-			(256	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year		-			(481	)		(432	)		-			-			(140	)		(1,053	)
Amortization		(3,638	)		(118	)		-			(300	)		(38	)		-			(4,094	)
Total increases (decreases)		(3,891	)		(599	)		(432	)		(300	)		(38	)		(140	)		(5,400	)
Closing balance		(28,460	)		(767	)		(2,081	)		(505	)		(2,026	)		(3,394	)		(37,233	)

Net value Movements in Identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		4,568			159,256			23,776			1,573			177			34,866			224,216
Additions		2,606			227			-			-			23			-			2,856
Amortization		(3,638	)		(118	)		-			(300	)		(38	)		-			(4,094	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year		-			(481	)		(432	)		-			-			(140	)		(1,053	)
Other increases / decreases of foreign currency		(4	)		-			(2	)		-			-			-			(6	)
Decreases through sale		-			(1,314	)					-			-			-			(1,314	)
Other increases (decreases)		2,479			-			-			-			-			-			2,479
Total increases (decreases)		1,443			(1,686	)		(434	)		(300	)		(15	)		(140	)		(1,132	)
Closing balance		6,011			157,570			23,342			1,273			162			34,726			223,084

(b)

Movements in identifiable goodwill as of December 31, 2020

Gross Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2020		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)		Total increase (decrease)		Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		3,214		-		-		-		3,214
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-		-		22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-		-		148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-		-		86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		320		-		-		-		320
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		10		-		10		11,383
SQM Holland B.V.		-		7,370		-		7,370		7,370
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-		-		724
Total increases (decreases)		38,120		7,380		-		7,380		45,500
Closing balance		38,120		7,380		-		7,380		45,500

Accumulated impairment Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2020			Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		(3,214	)		-		-			-			(3,214	)
SQM S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Iberian S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Investment Corporation		-			-		-			-			-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		(180	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(320	)
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Holland B.V.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Potasio S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
Total increases (decreases)		(3,394	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,534	)
Closing balance		(3,394	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,534	)

Net Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2020		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		-		-		-			-			-
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-			-			22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-			-			148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-			-			86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		140		-		(140	)		(140	)		-
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		10		-			10			11,383
SQM Holland B.V.		-		7,370		-			7,370			7,370
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-			-			724
Total increases (decreases)		34,726		7,380		(140	)		7,240			41,966
Closing balance		34,726		7,380		(140	)		7,240			41,966

Movements in identifiable goodwill as of December 31, 2019

Gross Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2019		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)		Total increase (decrease)		Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		3,214		-		-		-		3,214
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-		-		22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-		-		148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-		-		86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		320		-		-		-		320
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		-		-		-		11,373
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-		-		724
Total increases (decreases)		38,120		-		-		-		38,120
Closing balance		38,120		-		-		-		38,120

Accumulated impairment Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2019			Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		(3,214	)		-		-			-			(3,214	)
SQM S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Iberian S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Investment Corporation		-			-		-			-			-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		(40	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(180	)
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Potasio S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
Total increases (decreases)		(3,254	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,394	)
Closing balance		(3,254	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,394	)

Net Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2019		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.	-		-		-			-			-
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-			-			22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-			-			148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-			-			86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		280		-		(140	)		(140	)		140
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		-		-			-			11,373
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-			-			724
Total increases (decreases)		34,866		-		(140	)		(140	)		34,726
Closing balance		34,866		-		(140	)		(140	)		34,726

Property, plant and equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment explanatory [Text Block]

Note 16

Property, plant and equipment

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail of property, plant and equipment is as follows:

16.1

Types of property, plant and equipment

Description of types of property, plant and equipment	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land		23,579			23,620
Buildings		239,666			227,173
Other property, plant and equipment		35,418			32,645
Transport equipment		2,880			2,686
Supplies and accessories		4,183			4,579
Office equipment		459			420
Network and communication equipment		1,272			663
Mining assets		47,052			23,174
IT equipment		4,083			4,359
Energy generating assets		4,878			5,998
Constructions in progress		486,345			375,316
Machinery, plant and equipment		887,504			869,273
Total		1,737,319			1,569,906
Property, plant and equipment, gross
Land		23,579			23,620
Buildings		705,089			666,027
Other property, plant and equipment		234,238			257,247
Transport equipment		13,030			12,143
Supplies and accessories		26,101			25,531
Office equipment		11,607			11,441
Network and communication equipment		8,951			8,009
Mining assets		194,562			161,619
IT equipment		29,629			28,693
Energy generating assets		38,540			38,495
Constructions in progress		486,345			375,316
Machinery, plant and equipment		3,304,061			3,142,461
Total		5,075,732			4,750,602
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of property, plant and equipment, total
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of buildings		(465,423	)		(438,854	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of other property, plant and equipment		(198,820	)		(224,602	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of transport equipment		(10,150	)		(9,457	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of supplies and accessories		(21,918	)		(20,952	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of office equipment		(11,148	)		(11,021	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of network and communication equipment		(7,679	)		(7,346	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of mining assets		(147,510	)		(138,445	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of IT equipment		(25,546	)		(24,334	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of energy generating assets		(33,662	)		(32,497	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of machinery, plant and equipment		(2,416,557	)		(2,273,188	)
Total		(3,338,413	)		(3,180,696	)

Description of classes of property, plant and equipment	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Property, plant and equipment, net
Pumps		28,184		32,525
Conveyor Belt		20,117		21,911
Crystallizer		22,145		24,102
Plant Equipment		173,335		170,263
Tanks		15,367		14,159
Filter		35,553		27,080
Electrical equipment/facilities		93,937		92,090
Other Property, Plant & Equipment		49,930		53,409
Site Closure		36,828		12,056
Piping		102,578		96,402
Well		226,347		238,670
Pond		41,906		41,319
Spare Parts (1)		41,277		45,287
Total		887.504		869,273

(1)

Spare parts is presented net of provision. The reconciliation of the spare parts provision as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

Reconciliation	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Opening balance		39,265		32,414
Increase in provisions		3,616		6,851
Closing balance		42,881		39,265

16.2

Conciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type:

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020, gross amount	Land			Buildings		Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment		Supplies and accessories			Equipment office		Network and communication equipment			Mining assets		IT equipment			Energy generating assets		Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		23,620			666,027		257,247			12,143		25,531			11,441		8,009			161,619		28,693			38,495		375,316			3,142,461			4,750,602
Additions		-			838		278			-		82			33		386			-		429			-		319,192			987			322,225
Disposals		-			-		(33,048	)		-		(1	)		-		-			-		-			-		-			(149	)		(33,198	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		22			49		2			1		5			-		-			-		12			-		-			53			144
Reclassifications		-			32,179		9,940			886		488			133		558			32,943		548			45		(203,412	)		125,692			-
Other increases (decreases)		(27	)		5,996		(181	)		-		(4	)		-		(2	)		-		(53	)		-		(4,751	)		35,017			35,995
Decreases for classification as held for sale		(36	)		-		-			-		-			-		-			-		-			-		-			-			(36	)
Total changes		(41	)		39,062		(23,009	)		887		570			166		942			32,943		936			45		111,029			161,600			325,130
Closing balance		23,579			705,089		234,238			13,030		26,101			11,607		8,951			194,562		29,629			38,540		486,345			3,304,061			5,075,732

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020, accumulated depreciation	Land		Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction		Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		-		(438,854	)		(224,602	)		(9,457	)		(20,952	)		(11,021	)		(7,346	)		(138,445	)		(24,334	)		(32,497	)		-		(2,273,188	)		(3,180,696	)
Changes
Disposals		-		-			33,048			-			1			-			-			-			-			-			-		148			33,197
Depreciation expense		-		(26,779	)		(7,284	)		(692	)		(966	)		(126	)		(335	)		(9,065	)		(1,242	)		(1,165	)		-		(134,230	)		(181,884	)
Impairment		-		(23	)		(21	)		-			-			-			-			-			(12	)		-			-		(9,507	)		(9,563	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		-		(20	)		(2	)		(1	)		(4	)		(1	)		-			-			(10	)		-			-		(28	)		(66	)
Reclassifications		-		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			-
Other increases (decreases) (1)		-		253			41			-			3			-			2			-			52			-			-		248			599
Decreases for classification as held for sale		-		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			-
Total changes		-		(26,569	)		25,782			(693	)		(966	)		(127	)		(333	)		(9,065	)		(1,212	)		(1,165	)		-		(143,369	)		(157,717	)
Closing balance		-		(465,423	)		(198,820	)		(10,150	)		(21,918	)		(11,148	)		(7,679	)		(147,510	)		(25,546	)		(33,662	)		-		(2,416,557	)		(3,338,413	)

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020, net amount	Land			Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		23,620			227,173			32,645			2,686			4,579			420			663			23,174			4,359			5,998			375,316			869,273			1,569,906
Additions		-			838			278			-			82			33			386			-			429			-			319,192			987			322,225
Disposals		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(1	)		(1	)
Depreciation expense		-			(26,779	)		(7,284	)		(692	)		(966	)		(126	)		(335	)		(9,065	)		(1,242	)		(1,165	)		-			(134,230	)		(181,884	)
Deterioration		-			(23	)		(21	)		-			-			-			-			-			(12	)		-			-			(9,507	)		(9,563	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		22			29			-			-			1			(1	)		-			-			2			-			-			25			78
Reclassifications		-			32,179			9,940			886			488			133			558			32,943			548			45			(203,412	)		125,692			-
Other increases (decreases) (1)		(27	)		6,249			(140	)		-			(1	)		-			-			-			(1	)		-			(4,751	)		35,265			36,594
Decreases for classification as held for sale (2)		(36	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(36	)
Total changes		(41	)		12,493			2,773			194			(396	)		39			609			23,878			(276	)		(1,120	)		111,029			18,231			167,413
Closing balance		23,579			239,666			35,418			2,880			4,183			459			1,272			47,052			4,083			4,878			486,345			887,504			1,737,319

(1) The net balance of “Other Increases (Decreases)” corresponds to all those items that are reclassified to or from “Property, Plant and Equipment”, They can have the following origin: (i) work in progress which is expensed to profit or loss, forming part of operating costs or other expenses per function, as appropriate; (ii) the variation representing the purchase and use of materials and spare parts; (iii) projects corresponding mainly to exploration expenditures and ground studies that are reclassified to the item other non-current financial assets; (iv) software that is reclassified to “Intangibles (v) Provisions related to the investment plan and assets related to closing the site.

(2) The Company classifies as non-current held for sale property, plant and equipment (disposal group) that, at the closing date of the financial statements, is subject to a commitment for sale or where the sales process has been initiated and where the sale is expected to occur within twelve months of that date, is classified by the Company as non-current assets held for sale. These assets or disposal groups are valued at the lower of carrying amount or the estimated sales value less the costs to sell and stop being amortized from the moment they are classified as non-current assets held for sale.

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2019, gross amount	Land			Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment		Mining assets		IT equipment			Energy generating assets		Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$ $			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		24,695			648,719			245,731			11,668			24,456			11,377			7,505		132,309		29,955			36,930		207,830			3,068,862			4,450,037
Additions		-			290			332			-			37			43			159		-		492			-		314,236			6,077			321,666
Disposals		-			-			(858	)		-			-			-			-		-		(3	)		-		-			(17	)		(878	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		(35	)		(72	)		(4	)		(2	)		(9	)		(3	)		-		-		(6	)		-		-			(72	)		(203	)
Reclassifications		132			18,526			12,456			477			745			-			89		16,901		1,289			1,565		(140,104	)		88,088			164
Other increases (decreases)		-			-			(410	)		-			302			24			256		12,409		(3,034	)		-		(6,646	)		(20,477	)		(17,576	)
Decreases for classification as held for sale		(1,172	)		(1,436	)		-			-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-			-			(2,608	)
Total changes		(1,075	)		17,308			11,516			475			1,075			64			504		29,310		(1,262	)		1,565		167,486			73,599			300,565
Closing balance		23,620			666,027			257,247			12,143			25,531			11,441			8,009		161,619		28,693			38,495		375,316			3,142,461			4,750,602

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2019, accumulated depreciation	Land		Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction		Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		-		(409,911	)		(217,556	)		(8,776	)		(19,734	)		(10,864	)		(6,813	)		(120,808	)		(24,975	)		(30,813	)		-		(2,144,964	)		(2,995,214	)
Changes
Disposals		-		-			858			-			-			-			-			-			1			-			-		-			859
Depreciation expense		-		(29,000	)		(8,013	)		(683	)		(1,144	)		(161	)		(426	)		(7,033	)		(1,158	)		(1,676	)		-		(138,999	)		(188,293	)
Impairment		-		(49	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			(49	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		-		28			3			1			7			1			-			-			5			-			-		34			79
Reclassifications		-		7			(6	)		1			6			-			1			-			(5	)		-			-		(207	)		(203	)
Other increases (decreases) (1)		-		(209	)		112			-			(87	)		3			(108	)		(10,604	)		1,798			(8	)		-		10,948			1,845
Decreases for classification as held for sale		-		280			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			280
Total changes		-		(28,943	)		(7,046	)		(681	)		(1,218	)		(157	)		(533	)		(17,637	)		641			(1,684	)		-		(128,224	)		(185,482	)
Closing balance		-		(438,854	)		(224,602	)		(9,457	)		(20,952	)		(11,021	)		(7,346	)		(138,445	)		(24,334	)		(32,497	)		-		(2,273,188	)		(3,180,696	)

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2019, net amount	Land			Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		24,695			238,808			28,175			2,892			4,722			513			692			11,501			4,980			6,117			207,830			923,898			1,454,823
Additions		-			290			332			-			37			43			159			-			492			-			314,236			6,077			321,666
Disposals		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(2	)		-			-			(17	)		(19	)
Depreciation expense		-			(29,000	)		(8,013	)		(683	)		(1,144	)		(161	)		(426	)		(7,033	)		(1,158	)		(1,676	)		-			(138,999	)		(188,293	)
Impairment		-			(49	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(49	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		(35	)		(44	)		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)		(2	)		-			-			(1	)		-			-			(38	)		(124	)
Reclassifications		132			18,533			12,450			478			751			-			90			16,901			1,284			1,565			(140,104	)		87,881			(39	)
Other increases (decreases) (1)		-			(209	)		(298	)		-			215			27			148			1,805			(1,236	)		(8	)		(6,646	)		(9,529	)		(15,731	)
Decreases for classification as held for sale (2)		(1,172	)		(1,156	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(2,328	)
Total changes		(1,075	)		(11,635	)		4,470			(206	)		(143	)		(93	)		(29	)		11,673			(621	)		(119	)		167,486			(54,625	)		115,083
Closing balance		23,620			227,173			32,645			2,686			4,579			420			663			23,174			4,359			5,998			375,316			869,273			1,569,906

(1) The net balance of “Other increases (Decreases)” corresponds to all those items that are reclassified to or from property, plant and equipment, They can have the following origin: (i) work in progress which is expensed to profit or loss, forming part of operating costs or other expenses per function, as appropriate;, (ii) the variation representing the purchase and use of materials and spare parts; (iii) projects corresponding mainly to exploration expenditures and ground studies that are reclassified to the item other non-current financial assets; (iv) software that is reclassified to “Intangibles”, (v) Assets related to closing the site.

These assets or disposal groups are valued at the lower of carrying amount or the estimated sales value less the costs to sell and stop being amortized from the moment they are classified as non-current assets held for sale.

16.3	Detail of property, plant and equipment pledged as guarantee

There are no restrictions in title or guarantees for compliance with obligations that affect property, plant and equipment.

16.4

Impairment of assets

As indicated in Note 3.16, the recoverable amounts of property, plant and equipment are evaluated when there is evidence that the asset may be impaired. The impairment effects for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is ThUS$ 9,563 and ThUS$ 49 respectively.

16.5

Cost of capitalized interest, property, plant and equipment

The cost of interest is recognized by applying an average or average weighted interest rate for all financing costs incurred by the Company to the final monthly balances for works underway and complies with the requirements of IAS 23.

Financing costs are not activated for periods that exceed the normal term for acquisition, construction or installation of the property; such is the case for delays, interruptions or temporary suspension of the project due to technical, financial or other problems that make it impossible to leave the property in usable conditions.

The rates and costs for capitalized interest of property, plant and equipment are detailed as follows:

Costs of capitalized interest	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Capitalized interest rate		4	%		4	%
Amount of costs for interest capitalized in ThUS$		8,462			7,841

Other current and non-current non-financial assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Abstract]

Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Text Block]

Note 17

Other current and non-current non-financial assets

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail of “Other Current and Non-current Assets” is as follows:

Other non-financial assets, current	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Domestic Value Added Tax		18,107		17,807
Foreign Value Added Tax		7,785		8,566
Prepaid mining licenses		1,025		1,244
Prepaid insurance		10,307		7,135
Other prepayments		946		1,423
Refund of Value Added Tax to exporters		14,316		10,560
Other taxes		4,499		3,213
Other assets		414		604
Total		57,399		50,552

Other non-financial assets, non-current	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Exploration and evaluation expenses (1)		17,883		18,654
Guarantee deposits		731		551
Other assets		3,428		524
Total		22,042		19,729

(1)

Reconciliation of changes in assets for exploration and mineral resource evaluation, by type.

Movements in assets for the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources as of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019:

Conciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		18,654			26,189			17,721
Change in assets for exploration and evaluation of mineral resources
Additions		-			-			11,298
Short term reclassifications		(526	)		(1,311	)		1,987
Increase (decrease) due to transfers and other charges		(245	)		(6,224	)		(4,817	)
Total changes		(771	)		(7,535	)		8,468
Total		17,883			18,654			26,189

As of the presentation date, no reevaluations of assets for exploration and assessment of mineral resources have been conducted.

Mineral resource exploration and evaluation expenditure

Given the nature of operations of the SQM Group and the type of exploration it undertakes, disbursements for exploration can be found in 4 stages: Execution, economically feasible, not economically feasible and in exploitation:

(a)

Execution:

Disbursements for exploration and evaluation under implementation and therefore prior to determination of economic feasibility, are classified in accordance with Note 3.23.

For exploration purposes in Chile relating to caliche and brine exploration are ThUS$ 14,265 and ThUS$ 12,841 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively both are in the Property, Plant and Equipment caption as construction in progress.

For Australia (Mt Holland), total disbursements corresponding to construction in progress (which includes exploration disbursements) amount to ThUS$ 50,127 as of December 31, 2020, and ThUS$ 30,475 as of December 31, 2019.

(b)

Economically feasible

: Disbursements corresponding to caliche exploration, wherein the study concluded that its economic feasibility is viable, are classified under “Non-Current Assets in Other Non-current Non-Financial Assets”, The balance as of December 31, 2020, is ThUS$ 6,576 and as of December 31, 2019, it is ThUS$ 6,576.

At December 31, 2020, ThUS$ 4,296 corresponding to advanced metallic exploration are also presented under the heading "Other Non-Current Non-Financial Assets", and as of December 31, 2019, it is ThUS$ 3,433.

For the exploration of the Salar de Atacama, the associated assets correspond to wells that can be used both in monitoring and exploitation of the Salar, Therefore, once the studies are concluded, these are classified as “Non-current Assets” in “Properties, Plants and Equipment”, assigning them a technical useful life of 10 years.

(c)

Not economically feasible

: Exploration and evaluation disbursements, once finalized and concluded to be not economically feasible, will be charged to profit and loss. As of December 31, 2020, there were no disbursements for this concept and of the year ended December 31, 2019, there was a total of ThUS$ 165 for this concept.

(d)

In Exploitation

: Caliche exploration disbursements that are found in this area are amortized based on the material exploited, the portion that is exploited in the following 12 months is presented as “Current Assets” in the “Process Inventories”, the remaining portion is classified as “Other Non-current Non-Financial Assets”.

As of December 31, 2020, the amount in “Process Inventories”, is ThUS$ 1,318 and the balance as of December 31, 2019 for this concept is ThUS$ 1,367, while in the item “Other Non-current Non-Financial Asset” as of December 31, 2020 is ThUS$ 7,011 and as of December 31, 2019 is ThUS$ 8,645.

Employee benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of detailed information about provision for employee benefits [Abstract]

Disclosure of employee benefits [text block]

Note 18

Employee benefits

18.1

Provisions for employee benefits

Classes of benefits and expenses by employee	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Current
Profit sharing and bonuses		7,770		-
Performance bonds and operational targets		1,326		16,387
Total		9,096		16,387
Non-current
Profit sharing and bonuses		-		8,026
Severance indemnity payments		32,199		27,814
Total		32,199		35,840

18.2

Policies on defined benefit plan

This policy is applied to all benefits received for services provided by the Company's employees. This is divided as follows:

Short-term benefits for active employees are represented by salaries, social welfare benefits, paid time off, sickness and other types of leave, profit sharing and incentives and non-monetary benefits; e.g., healthcare service, housing, subsidized or free goods or services. These will be paid in a term which does not exceed twelve months. The Company maintains incentive programs for its employees, which are calculated based on the net result at the close of each period by applying a factor obtained from an evaluation based on their personal performance, the Company’s performance and other short-term and long-term indicators.

Staff severance indemnities are agreed and payable based on the final salary, calculated in accordance with each year of service to the Company, with certain maximum limits in respect of either the number of years or in monetary terms. In general, this benefit is payable when the employee or worker ceases to provide his/her services to the Company and there are a number of different circumstances through which a person can be eligible for it, as indicated in the respective agreements; e.g. retirement, dismissal, voluntary retirement, incapacity or disability, death, etc. See Note 18.3.

Obligations after employee retirement, described in Note 18.4.

Retention bonuses for a group of Company executives, described in Note 18.6.

18.3

Other long-term benefits

The actuarial assessment method has been used to calculate the Company’s obligations with respect to staff severance indemnities, which relate to defined benefit plans consisting of days of remuneration per year served at the time of retirement under conditions agreed in the respective agreements established between the Company and its employees.

Under this benefit plan, the Company retains the obligation to pay staff severance indemnities related to retirement, without establishing a separate fund with specific assets, which is referred to as

not funded

Benefit payment conditions

The staff severance indemnity benefit relates to remuneration days for years worked for the Company without a limit being imposed in regard of amount of salary or years of service. It applies when employees cease to work for the Company because they are made redundant or in the event of their death. This benefit is applicable up to a maximum age of 65 for men and 60 for women, which are the usual retirement ages according to the Chilean pensions system as established in Decree Law 3,500 of 1980.

(a)

Methodology

The determination of the defined benefit obligation is made under the requirements of IAS 19 “Employee benefits”.

18.4	Post-employment benefit obligations

Our subsidiary SQM NA, together with its employees established a pension plan until 2002 called the “SQM North America Retirement Income Plan”. This obligation is calculated measuring the expected future forecast staff severance indemnity obligation using a net salary gradual rate of restatements for inflation, mortality and turnover assumptions, discounting the resulting amounts at present value using the interest rate defined by the authorities.

Since 2003, SQM NA offers to its employees benefits related to pension plans based on the 401-K system, which do not generate obligations for the Company.

Reconciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
Changes in the benefit obligation	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year		9,586			8,657			8,755
Service cost		-			-			-
Interest cost		280			336			319
Actuarial loss		506			984			63
Benefits paid		(508	)		(391	)		(480	)
Total		9,864			9,586			8,657

Reconciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
Changes in the plan assets	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year		8,754			8,404			8,751
Actual return (loss) in plan assets		4,642			741			133
Benefits paid		(508	)		(391	)		(480	)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year		12,888			8,754			8,404
Financing status		3,025			(832	)		(253	)
Items not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost components:
Net actuarial loss at the beginning of the year		(3,634	)		(3,022	)		(2,614	)
Amortization during the year		326			242			160
Net estimated gain or loss occurred during the year		3,500			(854	)		(568	)
Adjustment to recognize the minimum pension obligation		192			(3,634	)		(3,022	)

Service cost or benefits received during the year	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Service cost or benefits received during the year		-			-			-
Interest cost in benefit obligation		280			336			319
Actual return in plan assets		4,642			741			133
Amortization of prior year losses		326			242			160
Net gain during the year		3,500			(854	)		(568	)
Net periodic pension expense		(31	)		(33	)		(159	)

18.5

Staff severance indemnities

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, severance indemnities calculated at the actuarial value are as follows:

Staff severance indemnities	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		(27,814	)		(28,233	)		(27,445	)
Current cost of Service		(3,804	)		(2,880	)		(1,529	)
Interest cost		(1,486	)		(1,661	)		(1,658	)
Actuarial gain/loss		(2,826	)		(2,514	)		(1,617	)
Exchange rate difference		(1,513	)		2,475			2,710
Benefits paid during the year		5,244			4,999			1,306
Total		(32,199	)		(27,814	)		(28,233	)

(a)

Actuarial assumptions

The liability recorded for staff severance indemnity is valued at the actuarial value method, using the following actuarial assumptions:

Actuarial assumptions	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			Annual/Years
Mortality rate		RV - 2014			RV - 2014			RV - 2014
Actual annual interest rate		3.65	%		3.68	%		4.64	%
Voluntary retirement rate:
Men		6.49	%		6.49	%		6.49	%		Annual
Women		6.49	%		6.49	%		6.49	%		Annual
Salary increase		3.00	%		3.00	%		3.00	%		Annual
Retirement age:
Men		65			65			65			Years
Women		60			60			60			Years

(b)

Sensitivity analysis of assumptions

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company has conducted a sensitivity analysis of the main assumptions of the actuarial calculation, determining the following:

Sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2020	Effect + 100 basis points			Effect - 100 basis points
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Discount rate		(1,985	)		2,234
Employee turnover rate		(261	)		291

Sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2019	Effect + 100 basis points			Effect - 100 basis points
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Discount rate		(1,796	)		2,021
Employee turnover rate		(236	)		263

Sensitivity relates to an increase/decrease of 100 basis points.

18.6

Executive compensation plan

The Company currently has a compensation plan with the purpose of motivating the Company’s executives and encouraging them to remain with the Company, by granting payments based on the change in the price of SQM’s shares. There is a partial payment of the share benefit program in the event of termination of the contract for causes other than the resignation and application of Article 160 of the Labor Code.

(a)

Plan characteristics

This compensation plan is related to the Company’s performance through the SQM Series B share price (Santiago Stock Exchange).

(b)

Plan participants

A total of 29 Company executives are entitled to this compensation plan, as long as they remain a part of the Company until a given date. This includes a 2020 bonus equivalent to 177,905 shares, which is effective for those people still with the Company through the end of 2020, and a 2021 bonus for US$ 8.5 million, which will go into effect in equal parts for those who remain with the Company at the end of each of the four quarters in 2021. The payment dates, where relevant, will be during the quarter following the quarter when the benefit is made effective.

(c)

Compensation

The compensation payable to each executive is calculated by multiplying:

the average price of the series B shares on the Santiago Stock Exchange during the fourth quarter of 2020, in its US dollar equivalent (with a value of US$ 41.93 per share).

ii)

By a number equal to the quantity of shares that have been individually assigned to each executive included in the plan.

This compensation plan was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and its application started on September 30, 2020.

The plan that was in place on December 31, 2019 considered 427,652 shares. The effects on the income statement are equivalent to an expense of ThUS$ 875 and ThUS$ 117 in the income statement for the years ending December 31, 2020 and 2019

Executed shares during 2020 were 47,687.

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of other provisions [abstract]

Disclosure of provisions [text block]

Note 19

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities

19.1

Types of provisions

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Types of provisions	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Provision for legal complaints (1)		8,905		1,260		10,165		13,472		1,452		14,924
Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost (2)		-		61,265		61,265		-		33,238		33,238
Other provisions (3)		95,261		92		95,353		97,093		-		97,093
Total		104,166		62,617		166,783		110,565		34,690		145,255

(1) These provisions correspond to legal processes that are pending resolution or that have not yet been disbursed, these provisions are mainly related to litigation involving the subsidiaries located in Chile, Brazil and the United States (see note 21.1).

(2) The commitments related to Sernageomin have been incorporated through the issuance of the guarantee for the restoration of the place where the production sites are located.

(3) See Note 19.2

19.2

Description of other provisions

Current provisions, other short-term provisions	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Rent under Lease contract (1)		85,167		90,320
Provision for additional tax related to foreign loans		740		543
End of agreement bonus		8,159		3,641
Directors’ per diem allowance		698		1,802
Miscellaneous provisions		497		787
Total		95,261		97,093

(1) Payment Obligations for the lease contract with CORFO: These correspond to obligations assumed in the Lease Agreement. Our subsidiary SQM Salar holds exclusive rights to exploit the mineral resources in an area covering approximately 140,000 hectares of land in the Salar de Atacama in northern Chile, of which SQM Salar is only entitled to exploit the mineral resources in 81,920 hectares. These rights are owned by Corfo and leased to SQM Salar pursuant to the Lease Agreement. Corfo cannot unilaterally amend the Lease Agreement and the Project Agreement, and the rights to exploit the resources cannot be transferred. The Lease Agreement establishes that SQM Salar is responsible for making quarterly lease payments to Corfo according to specified percentages of the value of production of minerals extracted from the Salar de Atacama brines, maintaining Corfo’s rights over the Mining Exploitation Concessions and making annual payments to the Chilean government for such concession rights. The Lease Agreement was entered into in 1993 and expires on December 31, 2030. On January 17, 2018, SQM and CORFO reached an agreement to end an arbitration process directed by the arbitrator, Mr. Héctor Humeres Noguer, in case 1954-2014 of the Arbitration and Mediation Center of Santiago Chamber of Commerce and other cases related to it.

The agreement signed in January 2018, includes important amendments to the lease agreement and project agreement signed between CORFO and SQM in 1993. The main modifications became effective on April 10, 2018 and requires an increase in the lease payments by increasing the lease rates associated with the sale of the different products produced in the Salar de Atacama, including lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide and potassium chloride. This agreement has been amended since it was signed and it is reasonable to expect that it will continue to be amended as mutually agreed by the parties.

Additionally, SQM Salar commits to contribute to research and development efforts, as well as to the communities in close proximity to the Salar de Atacama and provide a percentage of total annual sales of SQM Salar to regional development.

SQM Salar commits to contribute between US$10.8 million and US$18.9 million per year to research and development efforts, between US$10 to US$15 million per year to the communities in close proximity to the Salar de Atacama, and 1.7% of total annual sales of SQM Salar to regional development.

19.3

Other non-financial liabilities, Current

Description of other liabilities	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Tax withholdings		1,208		3,345
VAT payable		1,642		3,465
Guarantees received		2,636		2,641
Accrual for dividend		8,027		68,890
Monthly tax provisional payments		8,407		16,659
Deferred income		6,435		3,033
Withholdings from employees and salaries payable		5,017		4,575
Accrued vacations (1)		24,003		21,686
Other current liabilities		3,580		2,605
Total		60,955		126,899

(1) Vacation benefit (short-term benefits to employees, current) is in line with the provisions established in Chile’s Labor Code, which indicates that employees with more than a year of service will be entitled to annual vacation for a period of at least fifteen paid business days. The Company provides the benefit of two additional vacation days.

19.4

Changes in provisions

Description of items that gave rise to variations as of December 31, 2020	Legal complaints			Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost			Others provisions			Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Total provisions, initial balance		14,924			33,238			97,093			145,255
Changes
Additional provisions		62,922			30,974			60,685			154,581
Provision used		(67,685	)		-			(59,939	)		(127,624	)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange		4			-			(2,486	)		(2,482	)
Others		-			(2,947	)		-			(2,947	)
Total Increase (decreases)		(4,759	)		28,027			(1,740	)		21,528
Total		10,165			61,265			95,353			166,783

Description of items that gave rise to variations as of December 31, 2019	Legal complaints			Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost		Others provisions			Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Total provisions, initial balance		14,862			28,822		94,335			138,019
Changes
Additional provisions		4,111			-		150,314			154,425
Provision used		(4,049	)		-		(147,532	)		(151,581	)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange		-			-		(24	)		(24	)
Others		-			4,416		-			4,416
Total Increase (decreases)		62			4,416		2,758			7,236
Total		14,924			33,238		97,093			145,255

Description of items that gave rise to variations as of December 31, 2018	Legal complaints			Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost		Others provisions			Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Total provisions, initial balance		19,419			26,954		47,073			93,446
Changes
Additional provisions		1,000			1,820		181,244			184,064
Provision used		(5,557	)		-		(133,949	)		(139,506	)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange		-			-		-			-
Others		-			48		(33	)		15
Total Increase (decreases)		(4,557	)		1,868		47,262			44,573
Total		14,862			28,822		94,335			138,019

Disclosures on reserves in Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of detailed information about controls capital management [Abstract]

Disclosure of issued capital [text block]

Note 20

Disclosures on equity

The detail and movements in the funds of equity accounts are shown in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

20.1

Capital management

The main object of capital management relative to the administration of the Company’s financial debt and equity is to ensure the regular conduct of operations and business continuity in the long term, with the constant intention of maintaining an adequate level of liquidity and in compliance with the financial safeguards established in the debt contracts in force. Within this framework, decisions are made in order to maximize the value of the company.

Capital management must comply with, among others, the limits contemplated in the Financing Policy approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting, which establish a maximum consolidated indebtedness level of 1.5 times the debt to equity ratio. This limit can be exceeded only if the Company’s management has first obtained express approval at an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting.

Capital management must also comply with a debt ratio of less than 1.0, with respect to the series H, series O and series Q bonds. This ratio was redefined at the Bondholders' Meetings held in September 2020, as net financial debt divided by the company's total equity. Previously, it was defined as total liabilities divided by equity, and the limit for this ratio was 1.44, with a prepayment option for bondholders if this ratio was above 1.2. As of December 31, 2020, this ratio was 0.50.

The Company’s management controls capital management based on the following ratios:

Capital Management	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			Description (1)	Calculation (1)
Net Financial Debt (ThUS$)		1,074,020			681,912		Financial Debt – Financial Resources	Other current Financial Liabilities + Other Non-Current Financial Liabilities– Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Hedging Assets, non-current
Liquidity		5.40			3.45		Current Assets divided by Current Liabilities	Total Current Assets / Total Current Liabilities
ROE		7.79	%		13.15	%	Profit for the year divided by Total Equity	LTM (2) Profit for the year / Equity
Adjusted EBITDA (ThUS$)		579,765			644,223		Adjusted EBITDA	Profit for the year + Depreciation and Amortization Expenses + Finance Costs + Income Tax – Other income and Share of profit of associates and joint ventures + Other expenses – Finance income – Currency differences
EBITDA (ThUS$)		524,650			668,912		EBITDA	Profit for the year + Depreciation and Amortization Expenses + Finance Costs + Income Tax
ROA		9.83	%		12.76	%	Adjusted EBITDA – Depreciation divided by Total Assets net of financial resources less related parties’ investments	(LTM Gross Profit – Administrative Expenses)/ (Total Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Other Non-Current Financial Assets – Equity-accounted Investments)
Indebtedness		0.50			0.32		Total Liabilities on Equity	Total Liabilities / Total Equity

(1) Assumes the absolute value of the accounting records with the exception of exchange differences.

The Company’s capital requirements change according to variables such as: working capital needs, new investment financing and dividends, among others. The SQM Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments bases on the predominant economic conditions so as to mitigate the risks associated with adverse market conditions and take advantage of the opportunities there may be to improve the liquidity position of the SQM Group.

There have been no changes in the capital management objectives or policy within the years reported in this document, no breaches of external requirements of capital imposed have been recorded. There are no contractual capital investment commitments.

20.2

Disclosures on preferred share capital

Issued share capital is divided into 142,819,552 Series A shares and 120,376,972 Series B shares. All such shares are nominative, have no par value and are fully issued, subscribed and paid.

Series B shares may not exceed 50% of the total issued, subscribed and paid-in shares of the Company and have a limited voting right, in that all of them can only elect one director of the Company, regardless of their equity interest and preferences:

(a)

require the calling of an Ordinary or Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting when so requested by Series B shareholders representing at least 5% of the issued shares thereof; and

(b)

require the calling of an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors, without the president being able to qualify the need for such a request, when so requested by the director who has been elected by the shareholders of said Series B.

The limitation and preferences of Series B shares have a duration of 50 consecutive and continuous years as of June 3, 1993.

The Series A shares have the preference of being able to exclude the director elected by the Series B shareholders in the voting process in which the president of the board of directors and of the Company must be elected and which follows the one in which the tie that allows such exclusion resulted.

The preference of the Series A shares will have a term of 50 consecutive and continuous years as of June 3, 1993. The form of the titles of the shares, their issuance, exchange, disablement, loss, replacement, assignment and other circumstances thereof shall be governed by the provisions of Law No, 18,046 and its regulations.

At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Group does not hold shares of the Parent Company either directly or through its investees.

Detail of capital classes in shares:

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company has not placed any new shares issues on the market

Type of capital in preferred shares	As of December 31, 2020				As of December 31, 2019
	Series A		Series B		Series A		Series B
Description of type of capital in shares
Number of authorized shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972
Number of fully subscribed and paid shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972
Number of subscribed, partially paid shares		-		-		-		-
Par value of shares in US$		0.9435		2.8464		0.9435		2.8464
Increase (decrease) in the number of current shares		-		-		-		-
Number of current shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972
Number of shares owned by the entity or its subsidiaries or associates		-		-		-		-
Number of shares whose issuance is reserved due to the existence of options or agreements to dispose shares		-		-		-		-
Capital amount in shares ThUS$		134,750		342,636		134,750		342,636
Amount of premium issuance ThUS$		-		-		-		-
Amount of reserves ThUS$		-		-		-		-
Total number of subscribed shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972

20.3

Disclosures on reserves in Equity

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, this caption comprises the following:

Disclosures on reserves in equity	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Reserve for currency exchange conversion (1)		(11,569	)		(25,745	)		(26,307	)
Reserve for cash flow hedges (2)		4,491			7,196			7,971
Reserve for gains and losses from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (3)		6,872			(270	)		(1,111	)
Reserve for actuarial gains or losses in defined benefit plans (4)		(8,680	)		(9,490	)		(6,884	)
Other reserves		16,318			14,086			11,332
Total		7,432			(14,223	)		(14,999	)

(1) This balance reflects retained earnings for changes in the exchange rate when converting the financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is different from the US dollar.

(2) The Company maintains, as hedge instruments, financial derivatives related to obligations with the public issued in UF and Chilean pesos, Changes from the fair value of derivatives designated and classified as hedges are recognized under this classification.

(3) This caption includes the fair value of equity investments that are not held for trading and that the group has irrevocably opted to recognize in this category upon initial recognition. In the event that such equity instruments are fully or partially disposed of, the proportional accumulated effect of accumulated fair value will be transferred to retained earnings.

(4) This caption reflects the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions, mainly changes in the discount rate.

Movements in other reserves and changes in interest were as follows:

	Foreign currency translation difference			Reserve for cash flow hedges						Reserve for actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit plans						Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income						Other reserves			Total reserves
	Before			Before						Before			Deferred			Before			Deferred			Before						Deferred			Total
Movements	taxes			taxes			Tax			taxes			taxes			taxes			taxes			taxes			Reserves			Taxes			reserves
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance as of January 1, 2018		(24,913	)		2,248			-			(6,847	)		894			4,787			(1,850	)		11,332			(13,393	)		(956	)		(14,349	)
Increase		6,542			14,794			-			674			(133	)		294			(79	)		-			22,304			(212	)		22,092
Decrease		(7,936	)		(9,071	)		-			(2,003	)		531			(5,841	)		1,578			-			(24,851	)		2,109			(22,742	)
Closing balance as of December 31, 2018		(26,307	)		7,971			-			(8,176	)		1,292			(760	)		(351	)		11,332			(15,940	)		941			(14,999	)
Increase		1,824			8,628			(2,683	)		-			-			1,570			(424	)		3,093			15,115			(3,107	)		12,008
Decrease		(1,262	)		(6,720	)		-			(3,306	)		700			(418	)		113			(339	)		(12,045	)		813			(11,232	)
Closing balance as of December 31, 2019		(25,745	)		9,879			(2,683	)		(11,482	)		1,992			392			(662	)		14,086			(12,870	)		(1,353	)		(14,223	)
Increase		15,732			-			-			3,858			430			11,885			(3,180	)		2,121			33,596			(2,750	)		30,846
Decrease		(1,556	)		(3,706	)		1,001			(2,903	)		(575	)		(2,101	)		538			111			(10,155	)		964			(9,191	)
Closing balance as of December 31, 2020		(11,569	)		6,173			(1,682	)		(10,527	)		1,847			10,176			(3,304	)		16,318			10,571			(3,139	)		7,432

(1) See details on reserves for foreign currency translation differences on conversion in Note 25, letter b).

Other reserves

This caption corresponds to the legal reserves reported in the individual financial statements of the subsidiaries and associates that are mentioned below and that have been recognized in SQM’s equity through the application of the equity method.

Subsidiary – Associate	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Iberian S.A.		9,464			9,464			9,464
SQM Europe NV		1,957			1,957			1,957
Soquimich European holding B.V.		828			828			828
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		455			455			455
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS		-			305			305
Kore Potash PLC		3,170			2,754			-
Total		15,874			15,763			13,009
Other derivative reserves of the acquisition of subsidiaries, which was already under Company ownership at the acquisition date (IAS 27R)
SQM Iberian S.A.		(1,677	)		(1,677	)		(1,677	)
Orcoma Estudios SPA		2,121			-			-
Total Other reserves		16,318			14,086			11,332

20.4	Dividend policies

As required by Article 79 of the Chilean Companies Act, unless otherwise decided by unanimous vote of the holders of issued and subscribed shares, a publicly traded corporation must distribute dividends in accordance with the policy determined in the shareholder's meeting held each year, with at least 30% of our consolidated profit for each year.

Dividend policy for commercial year 2020

Company’s dividend policy for the 2020 business year was agreed upon by the Board of Directors on March 25, 2020 and later modified after the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on September 29, 2020. The current dividend policy establishes the following:

(a)

Distribute and pay to the corresponding shareholders, a percentage of the net income that shall be determined per the following financial parameters as a final dividend:

(i)

100% of the profit for 2020 if all the following financial parameters are met: (a) “all current assets” divided by “all current liabilities” is equal to or greater than 2.5 times, and (b) the sum of “all current liabilities” and “all non-current liabilities”, less “cash equivalents”, less “other current financial assets”, all of the above divided by “total equity” in equal or less than 0.8 times.

(ii)

80% of the profit for 2020 if all the following financial parameters are met: (a) “all current assets” divided by “all current liabilities” is equal to or greater than 2.0 times, and (b) the sum of “all current liabilities” and “all non-current liabilities”, less “cash equivalents”, less “other current financial assets”, all of the above divided by “total equity” in equal or less than 0.9 times.

(iii)

60% of the profit for 2020 if all the following financial parameters are met: (a) “all current assets” divided by “all current liabilities” is equal to or greater than 1.5 times, and (b) the sum of “all current liabilities” and “all non-current liabilities”, less “cash equivalents”, less “other current financial assets”, all of the above divided by “total equity” in equal or less than 1.0 times.

(iv)

If none of the foregoing financial parameters are met, the Company shall distribute and pay, as a final dividend, and in favor of the respective shareholders, 50% of the 2020 net income.

(b)

Distribute and pay only one interim dividend during 2020, which will be charged against the aforementioned final dividend and that will be charged to the retained earnings reflected in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2020, the percentage distributed shall be determined per the financial parameters expressed in letter a) above. It is recorded that on May 19, 2020 the Company's Board of Directors agreed to distribute and pay an interim dividend equivalent to US$ 0.17092 per share, charged to the Company's 2020 retained earnings. Said amount was paid in its equivalent in Chilean pesos according to the official exchange rate on May 29, 2020 (the “Interim Dividend”).

(c)

The Board of Directors will not approve the payment of other interim dividends charged against the 2020 net income.

(d)

At the ordinary general shareholders’ meeting that will be held in 2021, the Board of Directors shall propose a final dividend pursuant to the percentages in financial parameters described in in letter a) above discounting the Special Dividend and Interim Dividend. If the amount is equal to or less than the amount of the sum of the Special Dividend (see more details in Note 20.5) and the Interim Dividend, If the amount equivalent to the percentage of the 2020 fiscal year profits to be distributed in accordance with (a) above is equal to or less than the sum of the Special Dividend and the Interim Dividend, then no additional amount will be distributed and the Interim Dividend will be understood to be paid as a definitive dividend. In any case, the final dividend may not be less than the mandatory minimum dividend that corresponds in accordance with Chilean law or the Company bylaws.

(e)

If there is an excess of net income in 2020, this may be retained and assigned or allocated for financing its own operations, to one or more investment projects of the Company, notwithstanding a future distribution of special dividends charged to the retained earnings previously approved at the shareholders’ meeting, or the possible and future capitalization of all or part of the latter.

(f)

The payment of additional dividends is not considered.

It is expressly stated that the dividend policy described above corresponds to the intention of the Board of Directors, and the compliance of it shall depend on the net income that the Company ultimately obtains, as well as the results of projections that could periodically impact the Company, or to the existence of determined conditions that may affect it, as applicable. If the dividend policy exposed by the Board of Directors suffers a substantial change, the Company must communicate it as an essential fact.

20.5

Interim and provisional dividends

The ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 23, 2020 agreed to distribute and pay 100% of the distributable net profit obtained by the Company during the 2019 fiscal year as final dividend. In consequence, in May 2020 the Company paid a final dividend of US$ 1.05668 per share from the distributable net profit obtained during the 2019 fiscal year, and the sum of US$ 0.80254 per share was discounted from this, as this was already paid as a provisional dividend in 2019.

On May 19, 2020, the Board agreed to pay a provisional dividend equivalent to US$ 0.17092 per share with a charge to earnings for 2020. This amount was paid in its equivalent in Chilean pesos, according to the observed U.S. dollar exchange rate published in the Official Gazette on May 29, 2020.

On September 29, 2020, Company shareholders met in an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting to approve the distribution and payment of a special dividend equivalent to US$ 0.37994 per share, to be paid out of the Company’s retained earnings.

20.6

Potential and provisional dividends

Dividends discounted from equity from January to December 2020 and 2019 were the following:

Dividends	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Ajay SQM Chile S.A. Dividends		556		882		823
Ajay SQM Chile S.A Payable Dividend		682		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A. Potential Dividend		5,904		3,936		7,872
Soquimich Comercial S.A. Payable Dividend		2,976		1,999		1,038
Non-controlling interests		10,118		6,817		9,733
Interim dividend		44,986		211,224		331,199
Potential dividend		100,000		-		100,000
Dividends payable		4,369		66,891		108,631
Owners of the Parent		149,355		278,115		539,830
Dividends discounted from equity for the period		159,473		284,932		549,563

Contingencies and restrictions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of contingent liability [Abstract]

Disclosure of contingent liabilities [text block]

Note 21

Contingencies and restrictions

In accordance with note 20.1, the Company has only registered a provision for those lawsuits in which there is a probability that the judgments will be unfavorable to the Company. The Company is party to the following lawsuits and other relevant legal actions:

21.1

Lawsuits and other relevant events

(a)

In August 1996, Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. was fined by Fazenda do Estado de Sao Paulo for concluding activities without attaching the necessary documentation for submission to the competent authorities. The treasury of the State of Sao Paulo initiated legal actions to collect close to ThUS$ 492. Nitratos Naturais do Chile has presented a case to the federal court of Brazil to request a reduction in the fine, which is currently pending.

(b)

In August 2004, Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. was fined by Fazenda do Estado de Sao Paulo for failing to report trade activities. The treasury of the State of Sao Paulo initiated legal actions to collect close to ThUS$ 265. In 2018, the Court of Appeals agreed to a reduction in the fine and the Fazenda do Estado de Sao Paulo appealed to the Court of Brazil, and this appeal is still pending.

(c)

In December 2010, the city of Pomona in the state of California, United States, filed a claim against SQM NA, which was heard before the US District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiff requested the payment of expenses and other values related to treatment of groundwater to make it apt for consumption, which involved the extraction of perchlorate in this water, which allegedly came from Chilean fertilizers, for an approximate amount of US$ 36 million. On May 17, 2018, district judge Gary Klausner ruled in favor of SQM NA following the jury verdict. On February 6, 2020, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit demanded a retrial before the District Court, which has been postponed until the second quarter of 2021.

(d)

In December 2010, the city of Lindsay in California, United States, filed a claim against SQM NA, which was heard before the US District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiff requested the payment of expenses and other values related to treatment of groundwater to make it apt for consumption, which involved the extraction of perchlorate in this water, which allegedly came from Chilean fertilizers, the trial is currently suspended.

(e)

In May 2014, a claim of compensation for damages was filed against SQM Nitratos for its alleged extracontractual liability derived from an explosion occurring in 2010 in the vicinity of the town of Baquedano, which caused the death of six workers. The portion of the claim that has not been settled in court is approximately US$ 1.2 million. On May 7, 2019, the 18th Civil Court of Santiago dismissed the claim. The case currently is in the Santiago Court of Appeals, which will make a determination on the motion for appeal and cassation brought about on behalf of the plaintiff.

(f)

On October 2015, Tyne and Wear Pension Fund represented by the Council of the Borough of South Tyneside acting as lead plaintiff presented a claim against the Company with the US Federal Court of the Southern District of New York for potential damages to ADS Holders in the Company due to alleged noncompliance with the securities regulation in the United States. For more information, see Note 21.6.

(g)

In May 2016, a claim for close to ThUS$ 515 was filed against SQM Salar and SQM Industrial for the alleged extracontractual liability derived from the accident occurring in July 2014 in the town of María Elena. On March 6, 2019, the 13th Civil Court of Santiago dismissed the claim. The case is currently in the Santiago Court of Appeals, which will decide on the motion for appeal brought about by the plaintiffs.

(h)

In January 2018, the company Transportes Buen Destino S.A. filed an arbitration claim under CAM (arbitration and mediation center) rules against SQM Salar for controversies resulting from the execution of transport contracts for lithium brine and transport of salts. The amount of the claim is close to US$ 3 million. The arbitration is currently in the evidence stage.

(i)

In September 2018, representatives Claudia Nathalie Mix Jiménez, Gael Fernanda Yeomans Araya, Camila Ruslay Rojas Valderrama filed a public right annulment suit against Corfo regarding the Salar de Atacama Project Contract signed between Corfo and SQM Salar. The Company has intervened as an independent third party. This discussion stage has concluded. For more information, see Note 21.5.

(j)

The Company and FPC Ingeniería y Construcción SpA were sued in May 2019 for compensation for damages resulting from alleged extracontractual liability derived from the traffic accident occurring on March 5, 2018, involving the overturn of a truck owned by FPC and the subsequent death of its two occupants, both employees of FPC. The four children of one of the deceased workers are the plaintiffs in this case and are seeking compensation for moral damages. The case is in the 19th Civil Court of Santiago and is in the evidence stage. The amount of the claim is close to US$ 1.2 million.

(k)

On June 24, 2019, the company Servicios Logísticos Integrales Inversol SpA filed an arbitration claim under CAM rules against SQM Salar for controversies resulting from the execution of the salt transport contract. The trial is currently in the evidence stage. The amount of the claim is close to US$ 7 million.

(l)

In April 2019, the company Fennix Industrial SpA filed a claim against SQM Salar with the First Civil Court of Concepción for controversies resulting from the execution of a civil works and electromechanical assembly contract. The trial is currently in the discussion stage. The amount of the claim is approximately ThUS$ 770. On December 18, 2020, the parties mutually agreed to terminate this lawsuit.

(m)

The company Arrigoni Ingeniería y Construcción S.A. filed a claim in November 2019 against SQM Salar in arbitration court under CAM rules, requesting the conclusion of the Works Contract known as “Expansion of Lithium Carbonate Plant Phase II.” The trial is currently in the evidence stage. The amount of the claim is close to US$ 14,6 million.

(n)

The Company has initiated an arbitration process against the company Sierra Gorda S.C.M. due to controversies originating from the Mining, Royalties and Other Sales Contract dated December 16, 2011. Sierra Gorda S.C.M. has filed counterclaims against the Company. The process has concluded its discussion stage. It is not possible to make an adequate determination of the amount involved.

(o)

The Company has been sued in arbitration court under CAM rules by the company Rotto S.A. due to controversies occurring in relation to a contract for disarming and removing ferrous material. The case was presented in September 2020. The amount of the claim is approximately ThUS$ 713. On January 28, 2021, the parties mutually agreed to terminate this lawsuit.

The Company and its subsidiaries have been involved and will probably continue to be involved either as plaintiffs or defendants in certain judicial proceedings that have been and will be heard by the arbitration or ordinary courts of justice that will make the final decision. Those proceedings that are regulated by the appropriate legal regulations are intended to exercise or oppose certain actions or exceptions related to certain mining claims either granted or to be granted and that do not or will not affect in an essential manner the development of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Soquimich Comercial S.A. has been involved and will probably continue being involved either as plaintiff or defendant in certain judicial proceedings through which it intends to collect and receive the amounts owed, the total nominal value of which is approximately US$ 1.2 million.

The Company and its subsidiaries have made efforts and continues making efforts to obtain payment of certain amounts that are still owed to the Company due to its activities. Such amounts will continue to be required using judicial or non-judicial means by the plaintiffs, and the actions and exercise related to these are currently in full force and effect.

21.2

Restrictions to management or financial limits

Bond issuance contracts in the local market require the Company to maintain a Total Indebtedness Level rate no higher than 1 for Series H, Series O and Series Q bonds, calculated for a mobile period that considers the last 12 months. For more information, see Note 20.1.

As of December 31, 2020, the above-mentioned financial indicator has the following values:

Indicator		As of December 31, 2020				As of December 31, 2019
Leverage			0.50				0.32

Bond issue agreements issued abroad require the Company to neither merge nor dispose of the whole or a substantial part of its assets, unless all the following conditions are met: (i) the legal successor company is an entity subject to either Chilean or United States law, and assumes SQM S.A.’s obligations under a complimentary contract, (ii) the Issuer does not fail to comply immediately after the merger or disposal, and (iii) the Issuer delivers a legal opinion stating that the merger or disposal and the complimentary contract meet the requirements described in the original contract.

In addition, SQM S.A. is committed to disclosing financial information on quarterly basis.

The Company and its subsidiaries have complied and are fully complying with all the aforementioned limitations, restrictions and obligations.

21.3

Environmental contingencies

The SMA issued a resolution dated November 28, 2016, rectified by a resolution dated December 23, 2016, which filed charges against SQM Salar for brine extraction in excess of authorized amounts, progressive impairment of the vitality of carob trees, providing incomplete information modification of follow-up plan variables, and other charges. SQM Salar S.A. presented a compliance program that was accepted by the SMA. On December 2019, the Environmental Court of Antofagasta rendered null. In October 2020, the SMA formulated new observations for the compliance program, which will enable the incorporation of improvements in line with the ruling of the Antofagasta Environmental Court, to then make a determination regarding approval or rejection. If a new compliance program is not approved by the SMA, or if approved and legally challenged and rendered null and void by the Chilean courts. This latter event may consider the application of fines up to US$9 million, temporary or permanent closure of facilities and in extreme circumstances, revocation of the respective environmental permit.

21.4	Tax Contingencies

On August 26, 2016, SQM Salar filed a tax claim before the Third Tax and Customs Court of the Metropolitan Region against settlements 169, 170, 171 and 172 by the Chilean IRS, which extend the application of specific mining tax to lithium exploitation for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 tax years. The disputed amount is approximately US$17.8 million. On November 28, 2018, the Third Tax and Customs Court rejected the claim, and the case was transferred to the Santiago Court of Appeals, following an appeal filed by SQM Salar.

On March 24, 2017, SQM Salar filed with the Third Tax and Customs Court of the Metropolitan Region a tax claim against tax assessment No. 207 and ruling No. 156, both issued by the Chilean IRS, which seek to expand application of the specific tax on mining activities to include lithium exploitation for tax years 2015 and 2016. The amount involved is approximately US$14.4 million, of this, US$ 7.0 million corresponding to the overcharge. On November 28, 2018, the Third Tax and Customs Court accepted SQM Salar's claim against the overcharge by the IRS and rejected the claim for the remaining part. The case is now with the Santiago Court of Appeals due to the appeal filed by SQM Salar.

On October 17, 2019, the IRS recognized the overcharge of US$ 5.8 million, while the difference of US$ 1.2 million, is for corporate income tax plus associated interest and will be reimbursed at the end of the trial.

SQM Salar filed inapplicability requirements with the Constitutional Court in the grounds of unconstitutionality with respect to article 64 bis of the Income Tax Law, with relation to two groups of previous tax claims. On June 18, 2020, the Constitutional Court rejected the requirements after reaching a tie vote among the members of this court, corresponding to its knowledge from the Santiago Court of Appeals.

On September 30, 2020, the SII notified SQM Salar of liquidations No. 65 and 66 for the 2017 and 2018 business years, due to differences in the determination of the specific mining tax, totaling close to US$ 19.5 million and US$ 22.1 million, respectively plus interest for both periods of US$ 22.3 million. On October 30, 2020, SQM Salar paid these liquidations for a total of US$ 63.9 million (this amount includes an overcharge estimated at US$ 18 million, including interest). SQM Salar will reclaim these liquidations in the upcoming months.

As of December 2020, the Company had non-current tax assets of US$ 90.3 million for tax settlements for 2012 to 2018 (including an overcollection of US$ 19.5 million) and US$ 5.8 million in recoverable taxes. As of December 2019, the Company the Company had non-current tax assets of US$ 32.2, (which included US$ 7 million for an overcollection by the IRS).

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no effect on the income statement in this respect.

The IRS has not settled differences with respect to specific mining tax for 2018 onwards. If the IRS uses a similar criterion to that used in previous years, it is possible that settlements will be issued in the future for those periods. This tax for 2018 to 2020 (commercial years) is estimated at US$ 43 million, (without interest or penalties, and net of corporate income tax).

The company continues to undertake all legal efforts to actively and decidedly defend its interests.

21.5

Contingencies regarding to the Contracts with Corfo:

On September 6, 2018, representatives Claudia Nathalie Mix Jiménez, Gael Fernanda Yeomans Araya and Camila Ruslay Rojas Valderrama and the Poder Ciudadano political party filed an annulment suit against Corfo, which requested that the Contract for the Salar de Atacama Project between Corfo and the Company, SQM Potasio and SQM Salar be annulled. The Companies have taken part of the process as interested third parties.

In the event that the annulment claim is approved for the Salar de Atacama Project Contract, SQM Salar may be prevented from exploit the mining claims in the Salar de Atacama that it has leased from Corfo.

21.6

Contingencies related to the Class Action lawsuit

Since October 2015, a consolidated class action lawsuit has been pending against the Company before the District Court for the Southern District of New York of the United States, plenary case

Villella v.Chemical and Mining Company of Chile, Inc.

, 1: 15-cv-02106 -ER (SDNY). The consolidated lawsuit alleges that certain statements made by the Company between September 30, 2010, and June 18, 2015, mainly in documents filed with the SEC and in Company press releases, were materially false and this constitutes a violation of Section 10 (b) of the Securities Exchange Act and of the correlative Standard 10b-5. Specifically, the consolidated lawsuit challenges certain statements issued by the Company associated with its compliance with or implementation of the laws and regulations that regulate it, the effectiveness of its internal controls, the adoption of a code of ethics consistent with SEC requirements, of its income or revenue and taxes paid, and of the applicable accounting standards On November 11, 2020, the Company reached an agreement that contains a summary of binding terms for concluding the trial. The agreement will conclude the action of the plaintiffs and under this, the Company agreed to pay the amount of US$ 62.5 million. The parties must negotiate in good faith the definitive documents of the transaction and the other related documents, which will be presented for their approval from the New York court that is hearing the trial

21.7

Contingencies associated with conflicts between shareholders of the Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries Company

Due to differences between shareholders of the company Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries Company, diverse lawsuits have arisen that may result in claims against SQM Corporation N.V. and by this company against the other shareholders. These disputes may materially affect the value of the investment of the Company in Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries Company. At this time, it is not possible to quantify the amounts of these claims.

21.8

Restricted or pledged cash

The subsidiary Isapre Norte Grande Ltda., in compliance with the provisions established by the Chilean Superintendence of Healthcare, which regulates the running of pension-related health institutions, maintains a guarantee in financial instruments delivered in deposits, custody and administration to Banco de Chile.

This guarantee, according to the regulations issued by the Chilean Superintendence of Healthcare is equivalent to the total amount owed to its members and medical providers, Banco de Chile reports the present value of the guarantee to the Chilean Superintendence of Healthcare and Isapre Norte Grande Ltda on a daily basis. As of December 31, 2020, the guarantee amounts to ThUS$ 731.

21.9

Securities obtained from third parties

The main security received (exceeding ThUS$ 100) from third parties to guarantee Soquimich Comercial S.A. their compliance with obligations in contracts of commercial mandates for the distribution and sale of fertilizers amounted to ThUS$ 10,114 and ThUS$ 9,611 on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 respectively; which is detailed as follows:

Grantor	Relationship	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Ferosor Agrícola S.A.	Unrelated Third party		5,626		5,372
Tattersall Agroinsumos S.A.	Unrelated Third party		2,000		2,000
Covepa SPA	Unrelated Third party		703		671
Johannes Epple Davanzo	Unrelated Third party		314		300
Hortofrutícola La Serena	Unrelated Third party		303		282
Com. Serv Johannes Epple Davanz	Unrelated Third party		408		269
Juan Luis Gaete Chesta	Unrelated Third party		190		182
Arena Fertilizantes y Semillas	Unrelated Third party		211		201
Vicente Oyarce Castro	Unrelated Third party		229		213
Bernardo Guzmán Schmidt	Unrelated Third party		130		121
Total			10,114		9,611

21.10

Indirect guarantees

Guarantees without pending balance indirectly reflect that the respective guarantees are in force and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and have not been used by the respective subsidiary.

As of December 31, 2020, there are no indirect guarantees.

Lawsuits and complaints

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of lawsuits and complaints [Abstract]

Disclosure of lawsuits and complaints [Text Block]

Note 22

Lawsuits and complaints

Investigation by the Department of Justice and the Securities Exchange Commission and Agreements

On January 13, 2017, the Company signed agreements with the DOJ and the SEC relating to their investigations into Company payments to suppliers and organizations that may have had links with politically exposed persons during the period from 2008 to 2015. As a result, the Company conducted its own internal investigation through an ad-hoc Board committee (The Company’s securities are traded in the USA, so the Company is subject to US law). The Company has voluntarily submitted the results of its internal investigation and supporting documents to the DOJ, the SEC and the relevant Chilean authorities.

In accordance with the terms Agreement with the DOJ, (the “

DPA

”) the Company has accepted that the DOJ formulates a charge for infractions (i) for the lack of implementation of effective internal accounting systems and internal accounting controls and (ii) a charge for infractions for failure to adequately maintain books, records and accounting sections in relation to the events investigated, Under the DPA, the DOJ has agreed not to pursue such charges against the Company for a period of 3 years and release the Company from liability after such period, inasmuch as within that period the Company complies with the terms of the DPA, These include payment of a fine of US$15,487,500 and acceptance of an external monitor (the “

Monitor

”) for a period of 24 months that will assess the Company’s compliance program, and continue to report on the Company independently for an additional year.

The three-year term of the DPA ended on April 30, 2020, and on June 1, 2020, the Company’s CEO and CFO submitted the certification regarding the Company’s disclosure obligations, as required under the DPA. On November 11, 2020, the DOJ presented a motion to dismiss the criminal information against the Company, which is subject to approval by the United States District Court of the District of Columbia. Following this approval, all charges against the Company will be dropped.

Other Lawsuits and complaints

In May 2019, the company Fennix Industrial SpA filed a claim against SQM Salar and employees for the alleged misappropriation of funds - controversies originating from contract execution for civil works and electromechanical assembly. The case is being tried before the Criminal Court of San Pedro de la Paz and is in the investigation stage. The amount of the alleged misappropriation of funds is close to US$ 436 million On December 18, 2020, the criminal proceedings, together with other civil disputes, were terminated through a settlement agreement.

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Profit Loss From Operating Activities Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure Of Profit Loss From Operating Activities Explanatory [Text Block]

Note 23

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income of expenses, included according to their nature

23.1

Revenue from operating activities customer activities

The Group derives revenues from the sale of goods (which are recognized at one point in time) and from the provision of services (which are recognized over time) and are distributed among the following geographical areas and main product and service lines.

(a)

Geographic areas:

For the period ended December 31, 2020
Geographic areas	Specialty plant nutrition		Iodine and derivatives		Lithium and derivatives		Potassium		Industrial chemicals		Other		Total ThUS$
Chile		100,353		1,234		399		23,963		4,059		23,737		153,745
Latin America and the Caribbean		69,535		10,843		1,597		72,697		4,951		367		159,990
Europe		145,896		142,161		49,719		30,029		11,585		735		380,125
North America		246,737		90,292		25,558		39,432		23,963		1,588		427,570
Asia and Others		139,167		90,127		306,100		43,173		116,050		1,144		695,761
Total		701,688		334,657		383,373		209,294		160,608		27,571		1,817,191

For the period ended as of December 31, 2019
Geographic areas	Specialty plant nutrition		Iodine and derivatives		Lithium and derivatives		Potassium		Industrial chemicals		Other		Total ThUS$
Chile		109,975		1,064		599		27,371		39,512		33,336		211,857
Latin America and the Caribbean		78,872		7,972		3,593		64,868		6,354		269		161,928
Europa		149,992		123,525		76,250		27,973		15,289		735		393,764
North America		243,399		90,070		45,810		43,312		27,798		883		451,272
Asia and Others		141,682		148,389		379,462		48,627		5,922		752		724,834
Total		723,920		371,020		505,714		212,151		94,875		35,975		1,943,655

For the period ended as of December 31, 2018
Geographic areas	Specialty plant nutrition		Iodine and derivatives		Lithium and derivatives		Potassium		Industrial chemicals		Other		Total ThUS$
Chile		111,595		1,052		700		25,593		4,575		45,834		189,349
Latin America and the Caribbean		77,737		6,389		3,598		80,192		12,098		177		180,191
Europe		200,229		112,080		103,430		46,068		17,384		473		479,664
North America		240,995		83,587		68,254		50,685		27,347		647		471,515
Asia and Others		151,195		121,864		558,819		64,936		46,863		1,407		945,084
Total		781,751		324,972		734,801		267,474		108,267		48,538		2,265,803

(b)

Main product and service lines:

	For the period from January to December of the year
Products and Services	2020		2019		2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Specialty plant nutrition		701,688		723,920		781,751
- Sodium Nitrates		18,291		20,679		17,688
-Potassium nitrate and sodium potassium nitrate		424,041		457,477		527,945
- Specialty Blends		163,033		153,739		145,511
- Other specialty fertilizers		96,323		92,025		90,607
Iodine and derivatives		334,657		371,020		324,972
Lithium and derivatives		383,373		505,714		734,801
Potassium		209,294		212,151		267,474
Industrial chemicals		160,608		94,875		108,267
Other		27,571		35,975		48,538
- Services		3,241		3,410		4,017
- Income from property leases		1,457		1,438		1,474
- Income from subleases on right-of-use assets		176		261		-
- Commodities		11,938		16,176		18,581
-Other ordinary income of Commercial Offices		10,759		14,690		24,466
Total		1,817,191		1,943,655		2,265,803

23.2

Cost of sales

Cost of sales broken down by nature of expense

	For the period from January to December of the year
Nature of expense	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Raw materials and consumables used		(287,877	)		(271,912	)		(260,869	)
Classes of employee benefit expenses		(178,956	)		(178,493	)		(203,571	)
Depreciation expense		(182,410	)		(188,157	)		(212,641	)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)		(5,814	)		(5,450	)		-
Amortization expense		(12,655	)		(5,102	)		(6,376	)
Investment plan expenses		(14,286	)		(18,367	)		(11,860	)
Provision for site closure		(911	)		(911	)		(2,045	)
Provision for materials, spare parts and supplies		640			(7,500	)		1,721
Contractors		(142,001	)		(120,793	)		(120,923	)
Operating leases		(57,461	)		(47,708	)		(37,245	)
Mining concessions		(6,645	)		(7,856	)		(8,168	)
Operations transport		(68,730	)		(56,376	)		(64,352	)
Freight / product transport costs		(52,156	)		(46,264	)		(51,387	)
Purchase of products from third parties		(224,115	)		(210,583	)		(182,695	)
Insurance		(17,657	)		(16,968	)		(11,923	)
CORFO rights and other agreements		(74,418	)		(143,861	)		(182,954	)
Export costs		(71,718	)		(75,908	)		(107,418	)
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (contracts under IFRS 16)		(1,133	)		(1,037	)		-
Variation in inventory		97,467			52,557			20,597
Variation in inventory provision		7,244			17,107			(8,997	)
Other		(40,729	)		(50,021	)		(34,525	)
Total		(1,334,321	)		(1,383,603	)		(1,485,631	)

23.3

Other income

Other income	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020		2019		2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Discounts obtained from suppliers		665		676		705
Fines charged to suppliers		267		483		698
Taxes recovered		346		457		996
Amounts recovered from insurance		14,719		492		443
Overestimate of provisions for third-party obligations		118		983		375
Sale of assets classified as properties, plant and equipment		3,222		2,422		1,536
Options on mining rights		5,852		5,298		16,095
Easements, pipelines and roads		1,619		7,204		10,806
Mining licenses and notary costs reimbursed		85		203		394
Total		26,893		18,218		32,048

23.4	Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Employee benefit expenses		(55,152	)		(60,255	)		(63,880	)
Marketing costs		(2,377	)		(3,911	)		(3,078	)
Amortization expenses		(91	)		(5	)		(15	)
Entertainment expenses		(4,858	)		(5,783	)		(4,805	)
Advisory services		(13,880	)		(13,862	)		(12,848	)
Lease of buildings and facilities		(3,111	)		(3,653	)		(4,556	)
Insurance		(3,478	)		(2,553	)		(1,758	)
Office expenses		(6,204	)		(7,327	)		(8,165	)
Contractors		(5,079	)		(4,874	)		(5,730	)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)		(2,617	)		(2,501	)		-
Other expenses, by nature		(10,170	)		(12,456	)		(13,291	)
Total		(107,017	)		(117,180	)		(118,126	)

23.5

Other expenses

Other expenses	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation of assets not in use		(42	)		(136	)		(59	)
Subtotal		(42	)		(136	)		(59	)
Impairment losses (reversals of impairment losses) recognized in profit for the year
Properties, plant and equipment		(9,563	)		(49	)		(1,390	)
Intangible assets other than goodwill		(1,658	)		(913	)		(1,736	)
Goodwill		(140	)		(140	)		(3,254	)
Amortization of intangible assets		(283	)		-			-
Subtotal		(11,644	)		(1,102	)		(6,380	)
Other expenses, by nature
Legal expenses		(69,965	)		(9,277	)		(15,139	)
VAT and other unrecoverable taxes		(626	)		(613	)		(1,187	)
Fines paid		(314	)		(145	)		(965	)
Investment plan expenses		(864	)		(1,693	)		(7,555	)
Exploration expenses		(5,262	)		(5,537	)		(5,864	)
Donations		(8,793	)		(5,026	)		(4,502	)
Reorganization of related businesses		-			-			6,000
Other operating expenses		(2,102	)		(2,466	)		(1,256	)
Subtotal		(87,926	)		(24,757	)		(30,468	)
Total		(99,612	)		(25,995	)		(36,907	)

23.6

Other gains (losses)

	For the period from January to December of the year
Other income (expenses)	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Adjust previous year application method of participation		(49	)		(985	)		(664	)
Losses in the sale of investments in associates		(11,830	)		-			(759	)
Impairment of interests in associates		7,235			631			(8,802	)
Losses in the sale of investments in joint Ventures		(481	)		-			14,507
Others		(188	)		(29	)		2,122
Total		(5,313	)		(383	)		6,404

23.7	(Impairment) /reversion of value of financial assets impairment losses

	For the period from January to December of the year
Description	2020		2019			2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
(Impairment) /reversion of value of financial assets impairment losses (See Note 13.2)		4,684		(1,057	)		2,967
Total		4,684		(1,057	)		2,967

23.8

Summary of expenses by nature

The following summary considers notes 23.2, 23.4 and 23.5

Expenses by nature	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Raw materials and consumables		(287,877	)		(271,912	)		(260,869	)
Classes of Employee Benefit Expenses		(234,108	)		(238,748	)		(267,451	)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation expense		(182,452	)		(188,293	)		(212,700	)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets		(8,431	)		(7,951	)		-
Impairment of Value		(1,658	)		(913	)		(1,390	)
Properties, plant and equipment		(9,563	)		(49	)		(3,254	)
Goodwill		(140	)		(140	)		-
Amortization expense		(13,029	)		(5,107	)		(8,127	)
Legal expenses		(69,965	)		(9,277	)		(15,139	)
Investment plan expenses		(15,150	)		(20,060	)		(19,415	)
Exploration expenses		(5,262	)		(5,537	)		(5,864	)
Provision for site closure		(911	)		(911	)		(2,045	)
Provision for materials, spare parts and supplies		640			(7,500	)		1,721
Contractors		(147,080	)		(125,667	)		(126,653	)
Operation leases		(60,572	)		(51,361	)		(41,801	)
Mining concessions		(6,645	)		(7,856	)		(8,168	)
Operation transport		(68,730	)		(56,376	)		(64,352	)
Freight and product transport costs		(52,156	)		(46,264	)		(51,387	)
Purchase of products from third parties		(224,115	)		(210,583	)		(182,695	)
CORFO rights y other agreements		(74,418	)		(143,861	)		(182,954	)
Export costs		(71,718	)		(75,908	)		(107,418	)
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (IFRS 16)		(1,133	)		(1,037	)		-
Insurance		(21,135	)		(19,521	)		(13,681	)
Restructuring of joint ventures								6,000
Consultant and advisor services		(13,880	)		(13,862	)		(12,848	)
Variation in gross inventory		97,467			52,557			20,597
Variation in provision on product inventory		7,244			17,107			(8,997	)
Other expenses		(76,173	)		(87,748	)		(71,774	)
Total expenses by nature		(1,540,950	)		(1,526,778	)		(1,640,664	)

23.9

Finance expenses

	For the period from January to December of the year
Finance expenses	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Interest expense from bank borrowings and overdrafts		(2,797	)		(2,133	)		(1,707	)
Interest expense from bonds		(87,030	)		(72,984	)		(55,887	)
Interest expense from loans		(1,598	)		(2,682	)		(3,093	)
Capitalized interest expenses		8,462			7,841			5,021
Financial expenses for restoration and rehabilitation provisions		2,947			(4,417	)		(960	)
Interest on lease agreement		(1,133	)		(1,535	)		-
Other finance costs		(1,050	)		(1,029	)		(1,181	)
Total		(82,199	)		(76,939	)		(57,807	)

23.10

Finance income

	For the period from January to December of the year
Finance income	2020		2019		2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Interest from term deposits		10,260		15,345		13,758
Interest from marketable securities		2,147		6,765		6,253
Interest from maintenance of minimum bank balance in current account		18		-		262
Other finance income		1,031		4,130		2,195
Other finance interest		259		49		65
Total		13,715		26,289		22,533

Reportable segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of entity's operating segments [Abstract]

Disclosure Of Entitys Reportable Segments Explanatory [Text Block]

Note 24

Reportable segments

24.1

Reportable segments

(a)

General information:

The amount of each item presented in each operating segment is equal to that reported to the highest authority that makes decisions regarding the operation, in order to decide on the allocation of resources to the defined segments and to assess its performance.

These operating segments mentioned are consistent with the way the Company is managed and how results will be reported by the Company. These segments reflect separate operating results that are regularly reviewed by the executive responsible for operational decisions in order to make decisions about the resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance (See Note 24.2).

The performance of each segment is measured based on net income and revenues. Inter-segment sales are made using terms and conditions at current market rates.

(b)

Factors used to identify segments on which a report should be presented:

The segments covered in the report are strategic business units that offer different products and services. These are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.

(c)

Description of the types of products and services from which each reportable segment obtains its income from ordinary activities

The operating segments, which obtain income from ordinary activities, generate expenses and have its operating results reviewed on a regular basis by the highest authority who makes decisions regarding operations, relate to the following groups of products:

(i)

Specialty plant nutrients

(ii)

Iodine and its derivatives

(iii)

Lithium and its derivatives

(iv)

Industrial chemicals

(v)

Potassium

(vi)

Other products and services

(d)

Description of income sources for all the other segments

Information regarding assets, liabilities, profits and expenses that cannot be assigned to the segments indicated above, due to the nature of production processes, is included under the "Unallocated amounts” category of the disclosed information.

(e)

Description of the nature of the differences between measurements of results of reportable segments and the result of the entity before the expense or income tax expense of incomes and discontinued operations

The information reported in the segments is extracted from the Company’s consolidated financial statements and therefore there is no need to prepare reconciliations between the data mentioned above and those reported in the respective segments, according to what is stated in paragraph 28 of IFRS 8, "Operating Segments".

For the allocation of inventory valuation costs, we identify the direct expenses (can be directly allocated to products) and the common expenses (belong to coproduction processes, for example common leaching expenses for production of Iodine and Nitrates), Direct costs are directly allocated to the product and the common costs are distributed according to percentages that consider different variables in their determination, such as margins, rotation of inventories, revenue, production and etc.

The allocation of other common costs that are not included in the inventory valuation process, but go straight to the cost of sales, use similar criteria: the costs associated with a product or sales in particular are assigned to that particular product or sales, and the common costs associated with different products or business lines are allocated according to the sales.

(f)

Description of the nature of the differences between measurements of assets of reportable segments and the Company´s assets

Assets are not shown classified by segments, as this information is not readily available, some of these assets are not separable by the type of activity by which they are affected since this information is not used by management in decision-making with respect to resources to be allocated to each defined segment. All assets are disclosed in the "unallocated amounts" category.

(g)

Description of the nature of the differences between measurements of liabilities of reportable segments and the Company’s liabilities

Liabilities are not shown classified by segments, as this information is not readily available, some of these liabilities are not separable by the type of activity by which they are affected, since this information is not used by management in decision-making regarding resources to be allocated to each defined segment. All liabilities are disclosed in the "unallocated amounts" category.

24.2	Reportable segment disclosures:

Operating segment items as of December 31, 2020	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Reportable segments			Operating segments			Unallocated amounts			Total as of December 31, 2020
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		701,688			334,657			383,373			160,608			209,294			27,571			1,817,191			1,817,191			-			1,817,191
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		701,688			334,657			383,373			160,608			209,294			27,571			1,817,191			1,817,191			-			1,817,191
Costs of sales		(537,801	)		(168,499	)		(297,048	)		(119,092	)		(187,019	)		(24,862	)		(1,334,321	)		(1,334,321	)		-			(1,334,321	)
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(107,017	)		(107,017	)
Finance expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(82,199	)		(82,199	)
Depreciation and amortization expense		(55,335	)		(40,687	)		(56,092	)		(14,136	)		(34,570	)		(3,092	)		(203,912	)		(203,912	)		-			(203,912	)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			8,940			8,940
Income (loss) before taxes		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			482,870			482,870			(244,332	)		238,538
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(70,179	)		(70,179	)
Net income (loss)		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			482,870			482,870			(314,511	)		168,359
Assets																				-						4,818,463			4,818,463
Equity-accounted investees		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			85,993			85,993
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			358,009			358,009
Liabilities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,655,885			2,655,885
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss																				-						4,684			4,684
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(11,644	)		(11,644	)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			182,234			182,234
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(167,091	)		(167,091	)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(94,132	)		(94,132	)

Operating segment items as of December 31, 2019	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Reportable segments			Operating segments			Unallocated amounts			Total as of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		723,920			371,020			505,714			94,875			212,151			35,975			1,943,655			1,943,655			-			1,943,655
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		723,920			371,020			505,714			94,875			212,151			35,975			1,943,655			1,943,655			-			1,943,655
Costs of sales		(573,808	)		(230,468	)		(306,250	)		(63,590	)		(176,199	)		(33,288	)		(1,383,603	)		(1,383,603	)		-			(1,383,603	)
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(117,180	)		(117,180	)
Finance expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(76,939	)		(76,939	)
Depreciation and amortization expense		(67,700	)		(43,336	)		(45,238	)		(6,854	)		(37,691	)		(532	)		(201,351	)		(201,351	)		-			(201,351	)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			9,786			9,786
Income tax expense, continuing operations		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			560,052			560,052			(169,430	)		390,622
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(110,019	)		(110,019	)
Net income (loss)		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			560,052			560,052			(279,449	)		280,603
Assets		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			4,684,151			4,684,151
Equity-accounted investees		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			109,435			109,435
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			110,021			110,021
Liabilities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,549,679			2,549,679
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(1,057	)		(1,057	)
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(1,102	)		(1,102	)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			426,971			426,971
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(485,471	)		(485,471	)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			105,896			105,896

Operating segment items as of December 31, 2018	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Reportable segments			Operating segments			Unallocated amounts			Total as of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		781,751			324,972			734,801			108,267			267,474			48,538			2,265,803			2,265,803			-			2,265,803
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		781,751			324,972			734,801			108,267			267,474			48,538			2,265,803			2,265,803			-			2,265,803
Costs of sales		(613,267	)		(217,464	)		(316,875	)		(72,964	)		(217,386	)		(47,675	)		(1,485,631	)		(1,485,631	)		-			(1,485,631	)
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(118,126	)		(118,126	)
Finance expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(57,807	)		(57,807	)
Depreciation and amortization expense		(79,061	)		(42,438	)		(42,283	)		(8,454	)		(47,940	)		(651	)		(220,827	)		(220,827	)		-			(220,827	)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			6,351			6,351
Income tax expense, continuing operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(178,975	)		(178,975	)
Income tax expense		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			780,172			780,172			(159,134	)		621,038
Net income (loss)		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			780,172			780,172			(338,109	)		442,063
Assets		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			4,268,094			4,268,094
Equity-accounted investees		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			111,549			111,549
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(15,028	)		(15,028	)
Liabilities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,130,292			2,130,292
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,967			2,967
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			524,839			524,839
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(187,004	)		(187,004	)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(387,313	)		(387,313	)

24.3	Statement of comprehensive income classified by reportable segments based on groups of products

Items in the statement of comprehensive income as of December 31, 2020	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Corporate Unit			Total segments and Corporate unit
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		701,688			334,657			383,373			160,608			209,294			27,571			-			1,817,191
Costs of sales		(537,801	)		(168,499	)		(297,048	)		(119,092	)		(187,019	)		(24,862	)		-			(1,334,321	)
Gross profit		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			-			482,870
Other incomes by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			26,893			26,893
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			(107,017	)		(107,017	)
Other expenses by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			(99,612	)		(99,612	)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9		-			-			-			-			-			-			4,684			4,684
Other gains (losses)		-			-			-			-			-			-			(5,313	)		(5,313	)
Financial income		-			-			-			-			-			-			13,715			13,715
Financial costs		-			-			-			-			-			-			(82,199	)		(82,199	)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			8,940			8,940
Exchange differences		-			-			-			-			-			-			(4,423	)		(4,423	)
Profit (loss) before taxes		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			(244,332	)		238,538
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			(70,179	)		(70,179	)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			(314,511	)		168,359
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Profit (loss)		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			(314,511	)		168,359
Profit, attributable to
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners		-			-			-			-			-			-			164,518			164,518
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers		-			-			-			-			-			-			3,841			3,841
Profit		-			-			-			-			-			-			168,359			168,359

Items in the statement of comprehensive income as of December 31, 2019	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Corporate Unit			Total segments and Corporate unit
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		723,920			371,020			505,714			94,875			212,151			35,975			-			1,943,655
Cost of sales		(573,808	)		(230,468	)		(306,250	)		(63,590	)		(176,199	)		(33,288	)		-			(1,383,603	)
Gross profit		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			-			560,052
Other incomes by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			18,218			18,218
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			(117,180	)		(117,180	)
Other expenses by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			(25,995	)		(25,995	)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9		-			-			-			-			-			-			(1,057	)		(1,057	)
Other gains (losses)		-			-			-			-			-			-			(383	)		(383	)
Financial income		-			-			-			-			-			-			26,289			26,289
Financial costs		-			-			-			-			-			-			(76,939	)		(76,939	)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			9,786			9,786
Exchange differences		-			-			-			-			-			-			(2,169	)		(2,169	)
Profit (loss) before taxes		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			(169,430	)		390,622
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			(110,019	)		(110,019	)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			(279,449	)		280,603
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Profit (loss)		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			(279,449	)		280,603
Profit (loss), attributable to
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners		-			-			-			-			-			-			278,115			278,115
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers		-			-			-			-			-			-			2,488			2,488
Profit (loss)		-			-			-			-			-			-			280,603			280,603

Items in the statement of comprehensive income as of December 31, 2018	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Corporate Unit			Total segments and Corporate unit
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		781,751			324,972			734,801			108,267			267,474			48,538			-			2,265,803
Cost of sales		(613,267	)		(217,464	)		(316,875	)		(72,964	)		(217,386	)		(47,675	)		-			(1,485,631	)
Gross profit		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			-			780,172
Other incomes by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			32,048			32,048
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			(118,126	)		(118,126	)
Other expenses by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			(36,907	)		(36,907	)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9		-			-			-			-			-			-			2,967			2,967
Other gains (losses)		-			-			-			-			-			-			6,404			6,404
Financial income		-			-			-			-			-			-			22,533			22,533
Financial costs		-			-			-			-			-			-			(57,807	)		(57,807	)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			6,351			6,351
Exchange differences		-			-			-			-			-			-			(16,597	)		(16,597	)
Profit (loss) before taxes		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			(159,134	)		621,038
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			(178,975	)		(178,975	)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			(338,109	)		442,063
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Profit (loss)		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			(338,109	)		442,063
Profit (loss), attributable to
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners		-			-			-			-			-			-			439,830			439,830
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers		-			-			-			-			-			-			2,233			2,233
Profit (loss)		-			-			-			-			-			-			442,063			442,063

24.4	Disclosures on geographical areas

As indicated in paragraph 33 of IFRS 8, the entity discloses geographical information on its revenue from operating activities with external customers and from non-current assets that are not financial instruments, deferred income tax assets, assets related to post-employment benefits or rights derived from insurance contracts.

24.5

Disclosures on main customers

With respect to the degree of dependency of the Company on its customers, in accordance with paragraph 34 of IFRS 8, the Company has no external customers who individually represent 10% or more of its revenue.

24.6

Segments by geographical areas

Items as of December 31, 2020	Chile		Latin America and the Caribbean		Europe		North America		Asia and others		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Revenue		153,745		159,990		380,126		427,572		695,758		1,817,191
Investment accounted for under the equity method		-		-		41,273		14,468		30,252		85,993
Intangible assets other than goodwill		95,934		565		825		2,274		78,809		178,407
Goodwill		23,065		-		18,901		-		-		41,966
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,667,824		642		12,592		3,494		52,767		1,737,319
Right-of-use assets		23,461		2,298		2,428		1,776		61		30,024
Other non-current assets		19,377		17		7		2,641		-		22,042
Non-current assets		1,829,661		3,522		76,026		24,653		161,889		2,095,751

Items as of December 31, 2019	Chile		Latin America and the Caribbean		Europe		North America			Asia and others		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Revenue		211,857		161,928		393,764		451,272			724,834		1,943,655
Investment accounted for under the equity method		-		-		42,243		14,669			52,523		109,435
Intangible assets other than goodwill		106,910		420		1,397		2,683			76,948		188,358
Goodwill		23,205		-		11,521		-			-		34,726
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,526,919		513		3,424		6,250			32,800		1,569,906
Right-of-use assets		29,427		2,734		2,817		2,083			103		37,164
Other non-current assets		20,321		28		4		(624	)		-		19,729
Non-current assets		1,706,782		3,695		61,406		25,061			162,374		1,959,318

Items as of December 31, 2018	Chile			Latin America and the Caribbean		Europe		North America			Asia and others		Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Revenue		189,349			180,189		479,664		471,515			945,086		2,265,803
Investment accounted for under the equity method		(6,588	)		-		61,256		16,115			40,766		111,549
Intangible assets other than goodwill		110,544			1,215		238		152			77,201		189,350
Goodwill		22,535			86		11,521		724			-		34,866
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,445,349			347		4,451		3,098			1,578		1,454,823
Other non-current assets		17,111			23		-		(892	)		11,297		27,539
Non-current assets		1,588,951			1,671		77,466		19,197			130,842		1,818,127

24.7

Property, plant and equipment classified by geographical areas

The company's main production facilities are located near their mines and extraction facilities in northern Chile. The following table presents the main production facilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Location

Pedro de Valdivia

María Elena

Coya Sur

Nueva Victoria

Salar de Atacama

Salar del Carmen

Tocopilla

Effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of effect of changes in foreign exchange rates [Abstract]

Disclosure of effect of changes in foreign exchange rates [text block]

Note 25

Effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates

(a)

Foreign currency exchange differences recognized in profit or loss and other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency exchange differences recognized in profit or loss and other comprehensive income	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Conversion foreign exchange gains (losses) recognized in the result of the year		(4,423	)		(2,169	)		(16,597	)
Conversion foreign exchange reserves
Conversion foreign exchange reserves attributable to the owners of the controlling entity		14,176			562			(1,394	)
Conversion foreign exchange reserves attributable to the non-controlling entity		(176	)		225			174
Total		14,000			787			(1,220	)

(b)

Reserves for foreign currency exchange differences:

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, are detailed as follows:

Details	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Changes in equity generated by the equity method value through conversion:
Comercial Hydro S.A.		1,004			1,004			1,004
SQMC Internacional Ltda.		(9	)		(9	)		(17	)
Proinsa Ltda.		(10	)		(10	)		(11	)
Comercial Agrorama Ltda.		(19	)		33			(21	)
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.		(14	)		(44	)		(1	)
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.		211			142			113
Sacal S.A.		(3	)		(3	)		(3	)
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.		(13	)		(19	)		(10	)
Agrorama S.A.		92			231			132
Doktor Tarsa		-			(13,811	)		(13,811	)
SQM Vitas Fzco		(3,736	)		(2,267	)		(2,682	)
Ajay Europe		(693	)		(1,449	)		(1,270	)
SQM Eastmed Turkey		-			(155	)		(113	)
Doctochem		-			7			-
Coromandel SQM India		-			(431	)		(393	)
SQM Italia SRL		-			(236	)		(213	)
SQM Oceanía Pty Ltd.		(579	)		(634	)		(634	)
SQM Indonesia S.A.		(124	)		(124	)		(124	)
Abu Dhabi Fertillizers Industries WWL.		372			372			(435	)
SQM Vitas Holland		99			(197	)		(170	)
SQM Thailand Limited		(68	)		(68	)		(68	)
SQM Europe		(1,983	)		(1,983	)		(1,983	)
SQM Australia Pty Ltd.		(4,052	)		(4,035	)		(4,222	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		164			(185	)		70
Terra Tarsa BV		-			116			(82	)
Plantacote NV		-			(16	)		(34	)
Doktolab Tarim Arastirma San.		-			(54	)		(29	)
Kore Potash PLC (a)		(1,128	)		(1,754	)		(1,206	)
SQM Colombia SAS		(80	)		(166	)		(94	)
Total		(11,569	)		(25,745	)		(26,307	)

(c)

Functional and presentation currency

The functional currency of these companies corresponds to the currency of the country of origin of each entity, and its presentation currency is the dollar.

(d)

Reasons to use one presentation currency and a different functional currency

A relevant portion of the revenues of these subsidiaries are associated with the local currency.

The cost structure of these companies is affected by the local currency.

Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Foreign exchange rates [abstract]

Disclosure of assets and liabilities subject to foreign currency fluctuations [Text Block]

Note 26

Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates

Assets held in foreign currency subject to fluctuations in exchange rates are detailed as follows:

Class of Asset	Currency	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Cash and cash equivalents	USD		454,402		558,572
Cash and cash equivalents	ARS		-		3
Cash and cash equivalents	CLP		7,190		8,240
Cash and cash equivalents	CNY		11,597		2,484
Cash and cash equivalents	EUR		17,144		3,131
Cash and cash equivalents	GBP		19		3
Cash and cash equivalents	AUD		1,411		8,492
Cash and cash equivalents	INR		6		6
Cash and cash equivalents	MXN		1,378		2,103
Cash and cash equivalents	PEN		3		4
Cash and cash equivalents	AED		-		-
Cash and cash equivalents	JPY		1,646		1,559
Cash and cash equivalents	ZAR		14,286		3,929
Cash and cash equivalents	KRW		16		-
Cash and cash equivalents	IDR		3		3
Cash and cash equivalents	PLN		1		1
Subtotal cash and cash equivalents			509,102		588,530
Other current financial assets	USD		145,893		127,889
Other current financial assets	CLF		-		36,896
Other current financial assets	CLP		202,176		340,705
Subtotal other current financial assets			348,069		505,490
Other current non-financial assets	USD		20,645		16,535
Other current non-financial assets	AUD		224		285
Other current non-financial assets	BRL		-		2
Other current non-financial assets	CLF		53		31
Other current non-financial assets	CLP		27,837		24,374
Other current non-financial assets	CNY		1,661		326
Other current non-financial assets	EUR		1,531		3,055
Other current non-financial assets	COP		70		-
Other current non-financial assets	MXN		4,488		2,629
Other current non-financial assets	THB		70		22
Other current non-financial assets	JPY		157		174
Other current non-financial assets	ZAR		646		3,119
Other current non-financial assets	SEK		17		-
Subtotal other non-financial current assets			57,399		50,552
Trade and other receivables	USD		230,214		225,554
Trade and other receivables	PEN		1		6
Trade and other receivables	BRL		23		19
Trade and other receivables	CLF		545		504
Trade and other receivables	CLP		47,133		56,023
Trade and other receivables	CNY		22,882		3,340
Trade and other receivables	EUR		22,868		24,925
Trade and other receivables	GBP		682		148
Trade and other receivables	MXN		355		211
Trade and other receivables	AED		533		1,193
Trade and other receivables	THB		1,167		1,695
Trade and other receivables	JPY		23,010		66,266
Trade and other receivables	AUD		589		801
Trade and other receivables	ZAR		12,504		15,900
Trade and other receivables	COP		2,675		2,557
Trade and other receivables	SEK		25		-
Subtotal trade and other receivables			365,206		399,142
Receivables from related parties	USD		61,379		60,135
Receivables from related parties	EUR		1,222		1,092
Subtotal receivables from related parties			62,601		61,227

Class of assets	Currency	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Current inventories	USD		1,093,028		983,338
Subtotal Current Inventories			1,093,028		983,338
Current tax assets	USD		128,529		87,509
Current tax assets	ARS		-		1
Current tax assets	CLP		3,015		1,623
Current tax assets	EUR		218		61
Current tax assets	MXN		-		1,806
Current tax assets	PEN		4		-
Current tax assets	ZAR		26		139
Current tax assets	COP		417		294
Current tax assets	THB		15		-
Subtotal current tax assets			132,224		91,433
Non-current assets or groups of assets classified as held for sale	USD		1,629		2,454
Subtotal Non-current assets or groups of assets classified as held for sale			1,629		2,454
Total current assets			2,569,258		2,682,166
Other non-current financial assets	USD		51,828		8,687
Other non-current financial assets	CLP		20		20
Other non-current financial assets	JPY		77		71
Subtotal Other non-current financial assets			51,925		8,778
Other non-current non-financial assets	USD		21,236		19,101
Other non-current non-financial assets	BRL		17		22
Other non-current non-financial assets	COP		-		6
Other non-current non-financial assets	EUR		7		4
Other non-current non-financial assets	CLP		782		596
Subtotal Other non-current non-financial assets			22,042		19,729
Other receivables, non-current	USD		10,061		522
Other receivables, non-current	CLF		152		165
Other receivables, non-current	MXN		102		43
Other receivables, non-current	CLP		850		980
Subtotal Other receivables, non-current			11,165		1,710
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	USD		23,417		57,777
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	TRY		792		26,624
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	AED		47,774		9,111
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	EUR		11,082		14,315
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	INR		1,304		1,568
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	THB		1,624		40
Subtotal Investments classified using the equity method of accounting			85,993		109,435
Intangible assets other than goodwill	USD		176,282		185,951
Intangible assets other than goodwill	MXN		1,025		1,137
Intangible assets other than goodwill	CLP		182		136
Intangible assets other than goodwill	EUR		696		1,134
Intangible assets other than goodwill	CNY		222		-
Subtotal intangible assets other than goodwill			178,407		188,358
Purchases goodwill, gross	USD		34,438		34,438
Purchases goodwill, gross	CLP		-		140
Purchases goodwill, gross	EUR		7,528		148
Subtotal Purchases goodwill, gross			41,966		34,726
Property, plant and equipment	USD		1,719,358		1,556,160
Property, plant and equipment	CLP		3,237		3,294
Property, plant and equipment	EUR		10,954		4,756
Property, plant and equipment	AED		923		-
Property, plant and equipment	BRL		111		-
Property, plant and equipment	MXN		2,494		5,588
Property, plant and equipment	COP		120		108
Property, plant and equipment	KRW		122		-
Subtotal property, plant and equipment			1,737,319		1,569,906
Right-of-use assets	USD		25,238		37,164
Right-of-use assets	EUR		2,428		-
Right-of-use assets	AED		60		-
Right-of-use assets	MXN		2,298		-
Subtotal Right-of-use assets			30,024		37,164
Current tax assets, non-current	USD		90,364		32,179
Subtotal Current tax assets, non-current			90,364		32,179
Total non-current assets			2,249,205		2,001,985
Total assets			4,818,463		4,684,151

		As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Class of liability	Currency	Up to 90 days		More than 90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		More than 90 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Current liabilities
Other current financial liabilities	USD		43,218		4,676		47,894		20,582		250,694		271,276
Other current financial liabilities	CLF		20,732		329		21,061		19,518		323		19,841
Other current financial liabilities	BRL		-		-		-		11		-		11
Subtotal other current financial liabilities			63,950		5,005		68,955		40,111		251,017		291,128
Lease liabilities, current	USD		-		4,750		4,750		-		7,694		7,694
Lease liabilities, current	MXN		-		416		416		-		-		-
Lease liabilities, current	EUR		-		362		362		-		-		-
Subtotal Lease liabilities, current			-		5,528		5,528		-		7,694		7,694
Trade and other payables	USD		83,425		-		83,425		44,146		-		44,146
Trade and other payables	CLF		123		-		123		-		-		-
Trade and other payables	BRL		9		-		9		10		-		10
Trade and other payables	THB		30		-		30		53		-		53
Trade and other payables	CLP		73,857		-		73,857		73,703		17,108		90,811
Trade and other payables	CNY		1,323		-		1,323		-		-		-
Trade and other payables	EUR		40,280		-		40,280		58,538		5		58,543
Trade and other payables	GBP		18		-		18		17		-		17
Trade and other payables	INR		1		-		1		1		-		1
Trade and other payables	MXN		584		-		584		5,122		-		5,122
Trade and other payables	PEN		5		-		5		5		-		5
Trade and other payables	AUD		2,935		-		2,935		4,442		-		4,442
Trade and other payables	ZAR		1,168		-		1,168		2,260		-		2,260
Trade and other payables	AED		-		-		-		188		-		188
Trade and other payables	COP		175		-		175		192		-		192
Subtotal trade and other payables			203,933		-		203,933		188,677		17,113		205,790
Trade payables due to related parties, current	USD		-		282		282		475		-		475
Trade payables due to related parties, current	AUD		324		-		324		-		-		-
Subtotal Trade payables due to related parties, current			324		282		606		475		-		475
Other current provisions	USD		103,252		698		103,950		109,650		820		110,470
Other current provisions	ARS		-		-		-		7		-		7
Other current provisions	CLP		216		-		216		82		-		82
Other current provisions	EUR		-		-		-		6		-		6
Subtotal other current provisions			103,468		698		104,166		109,745		820		110,565

Class of liability		As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
	Currency	Up to90 days		91 days to 1 year		Total		Up to90 days		91 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Current tax liabilities	USD		-		20,981		20,981		2,863		14,994		17,857
Current tax liabilities	CLP		-		61		61		-		17		17
Current tax liabilities	EUR		-		642		642		-		-		-
Current tax liabilities	MXN		-		959		959		-		-		-
Subtotal current tax liabilities			-		22,643		22,643		2,863		15,011		17,874
Provisions for employee benefits, current	USD		2,981		6,011		8,992		12,486		3,901		16,387
Provisions for employee benefits, current	AUD		58		-		58		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, current	CLP		3		-		3		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, current	THB		-		-		-		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, current	MXN		43		-		43		-		-		-
Subtotal Provisions for employee benefits, current			3,085		6,011		9,096		12,486		3,901		16,387
Other current non-financial liabilities	USD		51,995		397		52,392		117,136		154		117,290
Other current non-financial liabilities	THB		-		-		-		30		-		30
Other current non-financial liabilities	BRL		2		-		2		3		-		3
Other current non-financial liabilities	CLP		6,264		792		7,056		5,969		2,439		8,408
Other current non-financial liabilities	CNY		60		-		60		-		-		-
Other current non-financial liabilities	EUR		913		119		1,032		842		-		842
Other current non-financial liabilities	MXN		121		53		174		129		64		193
Other current non-financial liabilities	JPY		52		-		52		21		12		33
Other current non-financial liabilities	PEN		70		-		70		70		-		70
Other current non-financial liabilities	ZAR		-		-		-		10		-		10
Other current non-financial liabilities	COP		-		-		-		-		-		-
Other current non-financial liabilities	ARS		-		117		117		20		-		20
Subtotal other current non-financial liabilities			59,477		1,478		60,955		124,230		2,669		126,899
Total current liabilities			434,237		41,645		475,882		478,587		298,225		776,812

		As of December 31, 2020
Class of liability	Currency	Over 1 year to 2 years		Over 2 years to 3 years		Over 3 years to 4 years		Over 4 years to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Non-current liabilities
Other non-current financial liabilities	USD		-		312,730		69,376		248,664		838,399		1,469,169
Other non-current financial liabilities	CLF		-		-		-		-		430,344		430,344
Subtotal Other non-current financial liabilities			-		312,730		69,376		248,664		1,268,743		1,899,513
Non-current lease liabilities	USD		1,977		-		-		-		4,158		6,135
Non-current lease liabilities	UF		15,258		-		-		-		-		15,258
Non-current lease liabilities	MXN		2,189		-		-		-		-		2,189
Non-current lease liabilities	JPY		1,964		-		-		-		-		1,964
Subtotal non-current lease liabilities			21,388		-		-		-		4,158		25,546
Non-current Trade and other payables	USD		-		4,027		-		-		-		4,027
Subtotal Non-current Trade and other payables			-		4,027		-		-		-		4,027
Other non-current provisions	USD		-		36,391		-		-		26,226		62,617
Subtotal Other non-current provisions			-		36,391		-		-		26,226		62,617
Deferred tax liabilities	USD		-		919		-		-		155,182		156,101
Subtotal Deferred tax liabilities			-		919		-		-		155,182		156,101
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	USD		31,585		-		-		-		-		31,585
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	CLP		610		-		-		-		-		610
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	MXN		-		-		-		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	JPY		4		-		-		-		-		4
Subtotal Provisions for employee benefits, non-current			32,199		-		-		-		-		32,199
Total non-current liabilities			53,587		354,067		69,376		248,664		1,454,309		2,180,003
Total liabilities													2,655,885

		As of December 31, 2019
Class of liability	Currency	Over 1 year to 2 years		Over 2 years to 3 years		Over 3 years to 4 years		Over 4 years to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Non-current liabilities
Other non-current financial liabilities	USD		89,896		42,336		313,749		13,749		617,055		1,076,785
Other non-current financial liabilities	CLF		-		-		-		-		411,938		411,938
Subtotal Other non-current financial liabilities			89,896		42,336		313,749		13,749		1,028,993		1,488,723
Non-current lease liabilities	USD		-		-		-		-		30,203		30,203
Subtotal non-current lease liabilities			-		-		-		-		30,203		30,203
Non-current Trade and other payables	USD		-		-		-		-		-		-
Subtotal Non-current Trade and other payables			-		-		-		-		-		-
Other non-current provisions	USD		23,014		167		-		1,452		10,057		34,690
Subtotal Other non-current provisions			23,014		167		-		1,452		10,057		34,690
Deferred tax liabilities	USD		-		-		-		-		183,411		183,411
Subtotal Deferred tax liabilities			-		-		-		-		183,411		183,411
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	USD		-		-		-		-		34,884		34,884
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	CLP		-		-		-		-		519		519
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	MXN		-		-		-		-		236		236
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	JPY		-		-		-		-		201		201
Subtotal Provisions for employee benefits, non-current			-		-		-		-		35,840		35,840
Total non-current liabilities			112,910		42,503		313,749		15,201		1,288,504		1,772,867
Total liabilities													2,549,679

Effect of exchange rate changes on the statement of income

	For the period from January to December of the year
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Profit (loss) in foreign currency		(4,423	)		(2,169	)		(16,597	)
Foreign currency translation reserve (*)		14,176			562			(1,394	)
Total		9,753			(1,607	)		(17,991	)

(*) includes MUS$ 14,580, which were transferred through sale of Grupo Tarsa, SQM Eastmed and other smaller companies.

The average and closing exchange rate for foreign currency is revealed in Note 3.3

Income tax and deferred taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of income tax [Abstract]

Disclosure of income tax [text block]

Note 27

Income tax and deferred taxes

Accounts receivable from taxes as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, are as follows:

27.1

Current and non-current tax assets

(a)

Current

Current tax assets	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Monthly provisional income tax payments, Chilean companies		37,123		47,283
Monthly provisional income tax payments, foreign companies		1,265		124
Corporate tax credits (1)		1,566		1,262
1st category tax absorbed by tax loss (2)		2,322		916
Taxes in recovery process		89,948		41,848
Total		132,224		91,433

(b)

Non-current

Non-current tax assets	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Monthly provisional income tax payments, Chilean companies compensated by the specific tax on mining activity (Lithium)		6,398		6,398
Specific tax on mining activities (IEAM) paid by Lithium (on consignment)		83,966		25,781
Total		90,364		32,179

(1)

These credits are available for Companies and are related to corporate tax payments in April of the following year, These credits include, among others, credits for training expenses (SENCE), credits for acquisition of fixed assets, donations and credits in Chile for taxes paid abroad.

(2)

This concept corresponds to the absorption of the tax losses determined by the company at the end of the year, which must be attributed to the dividends received during the year.

27.2	Current tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
1st Category income tax		14,736		7,863
Foreign company income tax		7,838		9,944
Article 21 single tax		69		67
Total		22,643		17,874

Income tax is calculated based on the profit or loss for tax purposes that is applied to the effective tax rate applicable in Chile. As established by Law No. 20,780 is 27%.

The royalty is determined by applying the taxable rate to the net operating income obtained, according to the chart in force, the Company currently provisioned 5% for mining royalties that involve operations in the Salar de Atacama and 5.38% for caliche extraction operations.

The income tax rate for the main countries where the Company operates is presented below:

	Income tax			Income tax
Country	2020			2019
Spain		25	%		25	%
Belgium		25	%		29.58	%
Mexico		30	%		30	%
United States		21% + 3,36	%		21% + 3,25	%
South Africa		28	%		28	%

27.3	Income tax and deferred taxes

(a)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020

	Net liability position
Description of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020	Assets		Liabilities
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Unrealized loss		90,585		-
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		-		(187,168	)
Restoration and rehabilitation provision		6,598		-
Manufacturing expenses		-		(107,215	)
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		-		(6,669	)
Vacation accrual		6,138		-
Inventory provision		22,200		-
Materials provision		8,812		-
Forward		-		-
Employee benefits		-		-
Research and development expenses		-		(3,580	)
Bad debt provision		5,072		-
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		19,637		-
Loan acquisition expenses		-		(5,212	)
Financial instruments recorded at market value		-		(3,929	)
Specific tax on mining activity		-		(3,014	)
Tax loss benefit		844		-
Other		1,454		-
Foreign items (other)		-		(654	)
Balances to date		161,340		(317,441	)
Net balance				(156,101	)

(b)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019

	Net liability position
Description of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Assets		Liabilities
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Unrealized loss		82,075		-
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		-		(197,167	)
Facility closure provision		7,313		-
Manufacturing expenses		-		(106,420	)
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		-		(6,000	)
Vacation		5,591		-
Inventory provision		23,885		-
Materials provision		7,982		-
Employee benefits		2,689		-
Research and development expenses		-		(3,533	)
Bad debt provision		3,542		-
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		2,546		-
Loan acquisition expenses		-		(3,856	)
Financial instruments recorded at market value		-		(1,287	)
Specific tax on mining activity		-		(1,357	)
Tax loss benefit		2,296		-
Other		-		(2,021	)
Foreign items (other)		311		-
Balances to date		138,230		(321,641	)
Net balance				(183,411	)

(c)

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2020

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	Deferred tax liability (asset) at beginning of period			Deferred tax (expense) benefit recognized in profit (loss) for the year			Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity			Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)			Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Unrealized loss		(82,076	)		(8,509	)		-			(8,509	)		(90,585	)
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		197,167			(9,999	)		-			(9,999	)		187,168
Facility closure provision		(7,312	)		714			-			714			(6,598	)
Manufacturing expenses		106,420			795			-			795			107,215
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		6,000			514			155			669			6,669
Vacation accrual		(5,591	)		(547	)		-			(547	)		(6,138	)
Inventory provision		(23,885	)		1,685			-			1,685			(22,200	)
Materials provision		(7,982	)		(830	)		-			(830	)		(8,812	)
Forward		-			1,001			(1,001	)		-			-
Employee benefits		(2,689	)		2,689			-			2,689			-
Research and development expenses		3,534			46			-			46			3,580
bad debt provision		(3,542	)		(1,530	)		-			(1,530	)		(5,072	)
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		(2,546	)		(17,091	)		-			(17,091	)		(19,637	)
Loan approval expenses		3,856			1,356			-			1,356			5,212
Junior mining companies (valued based on stock price)		1,287			-			2,642			2,642			3,929
specific tax on mining activity		1,356			1,668			(10	)		1,658			3,014
Tax loss benefit		(2,296	)		1,452			-			1,452			(844	)
Other		2,021			(3,475	)		-			(3,475	)		(1,454	)
Foreign items (other)		(311	)		965			-			965			654
Total temporary differences, unused losses and unused tax credits		183,411			(29,096	)		1,786			(27,310	)		156,101

(d)

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2019

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	Deferred tax liability (asset) at beginning of period			Deferred tax (expense) benefit recognized in profit (loss) for the year			Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity			Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)			Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Unrealized loss		(75,832	)		(6,243	)		-			(6,243	)		(82,075	)
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		196,843			324			-			324			197,167
Facility closure provision		(4,280	)		(3,033	)		-			(3,033	)		(7,313	)
Manufacturing expenses		103,760			2,660			-			2,660			106,420
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		5,679			1,007			(686	)		321			6,000
Vacation accrual		(5,155	)		(436	)		-			(436	)		(5,591	)
Inventory provision		(28,155	)		4,270			-			4,270			(23,885	)
Materials provision		(6,239	)		(1,743	)		-			(1,743	)		(7,982	)
Forward		(2,169	)		(514	)		2,683			2,169			-
Employee benefits		(3,309	)		620			-			620			(2,689	)
Research and development expenses		2,216			1,317			-			1,317			3,533
bad debt provisions		(4,188	)		646			-			646			(3,542	)
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		(4,013	)		1,467			-			1,467			(2,546	)
Loan approval expenses		2,337			1,519			-			1,519			3,856
Financial instruments recorded at market value		976			-			311			311			1,287
specific tax on mining activity		3,278			(1,905	)		(16	)		(1,921	)		1,357
Tax loss benefit		(1,124	)		(1,172	)		-			(1,172	)		(2,296	)
Other		(5,005	)		7,026			-			7,026			2,021
Foreign items (other)		(259	)		(52	)		-			(52	)		(311	)
Total temporary differences, unused losses and unused tax credits		175,361			5,758			2,292			8,050			183,411

(e)

Deferred taxes related to benefits for tax losses

The Company’s tax loss carryforwards were mainly generated by losses in Chile, which in accordance with current Chilean tax regulations have no expiration date.

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, tax loss carryforwards are detailed as follows:

Deferred taxes related to benefits for tax losses	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Chile		818		2,296
Foreign		26		-
Total		844		2,296

The tax losses as of December 31, 2020 correspond mainly to SQM S.A., SQM Potasio S.A., SIT S.A., Orcoma SpA., and Orcoma Estudio SpA.

The tax losses from foreign companies correspond mainly to SQM Africa Pty Ltd. And SQM (Shanghai) Chemicals.

(f)

Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities

Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are detailed as follows:

	Assets (liabilities)
Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance		(183,411	)		(175,361	)
Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes in profit or loss		29,096			(5,758	)
Decrease in deferred taxes in equity		(1,786	)		(2,292	)
Total		(156,101	)		(183,411	)

(g)

Disclosures on income tax (expenses) benefit

Current and deferred tax (expenses) benefit are detailed as follows:

	(Expense) Income
Disclosures on income tax expense (benefit)	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Current income tax (expense) income
Current tax expense		(97,374	)		(116,483	)		(207,959	)
Adjustments to prior year current income tax (expense) benefit		(1,901	)		12,222			1,577
Current income tax expense, net, total		(99,275	)		(104,261	)		(206,382	)
Deferred tax expense
Deferred tax expense relating to the creation and reversal of temporary differences		26,219			2,551			26,434
Tax adjustments related to the creation and reversal of temporary differences from the previous year		2,877			(8,309	)		973
Deferred tax expense, net, total		29,096			(5,758	)		27,407
Income tax expense		(70,179	)		(110,019	)		(178,975	)

Tax (expenses) benefit for foreign and domestic parties are detailed as follows:

	(Expense) Income
Income tax (expense) benefit	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Current income tax benefit (expense) by foreign and domestic parties, net
Current income tax expense, foreign parties, net		(9,782	)		(7,394	)		(7,516	)
Current income tax expense, domestic, net		(89,493	)		(96,867	)		(198,866	)
Current income tax expense, net, total		(99,275	)		(104,261	)		(206,382	)
Deferred tax benefit (expense) by foreign and domestic parties, net
Current income tax benefit, foreign parties, net		10,284			2,370			(1,885	)
Current income tax benefit (expense), domestic, net		18,812			(8,128	)		29,292
Deferred tax expense, net, total		29,096			(5,758	)		27,407
Income tax expense		(70,179	)		(110,019	)		(178,975	)

(h)

Equity interest in taxation attributable to equity-accounted investees

The Company does not recognize any deferred tax liability in all cases of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, branches and associated companies or interest in joint ventures, because as indicated in the standard, the following two conditions are jointly met:

(i)

the parent, investor or interest holder is able to control the time for reversal of the temporary difference; and

(ii)

It is more likely than not that the temporary difference will not be reversed in the foreseeable future.

In addition, the Company does not recognize deferred income tax assets for all deductible temporary differences from investments in subsidiaries, branches and associated companies or interests in joint ventures because it is unlikely that they will meet the following requirements:

(i)

Temporary differences are reversed in a foreseeable future; and

(ii)

The Company has tax earnings, against which temporary differences can be used.

(i)

Disclosures on the tax effects of other comprehensive income components:

	As of December 31, 2020
Income tax related to other income and expense components with a charge or credit to net equity	Amount before taxes (expense) gain			(Expense) income for income taxes			Amount after taxes
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Gain (loss) from defined benefit plans		974			(145	)		829
Cash flow hedge		(3,706	)		1,001			(2,705	)
Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income		9,785			(2,642	)		7,143
Total		7,053			(1,786	)		5,267

	As of December 31, 2019
Income tax related to other income and expense components with a charge or credit to net equity	Amount before taxes (expense) gain			(Expense) income for income taxes			Amount after taxes
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Gain (loss) from defined benefit plans		(3,310	)		702			(2,608	)
Cash flow hedge		1,908			(2,683	)		(775	)
Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income		1,152			(311	)		841
Total		(250	)		(2,292	)		(2,542	)

	As of December 31, 2018
Income tax related to other income and expense components with a charge or credit to net equity	Amount before taxes (expense) gain			(Expense) income for income taxes		Amount after taxes
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Gain (loss) from defined benefit plans		(1,327	)		396		(931	)
Cash flow hedge		5,723			-		5,723
Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income		(5,546	)		1,498		(4,048	)
Total		(1,150	)		1,894		744

(j)	Explanation of the relationship between (expense) benefit for tax purposes and accounting income.

Based on IAS 12, paragraph 81, letter “c”, the company has estimated that the method that discloses the most significant information for users of the financial statements is the numeric conciliation between the tax expense (income) and the result of multiplying the accounting profit by the current rate in Chile. The aforementioned choice is based on the fact that the Company and subsidiaries established in Chile generate a large part of the Company’s tax expense (benefit). The amounts provided by subsidiaries established outside Chile have no relative importance in the overall context.

Reconciliation between the tax income (expense) and the tax calculated by multiplying accounting income by the Chilean corporate income tax rate.

	(Expense) Benefits
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Consolidated income before taxes		238,538			390,622			621,038
Income tax rate in force in Chile		27	%		27	%		27	%
Tax expense using the statutory tax rate		(64,405	)		(105,468	)		(167,680	)
Net effect of royalty tax payments		(4,659	)		(4,314	)		(4,919	)
Effect of fines affected by article 21 and passive income		(1,804	)		(724	)		(2,957	)
Tax effect of revenue from regular activities exempt from taxation		1,786			2,376			1,446
Tax rate effect of non-tax-deductible expenses for determining taxable profit (loss)		(2,987	)		(2,128	)		(2,327	)
Tax effect of tax rates supported abroad		(2,077	)		(252	)		(8,714	)
Surplus provision Internal revenue service		-			-			3,517
Effects of changes resulting from classifying a permanent item as a temporary one		4,826			-			-
Other tax effects from reconciliation between accounting gains and tax expenses		(859	)		491			2,659
Tax expense using the effective tax rate		(70,179	)		(110,019	)		(178,975	)

(k)

Tax periods potentially subject to verification:

The Group’s Companies are potentially subject to income tax audits by tax authorities in each country These audits are limited to a number of interim tax periods, which, in general, when they elapse, give rise to the expiration of these inspections.

Tax audits, due to their nature, are often complex and may require several years. Below, we provide a summary of tax periods that are potentially subject to verification, in accordance with the tax regulations in force in the country of origin:

(i)

Chile

According to article 200 of Decree Law No 830, the taxes will be reviewed for any deficiencies in terms of payment and to generate any taxes that might arise. There is a 3-year prescriptive period for such review, dating from the expiration of the legal deadline when payment should have been made. This prescriptive period can be extended to 6 years for the revision of taxes subject to declaration, when such declaration has not been filed or has been presented with maliciously false information.

(ii) United States

In the United States, the tax authority may review tax returns for up to 3 years from the expiration date of the tax return. In the event that an omission or error is detected in the tax return of sales or cost of sales, the review can be extended for a period of up to 6 years.

(iii)

Mexico:

In Mexico, the tax authority can review tax returns up to 5 years from the expiration date of the tax return.

(iv)

Spain:

In Spain, the tax authority can review tax returns up to 4 years from the expiration date of the tax return.

A subsidiary of the Company, SQM Iberian S.A., is being reviewed by the Spanish Tax Authority. This audit could involve adjustments to tax returns filed in Spain.

(v)

Belgium:

In Belgium, the tax authority may review tax returns for up to 3 years from the expiration date of the tax return if no tax losses exist. In the event of detecting an omission or error in the tax return, the review can be extended for a period of up to 5 years.

On December 31, 2019, a current tax of ThUS$ 1,068 was recognized, which corresponds to a difference in taxes in SQM Europe N.V. determined at the end of an audit of transfer prices in the 2017 trade year.

(vi)

South Africa:

In South Africa, the tax authority may review tax returns for up to 3 years from the expiration date of the tax return. In the event that an omission or error in the tax return is detected, the review can be extended for a period of up to 5 years.

A subsidiary of the Company, SQM Africa Pty., is being reviewed by the South African Tax Authority. This audit could involve adjustments to tax returns filed in South Africa.

Assets held for sale

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale or as held for distribution to owners [abstract]

Disclosure of non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations [text block]

Note 28

Assets held for sale

The non-current assets held for sale and the components of the disposal groups classified as held for sale are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position under the item “Non-current assets or groups of assets classified as held for sale”.

The following table shows the movements in assets held for sale:

Assets held for sale	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Land		1,493		2,454
Mining rights		136		-
Total assets held for sale		1,629		2,454

Events occurred after the reporting date

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Events After Reporting Period Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of events after reporting period [text block]

Note 29

Events occurred after the reporting date

29.1

Authorization of the financial statements

The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, prepared for the period ended December 31, 2020, were approved and authorized for issuance by the Company´s Board of Directors on March 3, 2021.

29.2

Disclosures on events occurring after the reporting date

The total financial impact of COVID-19 cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, due to uncertainty as to its severity and duration. It was anticipated that average sales volumes and prices will depend on the duration of the coronavirus in different markets, the efficiency of the measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus in each country, and the fiscal and national incentives that can be implemented in different jurisdictions to promote economic recovery. The Company continues to monitor and evaluate the spread of the coronavirus and its impact on our operations, business, financial condition and results of operations.

On November 11, 2020, the DOJ presented a motion to dismiss the criminal information against the Company notified in Note 23. This motion was granted by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on January 19, 2021. Note 21 contains further details.

An extraordinary shareholders' meeting held on January 22, 2021 resolved, among other matters, to approve an increase in the Company’s capital of US$ 1,100,000,000 by issuing 22,442,580 Series B shares, to be offered preferentially and under the same conditions only to Series B shareholders. Pursuant to Article 69 N° 5 of Law 18,046 on Corporations, the approval of this resolution grants the dissenting Series A shareholders the right to withdraw from the Company, upon payment by the Company of the value of their shares. A dissenting shareholder will be considered to be a Series A shareholder who at the meeting has opposed the resolution giving the right to withdraw, or who did not attend the meeting, but expressed their dissent in writing to the Company within 30 days of the date of the extraordinary shareholders' meeting, which is by February 21, 2021.

On January 7, 2021, Ocaña y Vega Limitada filed for arbitration against the Company to claim damages associated with the early termination of two construction contracts. The arbitration claim is valued at approximately ThUS$ 377.

On January 25, 2020, a sub-contractor´s employee sued the Company for compensation for a work-related accident in the sum of approximately ThUS$718.

On February 9, 2021, two of the Company´s subsidiaries signed an agreement to conclude a dispute related to sales contracts and a share of the joint venture with Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd. The Company received US$ 11.5 million as a result of this settlement.

On February 17, 2021, the Company reported that the Board of Directors approved the investment in the Mount Holland lithium project in Australia. This project is a joint venture with Wesfarmers Limited. The Company's share of the investment in the project is expected to reach approximately US$700 million between 2021 and 2025, according to information provided in the final feasibility study.

On February 23, 2021, the Company informed the CMF that the declaratory public deed referred to in the extraordinary shareholders' meeting of the Company held on January 22, 2021, where it was agreed, among other matters, to increase the share capital by US$1,100,000,000, through the issuance of 22,442,580 Series B shares, to be issued, subscribed and paid within the term expiring on January 22, 2024, and which will be offered preferentially and under the same conditions to Series B assignees of the options and/or third parties, which was subject to the Resolutory Condition requiring the exercise of the aforementioned right to withdraw of more than 0.5% of the total Series A shares of the Company, all under the terms and conditions agreed at the Shareholders' Meeting.

The Declaratory Deed:

(a)

establishes the waiver by the Company's board of directors, at an extraordinary meeting held on February 20, 2021, of the Resolutory Condition;

(b)

establishes that the legal term of 30 days for the exercise of the right to withdraw from the Capital Increase expired on February 21, 2021, and only one shareholder expressed their intention to exercise this right, for a total of 648 Series A shares, representing approximately 0.0004% of the total Series A shares. Therefore, the Resolutory Condition, had it not been for the waiver indicated above, would not have been fulfilled and would have deemed to have failed; and

(c)

establishes that pursuant to the provisions of the Meeting: (i) the Capital Increase and related matters have become effective as of February 1, 2021, the date on which the minutes of the Meeting were legalized in a public deed; (ii) the Capital Increase and related matters have become final, since the Resolutory Condition was waived by the Company's board of directors and would have failed, in any case, as the right to withdraw was exercised for less than 0.5% of the total Series A shares within the legal term; and (iii) with the execution of the Declaratory Deed, the requirements and formalities contemplated in the Meeting were fully met.

On March 3, 2021, the Board of Directors agreed to amend the general policy on regular transactions with related parties, approved at the meeting held on November 21, 2018, and it also approved a revised text of the policy, which is transcribed below:

Regular transactions between the Company and Soquimich Comercial S.A., Ajay SQM Chile S.A., Ajay North America, Ajay Europe SARL, SQM Vitas Fzco, SQM Vitas Holland, SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria, SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C., Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL, Plantacote NV and Pavoni & C. SpA. are as follows:

(a)

Any sale, marketing, distribution and supply of raw materials, by-products and products extracted, processed or marketed by the Company in any capacity by the aforementioned subsidiaries and affiliated companies.

(b)

Any advisory services provided by the Company related to the activities referred to in (a) above, and the procurement of such services by the aforementioned subsidiaries and affiliated companies;

(c)

Any advisory services covering financial, accounting, administrative, taxation, legal, infrastructure, advertising, IT, management, insurance, personnel selection, hiring, training and any general back office services provided by the Company, and the procurement of such services by the aforementioned subsidiaries and affiliated companies.

(d)

Any working capital finance provided by the Company to the aforementioned subsidiaries and affiliated companies not exceeding US$ 5 million in a 12 consecutive month period, based on these subsidiaries as a whole.

Any engineering, environmental and other specialized studies provided by the Company to study, develop and construct mines related to the Mt. Holland project, and all ancillary activities required to complete those studies are regular transactions between the Company and Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.

The following transactions with related parties may be performed without complying with the requirements and procedures of Article 147 of Corporation Law, if they are regular, ordinary and required for the Company's normal business:

(a)

Any procurement from Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A. and Entel PCS Telecomunicaciones S.A. of telecommunications, computer and technology services in general, including the purchase, sale, lease and supply of equipment and goods required to operate and maintain these services, for amounts not exceeding US$ 5 million over a 12 consecutive month period, and

(b)

Any procurement from Banco de Chile of any kind of financial or brokerage transactions, purchases and sales of foreign currencies and other usual treasury transactions.

The Board of Directors also unanimously agreed to expressly adopt a generally applicable authorization that allows the Company to procure the following transactions (i) those that are not a material amount, and (ii) those between legal entities in which the Company directly or indirectly owns at least 95% of the counterparty, all without the need to comply with the requirements and procedures in paragraphs 1) to 7) of Article 147 of Corporation Law. The Board of Directors has defined transactions with related parties that are a material amount as (a) those that total over 3,000 UF over a 12 consecutive month period for directors, principal executives, their related persons, their spouses or relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity, and any entity controlled directly or indirectly by any of them, and (b) the threshold determined in accordance with paragraph a) of Article 147 of Corporation Law for all other counterparties.

On March 3, 2021, the Board of Directors agreed to call an ordinary general shareholders' meeting for April 23, 2021.

Management has no knowledge of other significant events occurring between December 31, 2020 and the date of issue of these consolidated financial statements, which could have a significant effect on these.

Significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Changes In Accounting Policies Accounting Estimates And Errors Explanatory [Abstract]

Description of accounting policy for classification of balances as current and non-current [Text Block]

3.1

Classification of balances as current and non-current

The exception to the foregoing relates to deferred taxes, which are classified as non-current, regardless of the maturity they have.

Description of accounting policy for functional currency [text block]

3.2

Functional and presentation currency

Description of accounting policy for foreign currency translation [text block]

3.3

Accounting policy for foreign currency translation

(a)

SQM group entities:

The revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities of all entities that have a functional currency other than the presentation currency are converted to the presentation currency as follows:

Assets and liabilities are converted at the closing exchange rate prevailing on the reporting date.

Revenues and expenses of each profit or loss account are converted at monthly average exchange rates.

All resulting foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized as a separate component in translation reserves.

The main exchange rates and UF used to translate monetary assets and liabilities, expressed in foreign currency at the end and average of each period in respect to U.S. dollars, are as follows:

	Closing exchange rates				Average exchange rates
Currencies	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Brazilian real		5.18		4.02		5.14		4.11
New Peruvian sol		3.62		3.31		3.60		3.35
Argentine peso		84.14		59.83		82.62		59.86
Japanese yen		105.56		108.90		103.81		109.12
Euro		0.81		0.89		0.82		0.90
Mexican peso		19.93		18.89		19.97		19.11
Australian dollar		1.30		1.43		1.33		1.45
Pound Sterling		0.74		0.76		0.74		0.76
South African rand		14.61		14.06		14.88		14.42
Chilean peso		710.95		748.74		731.92		767.22
Chinese yuan		6.51		6.98		6.53		7.01
Indian rupee		73.30		71.31		73.65		71.16
Thai Baht		29.94		29.97		30.08		30.22
Turkish lira		7.36		5.94		7.70		5.85
UF (*)		40.89		37.81		39.73		36.90

(*) US$ per UF

(b)

Transactions and balances

Description of accounting policy for cash flows [text block]

3.4

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and cash equivalents as defined above.

The statement of cash flows present cash transactions performed during the year, determined using the direct method.

Description of accounting policy for financial assets [text block]

3.5

Accounting policy for Financial assets

After initial recognition, the Company measures its financial assets according to the Company's business model for managing its financial assets and the contractual terms of its cash flows:

(a)

(b)

Financial instruments at fair value. A financial asset should be measured at fair value through profit or loss or fair value through other comprehensive income, depending on the following:

(i)

(ii)

"Fair Value Through Profit and Loss": Assets that do not meet the amortized cost or "Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income" criteria are valued at "Fair Value Through Profit and Loss".

(c)

Financial asset impairment

Description of accounting policy for financial liabilities [text block]

3.6

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost are commercial accounts payable and other accounts payable and other financial liabilities.

Financial liabilities are recorded as not current when they mature in more than 12 months and as current when they mature in less than 12 months.

Description of accounting policy for reclassification of financial instruments [text block]

3.7

Reclassification of financial instruments

Description of accounting policy for derecognition of financial instruments [text block]

3.8

Financial instrument derecognition

Description of accounting policy for derivative financial instruments and hedging [text block]

3.9	Derivative and hedging financial instruments

Fair value hedge of assets and liabilities recognized (fair value hedges);

Hedging of a single risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge).

Fair value hedge

Cash flow hedges

When the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss and deferred costs of hedging that were reported in equity are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

Description of accounting policy for derivative financial instruments not considered as hedges [text block]

3.10

Derivative financial instruments not considered as hedges

Description of accounting policy for deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance contracts [text block]

3.11

Deferred acquisition costs from insurance contracts

3.12

Leases

(a)

Right-of-use assets

(b)

Lease liabilities

Payments made that affect lease liabilities are presented as part of the financing activities in the cash flow statement.

(c)

Short-term leases and low-value asset leases

(d)

Significant judgments in the determination of the lease term for contracts with renewal options

Description of accounting policy for trade and other receivables [text block]

3.13

Inventory measurement

For finished and in-process products, the company has four types of provisions, which are reviewed quarterly:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Provisions undertaken by business subsidiaries: these are historical percentages that are adjusted as zero ground is attained based on normal inventory management.

Description of accounting policy for transactions with non-controlling interests [text block]

3.14

Transactions with non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests are recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity but separate from equity attributable to the owners of the Parent.

Description of accounting policy for transactions with related parties [text block]

3.15	Related party transactions

Description of accounting policy for property, plant and equipment [text block]

3.16

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment assets are stated at acquisition cost, net of the related accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment losses that they might have experienced.

In addition to the price paid for the acquisition of tangible property, plant and equipment, the Company has considered the following concepts as part of the acquisition cost, as applicable:

(a)

(b)

Construction-in-progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment in operation once the assets are available for use and the related depreciation and amortization begins on that date.

Costs derived from the daily maintenance of property, plant and equipment are recognized when incurred.

Description of accounting policy for depreciation of property, plant and equipment [Text Block]

3.17

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Fixed assets located in Salar de Atacama consider useful life to be the lesser value between the technical useful life and the years remaining until 2030.

In the case of certain mobile equipment, depreciation is performed depending on the hours of operation.

The useful lives used for the depreciation and amortization of assets included in property, plant and equipment in years are presented below:

Classes of property, plant and equipment	Minimum life or rate (years)		Maximum life or rate (years)		life or average rate in years
Mining assets		3		7		6
Energy generating assets		3		16		9
Buildings		3		25		13
Supplies and accessories		2		10		7
Office equipment		5		5		5
Transport equipment		5		8		6
Network and communication equipment		4		10		8
IT equipment		5		11		7
Machinery, plant and equipment		5		25		13
Other property, plant and equipment		3		15		10

Description of accounting policy for goodwill [text block]

3.18

Goodwill

Description of accounting policy for intangible assets other than goodwill [text block]

3.19

Intangible assets other than goodwill

(a)

Water rights

(b)

Rights of way for electric lines

(c)

Computer software

Licenses for IT programs acquired are capitalized based on their acquisition and customization costs. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

The costs of development for IT programs are recognized as assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

(d)

Mining property and concession rights

(e)

Estimated useful lives or amortization rates used for finite identifiable intangible assets

The estimated useful life for software which they are amortized corresponds to the periods defined by the contracts or rights from which they originate.

Minimum and maximum amortization lives or rates of intangible assets:

Estimated useful life or amortization rate	Minimum Life or Rate	Maximum Life or Rate
Water rights and rights of way	Indefinite	Indefinite
Mining rights granted by Corfo	10 years	10 years
Mining rights	Unit-production method
IT programs	2 years	8 years

Description of accounting policy for research and development expense [text block]

3.20	Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses are charged to profit or loss in the period in which the expenditure was incurred.

Description of accounting policy for exploration and evaluation expenses [text block]

3.21	Exploration and evaluation expenses

The Company holds mining concessions for exploration and exploitation of ore, the Company gives the following treatment to expenses associated with exploration and assessment of these resources:

(a)

Caliche

(b)

Metal exploration

(c)

Salar de Atacama exploration

(d)

Mount Holland exploration

Description of accounting policy for impairment of non-financial assets [text block]

3.22

Impairment of non-financial assets

Impairment losses from continuing operations are recognized with a debit to profit or loss in the categories of expenses associated with the impaired asset function.

Assets with indefinite lives are assessed for impairment annually.

Description of accounting policy for dividends [text block]

3.23

Minimum dividend

Description of accounting policy for earnings per share [text block]

3.24

Earnings per share

The Company has not conducted any type of operation of potential dilutive effect that would entail the disclosure of diluted earnings per share.

Description of accounting policy for borrowings [text block]

3.25

Capitalization of interest expenses

The Company capitalizes all interest costs directly related to the construction or to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, which require a substantial time to be suitable for use.

Description of accounting policy for provisions [text block]

3.26

Other provisions

Provisions are recognized when:

The Company has a present,legal or constructive obligation as the result of a past event.

It is more likely than not that certain resources must be used, to settle the obligation.

A reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

In the event that the provision or a portion of it is reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset solely if there is certainty of income.

In the consolidated statement of income, the expense for any provision is presented net of any reimbursement.

Description of accounting policy for employee benefits [text block]

3.27

Obligations related to employee termination benefits and pension commitments

Actuarial gains and losses that may be generated by variations in defined, pre-established obligations are directly recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income”.

Actuarial losses and gains have their origin in deviations between the estimate and the actual behavior of actuarial assumptions or in the reformulation of established actuarial assumptions.

Description of accounting policy for share-based payment transactions [text block]

3.28	Compensation plans

Description of accounting policy for recognition of revenue [text block]

3.29

Revenue recognition

Revenues are recognized when the specific conditions for each income stream are met, as follows:

(a)

Sale of goods

(b)

Sale of services

(c)

Income from dividends

Income from dividends is recognized when the right to receive the payment is established.

Description of accounting policy for finance income and costs [text block]

3.30

Finance income and finance costs

Description of accounting policy for income tax and deferred taxes [Text Block]

3.31

Current income tax and deferred

Corporate income tax for the year is determined as the sum of current and deferred income taxes from the different consolidated companies.

Current taxes are based on the application of the various types of taxes attributable to taxable income for the period.

The recognized deferred tax assets refer to the amount of income tax to recover in future periods, related to:

deductible temporary differences;

compensation for losses obtained in prior periods, which have not yet been subject to tax deduction; and

compensation for unused credits from prior periods.

The recognized deferred tax liabilities refer to the amount of income tax to pay in a future period, related to taxable temporary differences.

Description of accounting policy for segment reporting [text block]

3.32

Operating segment reporting

Description of accounting policy for responsibility for information and estimates made [Text Block]

3.33

Primary accounting criteria, estimates and assumptions

Assumptions used in calculating the actuarial amount of pension-related and severance indemnity payment benefit commitments (See Note 18) and determination of long-term provisions.

Estimates for obsolescence provisions to ensure that the carrying value of inventory is not in excess of the net realizable Inventory valuation. (See Note 11).

Description of accounting policy for environment related expense [text block]

3.34

Environment

Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Abstract]

Disclosure of information about employees [text block]

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the workforce was as follows:

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Employees	SQM S.A.		other subsidiaries		Total		SQM S.A.		other subsidiaries		Total
Executives		30		85		115		30		91		121
Professionals		94		1,156		1,250		110		1,170		1,280
Technicians and operators		267		3,310		3,577		282		3,481		3,763
Foreign employees		17		548		565		17		560		577
Overall total		408		5,099		5,507		439		5,302		5,741

Schedule of Shareholders stock and Ownership Percentage [Text Block]

The following information is derived from our registry and reports managed by the DCV and informed to the CMF and the Chilean Stock Exchanges:

Shareholders as of December 31, 2020	No. of Series A		% of Series A shares			No. of Series B		% of Series B shares			% of total shares
Inversiones TLC SpA (1)		62,556,568		43.80	%		-		-			23.77	%
The Bank of New York Mellon, ADRs		-		-			50,792,452		42.19	%		19.30	%
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (2)		44,894,152		31.43	%		922,971		0.77	%		17.41	%
Potasios de Chile S.A.		18,179,147		12.73	%		-		-			6.91	%
Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada		8,798,539		6.16	%		-		-			3.34	%
Euroamerica C de B S. A.		1,418		-			8,788,517		7.30	%		3.34	%
Banco Santander via foreign investor accounts		-		-			7,294,827		6.06	%		2.77	%
Banco de Chile via State Street		-		-			6,971,782		5.79	%		2.65	%
Banco de Chile non-resident third party accounts		-		-			6,129,339		5.09	%		2.33	%
Inversiones la Esperanza de Chile Limitada		4,147,263		2.90	%		46,500		0.04	%		1.59	%
Banchile Corredora de Bolsa S. A.		459,202		0.32	%		2,426,758		2.02	%		1.10	%
Banco de Chile on behalf of Citibank NA New York customers		177,463		0.12	%		1,732,249		1.44	%		0.73	%

Shareholders as of December 31, 2019	No. of Series A		% of Series A shares			No. of Series B		% of Series B shares			% of total shares
Inversiones TLC SpA (1)		62,556,568		43.80	%		-		-			23.77	%
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (2)		44,894,152		31.43	%		3,793,154		3.15	%		18.50	%
The Bank of New York Mellon, ADRs		-		-			38,311,788		31.83	%		14.56	%
Potasios de Chile S.A.		18,179,147		12.73	%		-		-			6.91	%
Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada		8,798,539		6.16	%		-		-			3.34	%
Banco Itaú via foreign investor accounts		-		-			7,373,216		6.13	%		2.80	%
Banco de Chile non-resident third party accounts		109		-			6,842,746		5.68	%		2.60	%
Banco Santander via foreign investor accounts		-		-			6,618,416		5.50	%		2.51	%
Euroamerica C de B S. A.		3,056		-			4,863,467		4.04	%		1.85	%
Banchile C de B S. A.		491,729		0.34	%		4,285,696		3.56	%		1.82	%
Inversiones la Esperanza de Chile Limitada		4,147,263		2.90	%		46,500		0.04	%		1.59	%
Bolsa de comercio de Santiago Bolsa de valores		30,590		0.02	%		3,077,930		2.56	%		1.18	%

Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements [Abstract]

Disclosure Of Reclassification Of Assets [Text Block]

Items	Original balances reported as of December 31, 2019		Reclassification			Balances reclassified as of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Property, plant and equipment, (net)		1,607,070		(37,164	)		1,569,906
Right-of-use assets		-		37,164			37,164
Other current financial liabilities		298,822		(7,694	)		291,128
Lease liabilities, current		-		7,694			7,694
Other non-current financial liabilities		1,518,926		(30,203	)		1,488,723
Lease liabilities, non-current		-		30,203			30,203

Significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Significant accounting policies [Abstract]

Disclosure of foreign exchange rates used o translate monetary items [Text Block]

The main exchange rates and UF used to translate monetary assets and liabilities, expressed in foreign currency at the end and average of each period in respect to U.S. dollars, are as follows:

	Closing exchange rates				Average exchange rates
Currencies	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Brazilian real		5.18		4.02		5.14		4.11
New Peruvian sol		3.62		3.31		3.60		3.35
Argentine peso		84.14		59.83		82.62		59.86
Japanese yen		105.56		108.90		103.81		109.12
Euro		0.81		0.89		0.82		0.90
Mexican peso		19.93		18.89		19.97		19.11
Australian dollar		1.30		1.43		1.33		1.45
Pound Sterling		0.74		0.76		0.74		0.76
South African rand		14.61		14.06		14.88		14.42
Chilean peso		710.95		748.74		731.92		767.22
Chinese yuan		6.51		6.98		6.53		7.01
Indian rupee		73.30		71.31		73.65		71.16
Thai Baht		29.94		29.97		30.08		30.22
Turkish lira		7.36		5.94		7.70		5.85
UF (*)		40.89		37.81		39.73		36.90

Disclosure of useful lives of property, plant and equipment [Text Block]

The useful lives used for the depreciation and amortization of assets included in property, plant and equipment in years are presented below:

Classes of property, plant and equipment	Minimum life or rate (years)		Maximum life or rate (years)		life or average rate in years
Mining assets		3		7		6
Energy generating assets		3		16		9
Buildings		3		25		13
Supplies and accessories		2		10		7
Office equipment		5		5		5
Transport equipment		5		8		6
Network and communication equipment		4		10		8
IT equipment		5		11		7
Machinery, plant and equipment		5		25		13
Other property, plant and equipment		3		15		10

Financial risk management (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of credit risk exposure [text block]

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2020

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

9,002

Banco de Chile

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

10,503

Banco Estado

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

1,001

Banco Itau Corpbanca

Time deposits

P-2

A-2

7,299

Banco Santander – Santiago

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

16,702

Scotiabank Sud Americano

Time deposits

F1+

7,002

JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional

Investment fund

Aaa-mf

AAAm

AAAmmf

102,753

Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional cash reserves

Investment fund

AAAm

AAAmmf

107,625

Other banks with lower balances

Time deposits

Total

261,973

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2020

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

185,589

Banco Itaú Corpbanca

90 days to 1 year

P-2

A-2

49,006

Banco Santander - Santiago

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

45,168

Banco Scotiabank Sud Americano

90 days to 1 year

F1+

31,668

JP Morgan Asset Management

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

N1+

34,028

Total

345,459

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2019

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco de Chile

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

50,221

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

42,096

Banco Itaú Corpbanca

Time deposits

P-2

A-2

39,093

Banco Santander

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

2,708

Scotiabank Sud Americano

Time deposits

F1+

14,428

Banco Estado

Time deposits

P-1

A-1

500

BBVA Banco Francés

Time deposits

JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional

Investment fund

Aaa-mf

AAAm

AAAmmf

181,155

Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional cash reserves

Investment fund

AAAm

AAAmmf

146,078

Total

476,332

Financial institution

Financial assets

Rating

As of
December
31, 2019

Moody´s

S&P

Fitch

ThUS$

Banco Scotiabank Sud Americano

90 days to 1 year

P-2

54,180

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

178,448

Banco Santander (*)

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

74,365

Banco Itau Corpbanca

90 days to 1 year

P-2

A-2

127,579

Banco Security

90 days to 1 year

A-2

17,965

Banco de Chile

90 days to 1 year

18,026

Banco Estado

90 days to 1 year

P-1

A-1

15,126

Total

485,689

(*) This includes ThUS$ 1,870 associated with collateral in guarantee used to reduce the liquidity risk.

Disclosure of cash and cash equivalents of cashflows [Text Block]

The position in other cash and cash equivalents are invested in highly liquid mutual funds with an AAA risk rating.

(1)

Unsecured obligations are presented on a contractual basis and have no effects related to anticipated redemptions.

	Nature of undiscounted cash flows
As of December 31, 2020 (figures expressed in millions of US dollars)	Carrying amount		Less than 1 year		1 to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
Bank borrowings		70.08		0.94		71.40		-		72.34
Unsecured obligations (1)		1,872.09		88.22		927.17		1,727.14		2,742.53
Sub total		1,942.17		89.16		998.57		1,727.14		2,814.87
Hedging liabilities		40.21		6.06		12.34		11.07		29.47
Derivative financial instruments		5.39		5.39		-		-		5.39
Sub total		45.60		11.45		12.34		11.07		34.86
Current and non-current lease liabilities		31.07		6.40		21.04		7.17		34.61
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable		203.93		203.93		-		-		203.93
Total		2,222.77		310.94		1,031.95		1,745.38		3,088.27

	Nature of undiscounted cash flows
As of December 31, 2019 (figures expressed in millions of US dollars)	Carrying amount		Less than 1 year		1 to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
Bank borrowings		70.19		2.17		74.87		-		77.04
Unsecured obligations		1,697.11		326.34		614.29		1,184.38		2,125.01
Sub total		1,767.30		328.51		689.16		1,184.38		2,202.05
Hedging liabilities		23.66		6.57		24.33		32.37		63.27
Derivative financial instruments		3.17		3.17		-		-		3.17
Sub total		26.83		9.74		24.33		32.37		66.44
Current and non-current lease liabilities		37.90		8.90		23.01		10.27		42.18
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable		205.79		205.79		-		-		205.79
Total		2,037.82		552.94		736.50		1,227.02		2,516.46

All current assets divided by all current liabilities.

Separate information on the main office, parent entity and joint action agreements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Separate Information On The Main Office Parent Entity And Joint Action Agreements [Abstract]

Disclosure of Parent's stand-alone assets and liabilities [Text Block]

6.1

Parent’s stand-alone assets and liabilities

Parent’s stand-alone assets and liabilities	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Assets		4,173,308			4,069,649
Liabilities		(2,050,223	)		(1,983,382	)
Equity		2,123,085			2,086,267

Board of Directors, Senior Management and Key management personnel (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of information about Board of Directors Senior Management and Key management personnel [Abstract]

Disclosure of information about key management personnel [text block]

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the number of the key management personnel is 126 and 124, respectively.

Key management personnel compensation

For the year ended
December 31,

2020

For the year ended
December 31,

2019

For the year ended
December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Key management personnel compensation

22,858

22,598

27,907

Equity-accounted investees (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Equity-accounted investees [Abstract]

Disclosure of associates [text block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, in accordance with criteria established in Note 2:

	Equity-accounted investees						Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the period ended									Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the period ended									Share in total other comprehensive income of associates accounted for using the equity method for the period ended
Associate	As of December 31, 2020 (**)		As of December 31, 2019 (**)		As of December 31, 2018 (**)		As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		11,505		11,609		10,821		(156	)		634			596			-			1			-			(156	)		635			596
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS (*)		-		26,001		21,582		4,031			3,912			241			-			198			489			4,031			4,110			730
Ajay North America		14,468		14,669		14,951		2,191			2,871			3,728			-			-			-			2,191			2,871			3,728
Ajay Europe SARL		7,875		7,451		7,845		1,029			1,165			1,373			756			(179	)		(439	)		1,785			986			934
Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd		-		-		-		-			-			316			-			-			-			-			-			316
SQM Eastmed Turkey (*)		-		623		310		247			354			370			-			(42	)		(21	)		247			312			349
Kore Potash PLC		26,175		24,739		20,467		(224	)		(534	)		(1,543	)		(374	)		(549	)		(1,206	)		(598	)		(1.083	)		(2,749	)
Total		60,023		85,092		75,976		7,118			8,402			5,081			382			(571	)		(1.177	)		7,500			7,831			3,904

(*) As of December 31, 2020, these investments no longer form part of the group. See Note 8.4 (a).

(**) These investments include adjustments for unrealized results.

Disclosure of interests in associates [text block]

							Dividends received for the period ending
Associate	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of ownership in associates			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL	Distribution and commercialization of specialty plant nutrients in the Middle East.	PO Box 71871, Abu Dhabi	United Arab Emirates		37	%		-		-		6,632
Ajay North America	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	1400 Industry RD Power Springs GA 30129	United States		49	%		1,967		2,796		2,807
Ajay Europe SARL	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	Z.I. du Grand Verger BP 227 53602 Evron Cedex	France		50	%		1,197		1,055		811
Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	31 Soi 138 (Meesuk) LLapdrawrd, Bangkapi, 10240 Bangkok	Thailand		40	%		-		-		362
SQM Eastmed Turkey	Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.	Organize Sanayi Bolgesi, Ikinci Kisim, 22 cadde TR07100 Antalya	Turkey		50	%		-		-		-
Kore Potash Ltd	Prospecting, exploration and mining development	L 3 88 William ST Perth, was 6000	United Kingdom		20.20	%		-		-		-
Total								3,164		3,851		10,612

The companies described in the table below are related parties of the following associates:

(1) Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS

(2) Terra Tarsa B.V.

(3) Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

							Dividends received for the period ending
Associate	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of ownership in associates (*)			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC (2)	Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients.	74800 Ukraine, Kakhovka, 4 Yuzhnaya Str.	Ukraine		100	%		-		-		-
Terra Tarsa BV (1)	Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients, in the Middle East.	Herikerbergweg 238, Luna Arena, 1101CM Amsterdam PO Box 23393, 1100DW Amsterdam Zuidoost	Holland		50	%		-		-		-
Plantacote NV (1)	Sale of CRF and production and sales of WSNPK.	Houtdok-Noordkaai 25a, 2030 Antwerpen, Belgium	Belgium		100	%		-		-		-
Doctochem Tarim Sanayai Ticaret LTD (1)	Production, distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrition.	Eski Büyükdere Cad No: 7 GIZ 2000 Plaza K:17 D:67-68 Maslak Sariyer Ístambul.	Turkey		100	%		-		-		-
Terra Tarsa Don LLC (2)	Distribution and sale of specialty fertilizers.	Zorge Street, house 17, 344090, Rostov-on-Don	Russian Federation		100	%		-		-		-
Doktolab Tarim Arastirma San. (1)	Laboratory services.	27. Cd. No:2, 07190 Aosb 2. Kısım/Döşemealtı, Antalya, Turkey	Turkey		100	%		-		-		-
International Technical and Trading Agencies Co WLL (3)	Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients, in the Middle East.	P.O Box: 950918 Amman 11195	Jordan		50	%		-		-		-
Total								-		-		-

(*) This percentage does not consider the shareholdings of the holders of these subsidiaries.

Disclosure of Detailed Informatin on Summarized Financial Information of Associates Explanatory [Text Block]

	As of December 31, 2020								for the period ended as of December 31, 2020
	Assets				Liabilities									Other
Associate	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		Gain (loss)			comprehensive Income		Comprehensive income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		29,313		8,586		6,706		101		6,641		(420	)		-		(420	)
Ajay North America		18,513		15,749		4,737		-		42,920		4,471			-		4,471
Ajay Europe SARL		22,032		1,493		7,773		-		41,950		2,058			1,736		3,794
Kore Potash PLC		5,691		124,112		786		-		-		(3,233	)		486		(2,747	)
Total		75,549		149,940		20,002		101		91,511		2,876			2,222		5,098

	As of December 31, 2019								for the period ended as of December 31, 2019
	Assets				Liabilities									Other
Associate	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		Gain (loss)			comprehensive Income			Comprehensive income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		28,543		9,971		7,133		-		31,588		1,713			4			1,717
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS		97,797		15,196		22,420		38,522		93,768		7,824			396			8,220
Ajay North America		19,748		13,250		3,061		-		38,833		5,860			-			5,860
Ajay Europe SARL		19,589		1,456		6,144		-		35,709		2,329			(358	)		1,971
SQM Eastmed Turkey		2,718		1,833		2,600		704		3,086		709			(84	)		625
Kore Potash PLC		7,938		119,362		2,214		-		-		(2,716	)		(2,791	)		(5,507	)
Total		176,333		161,068		43,572		39,226		202,984		15,719			(2,833	)		12,886

	As of December 31, 2018								for the period ended as of December 31, 2018
	Assets				Liabilities									Other
Associate	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		Gain (loss)			comprehensive income			Comprehensive income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		23,496		11,444		5,695		-		33,098		1,611			(1	)		1,610
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS		66,498		12,242		27,067		8,509		74,144		481			978			1,459
Ajay North America		21,644		12,409		3,542		-		40,290		7,608			-			7,608
Ajay Europe SARL		21,219		1,214		6,743		-		36,337		2,747			(878	)		1,869
SQM Eastmed Turkey		1,724		2,160		1,829		1,434		3,192		740			(42	)		698
Kore Potash PLC		6,659		148,426		2,180		-		-		(8,198	)		(6,882	)		(15,080	)
Total		141,240		187,895		47,056		9,943		187,061		4,989			(6,825	)		(1,836	)

Joint Ventures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Joint Ventures Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about investments in joint ventures [Text Block]

9.3

Investment in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting

							Dividends received for the period ending
Joint venture	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of interest in ownership			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.	Production and distribution of soluble fertilizers.	Huangjing Road, Dawan Town, Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu Municipality, Sichuan Province	China		50	%		-		-		-
Coromandel SQM India	Production and distribution of potassium nitrate.	1-2-10, Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad – 500003 Andhra Pradesh	India		50	%		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Fzco.	Production and commercialization of specialty plant, animal nutrition and industrial hygiene.	Jebel ALI Free Zone P.O. Box 18222, Dubai	United Arab Emirates		50	%		-		10,598		-
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.	Production and distribution of nutrient plant solutions with specialties NPK soluble.	Longquan Town, Jimo City, Qingdao Municipality, Shangdong Province	China		50	%		2,223		-		-
SQM Vitas Holland	Without information production of specialized fertilizers and other products for distribution in Italy and other countries.	Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost	Holland		50	%		-		-		-
Pavoni & C. Spa	products for distribution in Italy and other countries.	Corso Italia 172, 95129 Catania (CT), Sicilia	Italy		50	%		-		-		-
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.	Development and operation of the Mt Holland Lithium project, which will include the construction of a lithium extraction and refining mine	L18, 109 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6000 \|PO Box Z5200 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6831	Australia		50	%		-		-		-
Total								2,223		10,598		-

The companies described in the following table are related to the following joint ventures:

(1)

SQM Vitas Fzco.

(2)

Pavoni & C. Spa.

							Dividends received for the period ending
Joint venture	Description of the nature of the relationship	Domicile	Country of incorporation	Share of interest in ownership (*)			As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
							ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)	Production and trading of specialty vegetable and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene.	Via Cndeias, Km. 01 Sem Numero, Lote 4, Bairro Cia Norte, Candeias, Bahia.	Brazil		49.99	%		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)	Production and trading of specialty vegetable and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene	Av. Juan de Arona 187, Torre B, Oficina 301-II, San Isidro, Lima	Peru		50	%		-		-		-
Arpa Speciali S.R.L. (2)	Production of specialty fertilizers and others for distribution in Italy and other countries.	Mantova (MN) Via Cremona 27 Int. 25	Italy		50.48	%		-		-		-
Total								-		-		-

(*) The percentages presented correspond to the ownership used in the consolidation of the company.

Disclosure of reconciliation of summarised financial information of joint venture accounted for using equity method to carrying amount of interest in joint venture [text block]

	Equity-accounted investees						Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020 (****)		As of December 31, 2019 (****)		As of December 31, 2018 (****)		As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Coromandel SQM India (*)		-		1,568		1,729		-			(98	)		174
SQM Vitas Fzco.		9,720		9,111		20,202		2,010			1,797			1,781
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd. (*)		-		3,464		3,168		83			296			188
SQM Vitas B.V.		-		1,304		1,345		-			(15	)		(14	)
Minera Exar S.A. (1)		-		-		-		-			-			(206	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		7,222		6,864		7,084		9			36			(39	)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd. (**)		-		40		53		-			-			36
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd. (***)		9,028		1,992		1,992		(280	)		(632	)		(650	)
Total		25,970		24,343		35,573		1,822			1,384			1,270

	Share on other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, net of tax									Share on total other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Coromandel SQM India (*)		-			(38	)		(159	)		-			(136	)		15
SQM Vitas Fzco.		(1,469	)		437			(903	)		541			2,234			878
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd. (*)		-			-			-			83			296			188
SQM Vitas B.V.		-			(27	)		(70	)		-			(42	)		(84	)
Minera Exar S.A. (1)		-			-			-			-			-			(206	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		349			(255	)		70			358			(219	)		31
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd. (**)		16			(13	)		-			16			(13	)		36
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd. (***)		-			-			-			(280	)		(632	)		(650	)
Total		(1,104	)		104			(1,062	)		718			1,488			208

(*) As of December 31, 2020, these investments were no longer part of the group, see note 9.2 (a).

(**) As of December 31, 2020, this joint venture has a negative value of ThUS$ (92), which is presented in Other non-current provisions.

(***) See subsequent events in Notes 9.2 and 29.2.

(****) These investments include adjustments for unrealized gains.

The amounts described in the following box represent numbers used in the consolidation of the company:

	Equity-accounted investees						Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)		3,511		5,347		5,915		1,018		564		1,439
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)		1,659		1,955		2,671		660		211		(275	)
Arpa Speciali S.R.L. (2) (*)		-		92		62		-		31		(44	)
Total		5,170		7,394		8,648		1,678		806		1,120

	Share on other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, net of tax									Share on total other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)		(1,469	)		(225	)		(792	)		(451	)		339		647
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)		-			661			(112	)		660			872		(387	)
Arpa Speciali S.R.L. (2) (*)		-			(1	)		-			-			30		(44	)
Total		(1,469	)		435			(904	)		209			1,241		216

The following companies are subsidiaries of:

(1)

SQM Vitas Fzco.

(2)

Pavoni & C. Spa

Disclosure of assets,liabilities,revenue and expenses from joint venure explanatory [Text Block]

	As of December 31, 2020									For the period ended December 31, 2020
	Assets					Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current			Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		29,507			4,412		14,156		-		9		(562	)		-			(562	)
Coromandel SQM India		-			-		-		-		-		-			-			-
SQM Vitas Fzco.		(496	)		20,431		496		-		-		4,019			-			4,019
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		-			-		-		-		-		-			-			-
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		40,064			5,527		33,410		-		78,960		2,036			(2,938	)		(902	)
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		34,548			7,928		33,145		1,080		37,591		1,319			-			1,319
Pavoni & C. Spa		10,645			7,493		9,270		836		15,958		16			698			714
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		1,418			2,131		2,823		910		-		(232	)		33			(199	)
Total		115,686			47,922		93,300		2,826		132,518		6,596			(2,207	)		4,389

	As of December 31, 2019								For the period ended December 31, 2019
	Assets				Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		28,668		5,129		13,472		-		7		(1,262	)		-			(1,262	)
Coromandel SQM India		4,504		633		1,704		-		8,197		(197	)		(77	)		(274	)
SQM Vitas Fzco.		9,695		1		1,136		-		36		3,595			(876	)		2,719
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		7,534		26		632		-		12,003		592			-			592
SQM Vitas B.V.		2,609		-		2		-		-		(30	)		(53	)		(83	)
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		46,118		7,299		40,334		-		87,901		1,128			(451	)		677
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		29,452		8,378		24,855		6,044		28,590		421			1,322			1,743
Pavoni & C. Spa		9,444		7,074		8,466		735		14,296		71			(510	)		(439	)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		1,616		958		2,111		383		-		-			(25	)		(25	)
Total		139,640		29,498		92,712		7,162		151,030		4,318			(670	)		3,648

	As of December 31, 2018								For the period ended December 31, 2018
	Assets				Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		28,577		5,913		12,902		-		16		(1,301	)		-			(1,301	)
Coromandel SQM India		5,905		852		3,050		-		11,605		348			(318	)		30
SQM Vitas Fzco.		30,430		17,592		2,678		-		16,583		3,561			(1,806	)		1,755
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		7,754		114		1,533		-		13,004		377			-			377
SQM Vitas B.V.		2,692		-		1		-		-		(28	)		(139	)		(167	)
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		36,648		7,566		31,808		-		82,625		2,879			(1,585	)		1,294
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		22,365		7,785		18,996		5,966		28,619		(550	)		(223	)		(773	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		10,062		6,490		8,098		698		15,461		(79	)		140			61
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		239		100		233		-		-		106			-			106
Total		144,672		46,412		79,299		6,664		167,913		5,313			(3,931	)		1,382

	As of December 31, 2019								For the period ended December 31, 2019
	Assets				Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		28,668		5,129		13,472		-		7		(1,262	)		-			(1,262	)
Coromandel SQM India		4,504		633		1,704		-		8,197		(197	)		(77	)		(274	)
SQM Vitas Fzco.		9,695		1		1,136		-		36		3,595			(876	)		2,719
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		7,534		26		632		-		12,003		592			-			592
SQM Vitas B.V.		2,609		-		2		-		-		(30	)		(53	)		(83	)
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		46,118		7,299		40,334		-		87,901		1,128			(451	)		677
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		29,452		8,378		24,855		6,044		28,590		421			1,322			1,743
Pavoni & C. Spa		9,444		7,074		8,466		735		14,296		71			(510	)		(439	)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		1,616		958		2,111		383		-		-			(25	)		(25	)
Total		139,640		29,498		92,712		7,162		151,030		4,318			(670	)		3,648

	As of December 31, 2018								For the period ended December 31, 2018
	Assets				Liabilities						Gain (loss) from continuing			Other comprehensive			Comprehensive
Joint Venture	Current		Non-current		Current		Non-current		Revenue		operations			income			income
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		28,577		5,913		12,902		-		16		(1,301	)		-			(1,301	)
Coromandel SQM India		5,905		852		3,050		-		11,605		348			(318	)		30
SQM Vitas Fzco.		30,430		17,592		2,678		-		16,583		3,561			(1,806	)		1,755
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		7,754		114		1,533		-		13,004		377			-			377
SQM Vitas B.V.		2,692		-		1		-		-		(28	)		(139	)		(167	)
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		36,648		7,566		31,808		-		82,625		2,879			(1,585	)		1,294
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		22,365		7,785		18,996		5,966		28,619		(550	)		(223	)		(773	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		10,062		6,490		8,098		698		15,461		(79	)		140			61
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		239		100		233		-		-		106			-			106
Total		144,672		46,412		79,299		6,664		167,913		5,313			(3,931	)		1,382

Disclosure of detailed information about other joint venture information explanatory [Text Block]

9.5

Other Joint Venture disclosures

	Cash and cash equivalents				Other current financial liabilities				Other non-current financial liabilities
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019		As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		30		33		-		-		-		-
Coromandel SQM India		-		2,240		-		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Fzco.		4,251		3,071		-		-		-		-
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		-		4,640		-		-		-		-
SQM Vitas B.V.		-		2,609		-		-		-		-
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		4,065		2,101		6,820		9,106		-		-
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		1,043		225		227		258		691		895
Pavoni & C. Spa		767		314		5,573		5,509		-		-
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		653		693		953		472		-		-
Total		10,809		15,926		13,573		15,345		691		895

	Depreciation and amortization expense for the period ending						Interest expense for the period ending						Income tax benefit (expense) for the period ending
Joint Venture	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.		(394	)		(743	)		-			-			244			153
Coromandel SQM India		-			(291	)		-			(4	)		-			(27	)
SQM Vitas Fzco.		(1	)		-			(2	)		(7	)		-			-
SQM Qingdao Star Corp Nutrition Co. Ltd.		-			(62	)		-			-			-			(241	)
SQM Vitas B.V.		-			-			-			(1	)		-			-
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria		(355	)		(33	)		(656	)		(1,176	)		(34	)		181
SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.		(257	)		(287	)		(326	)		(435	)		(197	)		(316	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		(263	)		(149	)		(410	)		-			(120	)		(214	)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.		(213	)		(126	)		(18	)		(32	)		714			-
Total		(1,483	)		(1,691	)		(1,412	)		(1,655	)		607			(464	)

Cash And Cash Equivalents (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

DisclosureOfCashAndCashEquivalentsExplanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about cash and cash equivalents [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents are detailed as follows:

Cash	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Cash on hand		54		71
Cash in banks		244,848		105,141
Other demand deposits		2,227		6,986
Total Cash		247,129		112,198

Cash equivalents	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents		51,595		149,099
Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents		210,378		327,233
Total cash equivalents		261,973		476,332
Total cash and cash equivalents		509,102		588,530

Disclosure of detailed information about short term investments [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the short-term investments classified as cash and cash equivalents relate to mutual funds (investment liquidity funds) for investments in:

Institution	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves		107,625		181,155
JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional		102,753		146,078
Total		210,378		327,233

Disclosure of cash and cash equivalents by currency [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, information on cash and cash equivalents by currency is detailed as follows:

Currency	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Peso (*)		7,190		8,240
Dollar		454,402		558,572
Euro		17,144		3,131
Mexican Peso		1,378		2,103
South African Rand		14,286		3,929
Japanese Yen		1,646		1,559
Peruvian Sol		3		4
Indian rupee		6		6
Chinese Yuan		11,597		2,484
Indonesian rupee		3		3
Argentine Peso		-		3
Pound Sterling		19		3
Australian Dollar		1,411		8,492
South Korean won		16		-
Dirham United Arab Emirates		-		-
Polish Zloty		1		1
Total		509,102		588,530

(*) The Company maintains financial derivative instruments policies which allow management to convert term deposits denominated in pesos and UF to Dollars.

Disclosure of restricted cash and cash equivalents [text block]

As of December 31, 2020, and, December 31, 2019 pledged assets are as follows

Restricted cash balances	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.		731		551
Total		731		551

Disclosure of detailed information about short term deposits [Text Block]

The detail at the end of each period is as follows:

Receiver of the deposit	Type of deposit	Original Currency	Interest Rate			Placement date	Expiration date	Principal		Interest accrued to-date		As of December 31, 2020
								ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.35	%	12-30-2020	03-30-2021		7,000		-		7,000
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.35	%	11-30-2020	01-08-2021		1,500		1		1,501
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		0.61	%	11-30-2020	01-08-2021		2,000		1		2,001
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		0.61	%	11-30-2020	01-08-2021		3,500		1		3,501
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.46	%	12-01-2020	01-15-2021		500		-		500
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-01-2020	01-15-2021		500		-		500
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-02-2020	01-20-2021		2,500		1		2,501
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.5	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		500		-		500
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.5	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		1,000		-		1,000
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.5	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		6,000		1		6,001
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.51	%	12-09-2020	01-25-2021		6,000		1		6,001
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.26	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		500		-		500
Banco Estado	Fixed term	Dollar		0.14	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		1,000		1		1,001
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		1,500		-		1,500
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		0.56	%	12-14-2020	01-29-2021		5,000		1		5,001
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		0.68	%	12-18-2020	01-01-2021		500		-		500
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		0.68	%	12-18-2020	02-01-2021		2,000		1		2,001
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		0.2	%	12-23-2020	02-05-2021		2,000		1		2,001
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		0.4	%	12-24-2020	02-08-2021		1,000		-		1,000
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.26	%	12-29-2020	01-08-2021		2,500		1		2,501
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		0.15	%	12-30-2020	02-12-2021		700		-		700
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Peso		0.35	%	12-29-2020	01-05-2021		3,798		-		3,798
BBVA Banco Francés	Fixed term	Dollar		1.8	%	12-31-2020	03-06-2021		86		-		86
Total									51,584		11		51,595

Receiver of the deposit	Type of deposit	Original Currency	Interest Rate			Placement date	Expiration date	Principal		Interest accrued to-date		As of December 31, 2019
								ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-18-2019	02-13-2020		18,000		74		18,074
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		2.85	%	12-26-2019	02-20-2020		20,000		8		20,008
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-15-2019	01-23-2020		14,000		62		14,062
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		3.50	%	11-15-2019	01-09-2020		18,000		80		18,080
Banco de Chile	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-15-2019	01-16-2020		18,000		79		18,079
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		2.90	%	12-26-2019	02-20-2020		33,000		13		33,013
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Peso		2.16	%	12-30-2019	01-08-2020		6,812		-		6,812
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.51	%	11-21-2019	01-28-2020		1,000		4		1,004
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.75	%	12-02-2019	02-27-2020		2,000		6		2,006
Banco crédito e inversiones	Fixed term	Dollar		3.60	%	11-25-2019	01-28-2020		1,000		4		1,004
Banco Estado	Fixed term	Dollar		2.15	%	12-16-2019	01-06-2020		500		-		500
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		2.55	%	12-09-2019	02-04-2020		1,700		3		1,703
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		2.55	%	12-16-2019	01-06-2020		2,500		3		2,503
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		3.64	%	11-29-2019	02-13-2020		1,500		5		1,505
Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Fixed term	Dollar		2.80	%	11-12-2019	01-28-2020		2,000		8		2,008
Banco Santander - Santiago	Fixed term	Dollar		2.33	%	10-16-2019	01-12-2020		1,000		5		1,005
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		2.45	%	12-17-2019	01-13-2020		3,600		3		3,603
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		3.20	%	11-13-2019	01-30-2020		500		2		502
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		3.40	%	12-02-2019	02-27-2020		2,000		5		2,005
Scotiabank Sud Americano	Fixed term	Dollar		3.45	%	11-18-2019	01-30-2020		1,500		6		1,506
BBVA Banco Francés	Fixed term	Dollar		39	%	12-26-2019	01-27-2020		52		1		53
Banco Itaú S.A.	On demand	Dollar		8	%	10-17-2019	01-17-2020		64		-		64
Total									148,728		371		149,099

Disclosure of reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities [text block]

This section sets out an analysis of net debt and relating movements for each of the periods presented. The definition of the net debt is described in Note 20.1.

Net debt	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Cash and cash equivalents		509,102			588,530
Other current financial assets		348,069			505,490
Other non-current financial hedge assets		37,276			3,918
Other current financial liabilities		(68,955	)		(291,128	)
Lease liabilities, current		(5,528	)		(7,694	)
Other non-current financial liabilities		(1,899,513	)		(1,488,723	)
Lease liabilities, non-current		(25,546	)		(30,203	)
Total		(1,105,095	)		(719,810	)

	As of			From cash flow									Not from cash flow									As of
Cash and cash equivalents	December 31, 2019			Amounts from loans			Amounts from interests			Other cash income/expenses			Hedging and non- hedging instruments			Exchange rate differences			Others			December 31, 2020
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Obligations with the public and bank loans		(1,753,028	)		(136,692	)		73,933			7,819			-			(33,280	)		(81,616	)		(1,922,864	)
Current and non-current lease liabilities		(37,897	)		8,015			1,133			-			-			-			(2,325	)		(31,074	)
Financial instruments derived from hedging		(23,655	)		814			7,634			-			(20,909	)		-			(4,094	)		(40,210	)
Financial instruments derived from non-hedging		(3,169	)		-			-			-			(2,226	)		-			-			(5,395	)
Current and non-current financial liabilities		(1,817,749	)		(127,863	)		82,700			7,819			(23,135	)		(33,280	)		(88,035	)		(1,999,543	)
Cash and cash equivalents		588,530			-			-			(78,988	)		-			(440	)		-			509,102
Deposits that do not qualify as cash and cash equivalents		485,689			-			-			(123,196	)		-			(14,032	)		(3,002	)		345,459
Derivatives from hedge assets		21,188			-			(1,216	)		(39,290	)		56,207			-			388			37,277
Derivatives from other financial non-hedge assets		2,532			-			-			6,902			(6,824	)		-			-			2,610
Total		(719,810	)		(127,863	)		81,484			(226,753	)		26,248			(47,752	)		(90,649	)		(1,105,095	)

Inventories (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Inventories Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about inventories [Text Block]

The composition of inventory at each period-end is as follows:

Type of inventory	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Raw material		10,694		7,287
Production supplies		31,007		26,064
Products-in-progress		487,830		457,563
Finished product		563,497		492,424
Total		1,093,028		983,338

Disclosure of information about inventory reserves [Text Block]

The breakdown of inventory allowances is detailed as follows:

Type of inventory	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Raw material and supplies for production		1,934		2,488
Products-in-progress		66,122		71,468
Finished product		12,874		14,218
Total		80,930		88,174

Disclosure of movements in provisions for inventories [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, movements in provisions are detailed as follows:

Conciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Beginning balance		88,174			105,282			96,284
Increase in Lower Value (1)		(5,404	)		(6,987	)		7,845
Additional Provision Differences of Inventory (2)		(704	)		(123	)		3,176
Increase / Decrease eventual differences and others (3)		1,244			(6,262	)		2,436
Provision Used		(2,380	)		(3,736	)		(4,459	)
Total changes		(7,244	)		(17,108	)		8,998
Final balance		80,930			88,174			105,282

(1)

There are three types of Lower Value Provisions: (a) Economic Realizable Lower Value, (b) Potential Inventory with Uncertain Future Use and (c) Reprocessing Costs of Off-Specification Products.

(2)

Provisions for Inventory Differences generated when physical differences are detected when taking inventory, which exceed the tolerance levels for this process.

(3)

Related party disclosures (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Related Party Explanatory [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about related parties [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the detail of entities that are identified as subsidiaries or related parties of the SQM Group is as follows:

Tax ID No	Name	Country of origin	Functional currency	Nature
foreign	Nitratos Naturais Do Chile Ltda.	Brazil	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Nitrate Corporation of Chile Ltd.	United Kingdom	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM North America Corp.	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Europe N.V.	Belgium	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Soquimich European Holding B.V.	Netherlands	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Corporation N.V.	Curacao	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Comercial De México S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	North American Trading Company	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Perú S.A.	Peru	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Ecuador S.A.	Ecuador	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Nitratos Mexico S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P.	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Investment Corporation N.V.	Curacao	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Brasil Limitada	Brazil	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM France S.A.	France	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Japan Co. Ltd.	Japan	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.	Aruba	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Oceania Pty Limited	Australia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Rs Agro-Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.	Aruba	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Indonesia S.A.	Indonesia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Virginia L.L.C.	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Comercial Caimán Internacional S.A.	Panama	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM África Pty. Ltd.	South Africa	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Colombia SAS	Colombia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Internacional N.V.	Belgium	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM (Shanghai) Chemicals Co. Ltd.	China	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Lithium Specialties LLC	United States	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Iberian S.A.	Spain	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd.	China	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Thailand Limited	Thailand	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Australia PTY	Australia	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Holland B.V.	Netherlands	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	SQM Korea LLC	Korea	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.801.610-5	Comercial Hydro S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.651.060-9	SQM Potasio S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.592.190-7	SQM Nitratos S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
96.592.180-K	Ajay SQM Chile S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.947.100-0	SQM Industrial S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.906.120-1	Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
79.876.080-7	Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary

Tax ID No	Name	Country of origin	Functional currency	Nature
79.770.780-5	Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.768.170-9	Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
79.626.800-K	SQM Salar S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.534.490-5	Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
76.425.380-9	Exploraciones Mineras S.A.	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.064.419-6	Comercial Agrorama Ltda.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
76.145.229-0	Agrorama S.A.	Chile	Peso	Subsidiary
76.359.919-1	Orcoma Estudios SPA	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.360.575-2	Orcoma SPA	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
76.686.311-9	SQM MaG SpA	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
77.114.779-8	Sociedad Contractual Minera Búfalo	Chile	Dollar	Subsidiary
foreign	Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL	Arab Emirates	Arab Emirates dirham	Associate
foreign	Ajay North America	United States	Dollar	Associate
foreign	Ajay Europe SARL	France	Euro	Associate
foreign	Kore Potash PLC	United Kingdom	Dollar	Associate
foreign	Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.	China	Dollar	Joint venture
foreign	SQM Vitas Fzco.	Arab Emirates	Arab Emirates dirham	Joint venture
foreign	SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.	China	Dollar	Joint venture
foreign	Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.	Australia	Dollar	Joint venture
foreign	Pavoni & C, SPA	Italy	Euro	Joint venture
96.511.530-7	Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera	Chile	Dollar	Other related parties
96.529.340-K	Norte Grande S.A.	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
79.049.778-9	Callegari Agrícola S.A.	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
foreign	SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria (1)	Brazil	Real brazilian	Other related parties
foreign	SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. (1)	Peru	Dollar	Other related parties
foreign	Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL (2)	Oman	United Arab Emirates dirham	Other related parties
foreign	International Technical and Trading Agencies CO WLL (2)	Jordan	United Arab Emirates dirham	Other related parties

(1)

These Companies are subsidiaries of the joint venture SQM Vitas Fzco.

(2)

These Companies are subsidiaries of the joint venture Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL Ltda. and therefore it absorbs these and takes responsibility of all of their assets and liabilities.

The following other related parties correspond to mining contractual corporations.

Tax ID No.	Name	Country of origin	Functional currency	Relationship
N/A	Ara Dos Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ara Tres Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ara Cuatro Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ara Cinco Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Curicó Dos Primera del Salar de Pampa Alta, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Curicó Tres Primera del Sector de Pampa Alta, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Evelyn Veinticuatro Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Filomena Tres Primera de Oficina Filomena, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Filomena Cuatro Primera de Oficina Filomena, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Primera de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Segunda del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Tercera de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Cuarta de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Cuatro Quinta de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Segunda del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Francis Tercera del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ivon Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ivon Décima Segunda de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Ivon Sexta de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Julia Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Lorena Trigésimo Quinta de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Perseverancia Primera de Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Tamara 40 Primera del Sector S.E. OF. Concepción, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Tamara Tercera de Oficina Concepción, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties
N/A	Tamara 40 Segunda del Sector S.E. OF Concepción, Sierra Gorda	Chile	Peso	Other related parties

Disclosure of transactions between related parties [text block]

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the detail of significant transactions with related parties is as follows

Tax ID No

Name

Nature

Country of
origin

Transaction

As of
December 31,
2020

As of
December 31,
2019

As of
December 31,
2018

ThUS$

Foreign

Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS

Associate

Turkey

Sale of products

1,053

14,767

16,726

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.

Associate

France

Sale of products

23,162

21,348

19,470

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.

Associate

France

Dividends

1,197

1,055

811

Foreign

Ajay North America LL.C.

Associate

United States of America

Sale of products

20,259

16,932

16,810

Foreign

Ajay North America LL.C.

Associate

United States of America

Dividends

1,967

2,796

2,807

Foreign

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Associate

Arab Emirates

Sale of products

3,749

5,811

Foreign

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Associate

Arab Emirates

Dividends

6,632

Foreign

Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd. (1)

Associate

Thailand

Sale of products

4,960

Foreign

Charlee SQM Thailand Co Ltd. (1)

Associate

Thailand

Dividends

362

Foreign

SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria

Other related parties

Brazil

Sale of products

41,341

46,876

44,827

Foreign

SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.

Other related parties

Perú

Sale of products

17,723

24,138

17,204

Foreign

SQM Vitas Fzco

Joint venture

Arab Emirates

Dividends

10,598

Foreign

Coromandel SQM India

Joint venture

India

Sale of products

1,510

3,955

7,696

Foreign

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Sale of products

1,929

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC

Other related parties

Ukraine

Sale of products

737

1,280

1,674

Foreign

Plantacote NV

Other related parties

Belgium

Sale of products

4,096

4,554

Foreign

Pavoni & CPA

Joint venture

Italy

Sale of products

1,125

3,152

201

Foreign

Arpa Speciali S.R.L.

Other related parties

Italy

Sale of products

2,359

207

Foreign

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Dividends

2,223

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Don LLC

Other related parties

Russian Federation

Sale of products

187

Foreign

SQM Eastmed Turkey

Associate

Turkey

Sale of products

Disclosure of amounts receivable from related parties [Text Block]

12.5

Trade receivables due from related parties, current:

Tax ID No

Company

Nature

Country of origin

Currency

As of December
31, 2020

As of December
31, 2019

ThUS$

Foreign

Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS

Associate

Turkey

Dollar

110

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A. R.L.

Associate

France

Euro

4,625

3,712

Foreign

Ajay North America LLC.

Associate

United States of America

Dollar

2,956

2,290

Foreign

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Associate

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Dirham

595

803

96.511.530-7

Soc. de Inversiones Pampa Calichera

Other related parties

Chile

Dollar

Foreign

SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria

Other related parties

Brazil

Dollar

24,335

27,275

Foreign

SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C.

Other related parties

Peru

Dollar

24,205

23,475

Foreign

Coromandel SQM India

Joint venture

India

Indian Rupee

1,792

Foreign

SQM Vitas Fzco.

Joint venture

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Dirham

236

234

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC

Other related parties

Ukraine

Ukrainian hryvnia

Foreign

Terra Tarsa Don LLC

Other related parties

Federation of Russia

Russian Ruble

Foreign

Plantacote NV

Other related parties

Belgium

Euro

657

Foreign

SQM Eastmed Turkey

Associate

Turkey

Euro

Foreign

Pavoni & C SpA

Joint venture

Italy

Euro

1,095

1,028

Foreign

Arpa Speciali S.R.L.

Other related parties

Italy

Euro

134

Foreign

Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd

Joint venture

Australia

Foreign

Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Dollar

4,464

Allowance

(356

)

Total

62,601

61,227

Details of transactions with entities who are affiliated to the keymanagerial personnel [Text Block]

Below is a list of transactions with clients and suppliers with whom a relationship with key Company personnel was identified:

Tax ID No

Name

Nature

Country of origin

Transaction

As of
December 31,
2020

ThUS$

10.581.580-8

Gonzalo Guerrero Yamamoto

Chairman / director

Chile

Services – Supplier

71.644.300-0

Universidad del Desarrollo

Chairman / director

Chile

Services – Supplier

125

72.012.000-3

Universidad Tecnológica de Chile

Chairman / director

Chile

Services – Supplier

76.389.727-3

Sociedad Periodística El Libero

Shareholders

Chile

Services – Supplier

76.825.265-3

Link Capital Partners SpA

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

224

76.839.170-k

Proveedora Industrial Arrigoni

Director in common

Chile

Services – Supplier

90.193.000-7

El Mercurio S.A.P.

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

92.580.000-7

Emp. Nac. Telecomunicaciones S.A.

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

1,847

96.806.980-2

Entel PCS Telecomunicaciones S.A.

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

264

97.004.000-5

Banco de Chile

Director in common

Chile

Services – Supplier

44,696

99.012.000-5

Cia. de Seg. de Vida Consorcio Nacional

Family of director

Chile

Services – Supplier

90.266.000-3

Enaex S.A.

Director in common

Chile

Servicies – Client

92.580.000-7

Emp. Nac. Telecomunicaciones S.A.

Family of director

Chile

Servicies – Client

96.529.340-K

Norte Grande S.A.

Director in common

Chile

Lease

135

Disclosure of amounts payable to related parties [Text Block]

12.6

Trade payables due to related parties, current:

Tax ID No

Company

Nature

Country of
origin

Currency

As of

December 31,
2020

As of

December 31,
2019

ThUS$

Foreign

Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.

Associate

France

Euro

Foreign

Ajay North America LL.C.

Associate

United States of America

Dollar

232

Foreign

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd.

Joint venture

China

Dollar

243

Foreign

Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd

Joint venture

Australia

Australian dollar

324

232

Total

606

475

Financial instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Financials instruments [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about other financial assets [Text Block]

13.1

Types of other current and non-current financial assets

Description of other financial assets	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Financial assets at amortized cost (1)		345,459		485,689
Derivative financial instruments
- For hedging		-		17,270
- Non-hedging (2)		2,610		2,531
Total other current financial assets		348,069		505,490
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income		14,569		4,785
Derivative financial instruments
- For hedging		37,276		3,918
Other financial assets at amortized cost		80		75
Total other non-current financial assets		51,925		8,778

Disclosure of detailed information about other non current financial assets [Text Block]

Institution	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones		185,589		185,400
Banco Santander (3)		45,168		74,365
Banco Itau Corpbanca		49,006		120,628
Banco Security		-		17,964
Banco de Chile		-		18,026
Banco Estado		-		15,126
Scotiabank Sud Americano		31,668		54,180
JP Morgan Asset Management		34,028		-
Total		345,459		485,689

(1)

Corresponds to term deposits whose maturity date is greater than 90 days and less than 360 days from the investment date constituted in the aforementioned financial institutions:

(2)

Correspond to forwards and options that were not classified as hedging instruments (See detail in Note 13.3).

(3)

As of December 31, 2020, there were no margin calls and as of December 31, 2019, this value was ThUS$ 1,870.

Disclosure of trade and other receivables [text block]

13.2

Trade and other receivables

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Trade and other receivables	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Trade receivables, current		313,265		-		313,265		367,583		-		367,583
Prepayments, current		19,900		-		19,900		20,309		-		20,309
Other receivables, current		32,041		11,165		43,206		11,250		1,710		12,960
Total trade and other receivables		365,206		11,165		376,371		399,142		1,710		400,852

See discussion about credit risk in Note 5.2.

	As of December 31, 2020							As of December 31, 2019
Trade and other receivables	Assets before allowances		Allowance for doubtful trade receivables			Assets for trade receivables, net		Assets before allowances		Allowance for doubtful trade receivables			Assets for trade receivables, net
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Receivables related to credit operations, current		327,586		(14,321	)		313,265		383,775		(16,192	)		367,583
Trade receivables, current		327,586		(14,321	)		313,265		383,775		(16,192	)		367,583
Prepayments, current		20,684		(784	)		19,900		21,092		(783	)		20,309
Other receivables, current		36,664		(4,623	)		32,041		15,659		(4,409	)		11,250
Current trade and other receivables		57,348		(5,407	)		51,941		36,751		(5,192	)		31,559
Other receivables, non-current		11,165		-			11,165		1,710		-			1,710
Non-current receivables		11,165		-			11,165		1,710		-			1,710
Total trade and other receivables		396,099		(19,728	)		376,371		422,236		(21,384	)		400,852

Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [text block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019 the detail of the renegotiated portfolio is as follows:

As of December 31, 2020
Portfolio analysis
Past due segments	Number of customers with non- renegotiated portfolio		Gross non-renegotiated portfolio ThUS$		Number of customers with renegotiated portfolio		Gross renegotiated portfolio ThUS$
Current		1,281		301,939		23		179
1 - 30 days		119		12,140		8		60
31 - 60 days		12		1,226		-		-
61 - 90 days		5		159		-		-
91 - 120 days		5		1,448		1		41
121 - 150 days		2		2,384		2		2
151 - 180 days		3		1,398		4		12
181 - 210 days		1		-		2		5
211 - 250 days		3		2		6		114
>250 days		156		5,030		64		1,447
Total		1,587		325,726		110		1,860

As of December 31, 2019
Portfolio analysis
Past due segments	Number of customers non- renegotiated portfolio		Gross non-renegotiated portfolio ThUS$		Number of customers renegotiated portfolio		Gross renegotiated portfolio ThUS$
Current		1,486		351,931		69		892
1 - 30 days		166		20,195		72		526
31 - 60 days		26		1,279		4		10
61 - 90 days		12		519		3		54
91 - 120 days		5		1,026		2		66
121 - 150 days		5		361		7		49
151 - 180 days		7		190		2		33
181 - 210 days		4		51		-		-
211 - 250 days		6		48		8		11
>250 days		144		5,449		137		1,085
Total		1,861		381,049		304		2,726

Disclosure of detailed information about expected credit exposure of accounts receivable based on aging analysis [Table Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020
	Trade accounts receivable days past due
Trade and other receivables	Current			1 to 30 days			31 to 60 days			61 to 90 days			Over 90 days			Trade		Trade receivables due from related parties
																ThUS$		ThUS$
Expected Loss Rate on		1	%		10	%		39	%		52	%		79	%		-		-
Total Gross Book Value		302,118			12,200			1,226			159			11,883			327,586		70,145
Deterioration Estimate		3,187			1,207			477			83			9,367			14,321		7,545

As of December 31, 2019
	Trade accounts receivable days past due
Trade and other receivables	Current			1 to 30 days			31 to 60 days			61 to 90 days			Over 90 days			Trade		Trade receivables due from related parties
																ThUS$		ThUS$
Expected Loss Rate on		1	%		18	%		34	%		44	%		78	%		-		-
Total Gross Book Value		352,823			20,721			1,288			573			8,370			383,775		72,550
Deterioration Estimate		5,285			3,664			440			251			6,552			16,192		11,323

Disclosure of detailed information about movement in provision of trade receivables [Table Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, movements in provisions are as follows:

Provisions	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Provision Impairment Accounts receivable at the beginning of the Period		32,707			32,634
(Decrease) increase impairment of accounts receivable		(4,684	)		1,057
Use of Provision Applied to Accounts Receivable		(750	)		(984	)
Impairment of Accounts Receivable Provision at the end of the Period		27,273			32,707
(1) Trade and Other Receivables Provision		14,321			16,192
(2) Current other Receivables Provision		5,407			5,192
(3) Provision Trade payables due to related parties, current		7,545			11,323
Recovery of Insurance		347			320

Impairment of Accounts Receivable Provision		27,273			32,707
Renegotiated Provision		1,728			1,905
Non-renegotiated Provision		25,545			30,802

Disclosure of allowance for credit losses [text block]

Expressed in ThUS$	Assets / (Liabilities) Derivative Instrument			Total Realized			Hedging Reserve in Gross Equity

Hedging with debt as underlying as of December 31, 2020
Hedging Assets		37,276			24,428			12,848
Hedging Liabilities		(19,195	)		(12,956	)		(6,239	)
Underlying Debt Hedge		18,081			11,472			6,609
Underlying Investment Coverage as of December 31, 2020
Hedging Assets		-			-			-
Hedging Liabilities		(21,004	)		(20,626	)		(378	)
Underlying Investments Hedge		(21,004	)		(20,626	)		(378	)

Expressed in ThUS$	Assets / (Liabilities) Derivative Instrument			Total Realized			Hedging Reserve in Gross Equity

Hedging with debt as underlying as of December 31, 2019
Hedging Assets		3,918			(4,194	)		8,112
Hedging Liabilities		(22,771	)		(25,363	)		2,592
Underlying Debt Hedge		(18,853	)		(29,557	)		10,704
Underlying Investment Coverage as of December 31, 2019
Hedging Assets		17,270			17,857			(587	)
Hedging Liabilities		(889	)		(711	)		(178	)
Underlying Investments Hedge		16,381			17,146			(765	)

Hedging Effect in Profit and Equity for the period as of December 31, 2020	Variation Total			Result			Hedge Reserve Variation

Analysis Effect by Type of Coverage
Underlying Debt Hedge		36,935			41,029			(4,094	)
Underlying Investments Hedge		(37,385	)		(37,772	)		387
Total hedging effect on profit or loss and equity in the period		(450	)		3,257			(3,707	)
Analysis Effect by type of asset
Hedging in Current and Non-Current Assets		16,088			10,765			5,323
Hedging in Current and Non-Current Liabilities		(16,538	)		(7,508	)		(9,030	)
Total Hedge Effect in Profit or Loss and Equity for the period		(450	)		3,257			(3,707	)

Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [text block]

Derivative contract maturities are detailed as follows:

Series	Contract amount		Currency	Maturity date
	ThUS$
H		134,049	UF	01/04/2023
O		58,748	UF	02/01/2022
P		134,228	UF	01/15/2028
Q		106,933	UF	06/01/2030

Disclosure of financial liabilities [text block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail is as follows:

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Other current and non-current financial liabilities	Currents		Non-Current		Total		Currents		Non-Current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Liabilities at amortized cost
Bank borrowings		82		69,376		69,458		199		69,138		69,337
Obligations with the public		36,781		1,816,626		1,853,407		280,578		1,403,108		1,683,686
Derivative financial instruments
For hedging		26,699		13,511		40,210		7,183		16,477		23,660
Non-Hedging		5,393		-		5,393		3,168		-		3,168
Total		68,955		1,899,513		1,968,468		291,128		1,488,723		1,779,851

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [text block]

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the detail is as follows:

Current and non-current bank borrowings	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Current loans		82		199
Non-current loans		69,376		69,138
Current and non-current loans		69,458		69,337

Disclosure of detailed information about short term borrowings [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail of this caption is as follows:

Debtor

Creditor

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

Tax ID No.

Financial
institution

Country

Currency or
adjustment index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

O-E

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

USD

Upon maturity

05/30/2023

1.00%

1.36%

Debtor

Creditor

Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2020

Current amounts as of December 31, 2020

Company

Financial institution

Up to 90 days

90 days to 1 year

Total

Up to 90 days

90 days to 1
year

Subtotal

Borrowing
costs

Total

ThUS$

SQM S.A.

Scotiabank Cayman

Total

Debtor

Creditor

Currency or

Tax ID No

Company

Country

Tax ID
No

Financial institution

Country

adjustment
index

Repayment

maturity

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

Foreign

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

US$

Upon maturity

05/29/2023

2.11%

3.01%

Foreign

Nitratos Naturais do Chile Lim.

Brazil

Foreign

Banco ITAU Brasil

Brazil

BRL

Upon maturity

12/31/2019

13.57%

4.25%

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2019						Current amounts as of December 31, 2019
Company	Financial institution	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Subtotal		Borrowing costs		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Scotiabank Cayman		-		-		-		-		187		187		-		187
Nitratos Naturais do Chile	Banco ITAU Brasil		-		-		-		12		-		12		-		12
Total			-		-		-		12		187		199		-		199

Disclosure of detailed information about current maturities of unsecured obligations [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail of current unsecured interest-bearing obligations is composed of promissory notes and bonds, as follows:

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

registration or ID
of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment
index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

1.95%

4.38%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

1.08%

3.63%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.59%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$400

01/22/2021

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.17%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2021

Semiannual

0.58%

4.90%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2021

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.24%

3.80%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2021

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.37%

3.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2021

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.92%

3.45%

Effective rates of bonds in Pesos and UF are expressed and calculated in Dollars based on the flows agreed in Cross Currency Swap Agreements.

			Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2020						Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2020
Company	Country	Series	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Subtotal		Borrowing costs			Total
			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$250		4,648		-		4,648		4,648		-		4,648		(433	)		4,215
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$300		-		2,658		2,658		-		2,658		2,658		(614	)		2,044
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$450		7,508		-		7,508		7,508		-		7,508		(679	)		6,829
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$400		-		2,869		2,869		-		2,869		2,869		(237	)		2,632
SQM S.A.	Chile	H		18,212		-		18,212		18,212		-		18,212		(172	)		18,040
SQM S.A.	Chile	O		962		-		962		962		-		962		(82	)		880
SQM S.A.	Chile	P		1,824		-		1,824		1,824		-		1,824		(12	)		1,812
SQM S.A.	Chile	Q		-		350		350		-		350		350		(21	)		329
Total				33,154		5,877		39,031		33,154		5,877		39,031		(2,250	)		36,781

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax I No.

Company

Country

registration or ID
of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment
index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

04/21/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

0.43%

5.50%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.35%

4.38

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

1.42

3.63

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2020

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.07

4.25

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2020

Semiannual

1.36

4.90

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2020

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.41

3.80

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2020

Semiannual

Upon maturity

2.71

3.25

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2020

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.11

3.45

			Nominal amounts as of December 31, 2019						Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2019
Company	Country	Series	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Subtotal		Borrowing costs			Total
			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$250		-		252,674		252,674		-		252,674		252,674		(386	)		252,288
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$250		4,648		-		4,648		4,648		-		4,648		(433	)		4,215
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$300		-		2,658		2,658		-		2,658		2,658		(614	)		2,044
SQM S.A.	Chile	MUS$450		-		2,869		2,869		-		2,869		2,869		(679	)		2,190
SQM S.A.	Chile	H		17,166		-		17,166		17,166		-		17,166		(139	)		17,027
SQM S.A.	Chile	O		890		-		890		890		-		890		(67	)		823
SQM S.A.	Chile	P		1,686		-		1,686		1,686		-		1,686		(12	)		1,674
SQM S.A.	Chile	Q		-		323		323		-		323		323		(6	)		317
Total				24,390		258,524		282,914		24,390		258,524		282,914		(2,336	)		280,578

Disclosure of detailed information about non current maturities of unsecured obligations [Text Block]

The following table shows the details of bank loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Debtor

Creditor

Currency or

Type of

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

Tax ID No.

Financial institution

Country

adjustment index

amortization

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

Foreign

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

USD

Maturity

1.98%

1.36%

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2020								Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2020
Company	Financial institution	Between 1 and 2		Between 2 and 3		Between 3 and 4		Total		Between 1 and 2		Between 2 and 3		Between 3 and 4		Subtotal		Costs of obtaining loans			Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Scotiabank Cayman		-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		(624	)		69,376
Total			-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		-		70,000		(624	)		69,376

Debtor

Creditor

Currency or

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

Tax ID No.

Financial institution

Country

adjustment index

Type of
amortization

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

Foreign

Scotiabank Cayman

USA

USD

Maturity

2.84%

3.01%

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2019								Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2019
Company	Financial institution	Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Total		Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Costs of obtaining loans			Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM S.A.	Scotiabank Cayman		-		-		70,000		70,000		-		-		70,000		70,000		(862	)		69,138
Total			-		-		70,000		70,000		-		-		70,000		70,000		(862	)		69,138

The following table shows the details of “unsecured debentures that accrue non-current interest” as of December 31, 2020, and 2019:

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

registration or ID
of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment
index

Payment of
interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2025

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.08%

4.38%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2023

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.43%

3.63%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2029

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.18%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$400

01/22/2050

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.22%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2030

Semiannual

4.76%

4.90%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2033

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.68%

3.80%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2028

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.24%

3.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2038

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.43%

3.45%

	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2020												Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2020
Series	Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Total		Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Subtotal		Bond issuance costs			Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
MUS$250		-		-		-		250,000		-		250,000		-		-		-		250,000		-		250,000		(1,336	)		248,664
MUS$300		-		300,000		-		-		-		300,000		-		300,000		-		-		-		300,000		(781	)		299,219
MUS$450		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		(5,020	)		444,980
MUS$400		-		-		-		-		400,000		400,000		-		-		-		-		400,000		400,000		(6,582	)		393,418
H		-		-		-		-		126,386		126,386		-		-		-		-		126,386		126,386		(1,378	)		125,008
O		-		-		-		-		61,334		61,334		-		-		-		-		61,334		61,334		(904	)		60,430
P		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		(77	)		122,591
Q		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		-		-		-		-		122,668		122,668		(352	)		122,316
Total		-		300,000		-		250,000		1,283,056		1,833,056		-		300,000		-		250,000		1,283,056		1,833,056		(16,430	)		1,816,626

Debtor

Number of

Currency or

Periodicity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

registration or ID of the instrument

Series

Maturity date

adjustment index

Payment of interest

Repayment

Effective rate

Nominal rate

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$250

01/28/2025

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.08%

4.38%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$300

04/03/2023

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.43%

3.63%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

MUS$450

05/07/2029

US$

Semiannual

Upon maturity

4.19%

4.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

564

01/05/2030

Semiannual

4.78%

4.90%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

699

02/01/2033

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.70%

5.50%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

563

01/15/2028

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.24%

3.25%

93.007.000-9

SQM S.A.

Chile

700

06/01/2038

Semiannual

Upon maturity

3.45%

	Nominal non-current maturities as of December 31, 2019												Carrying amounts of maturities as of December 31, 2019
Series	Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Total		Over 1 year to 2		Over 2 years to 3		Over 3 Years to 4		Over 4 Years to 5		Over 5 years		Subtotal		Bond issuance costs			Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
MUS$250		-		-		-		-		250,000		250,000		-		-		-		-		250,000		250,000		(1,514	)		248,486
MUS$300		-		-		300,000		-		-		300,000		-		-		300,000		-		-		300,000		(1,393	)		298,607
MUS$450		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		-		-		-		-		450,000		450,000		(5,923	)		444,077
H		13,749		13,749		13,749		13,749		75,621		130,617		13,749		13,749		13,749		13,749		75,621		130,617		(1,253	)		129,364
O		-		-		-		-		56,715		56,715		-		-		-		-		56,715		56,715		(811	)		55,904
P		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		(89	)		113,341
Q		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		-		-		-		-		113,430		113,430		(101	)		113,329
Total		13,749		13,749		313,749		13,749		1,059,196		1,414,192		13,749		13,749		313,749		13,749		1,059,196		1,414,192		(11,084	)		1,403,108

Disclosure of information about issue of series H bonds [Text Block]

For the periods ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Series H bonds and their associated CCS hedging:

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payments of interest, Series H bonds		6,601		7,868		8,325
CCS Coverage		2,575		1,952		495

Disclosure of information about second issue of single series bonds [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the detail of payments charged to the line of single series bonds, second issue is as follows

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Interest payment

6,875

13,750

Disclosure of information about issue of series O bonds [Text Block]

For the periods ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to Series O bonds and their associated CCS hedging

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payment of interest, Series O bonds		2,070		2,308		2,457
CCS Coverage		599		354		205

Disclosure of information about third issue of single series bonds [Text Block]

For the periods ended 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made with a debit to the line of single-series bonds, third issue:

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

10,875

Disclosure of information about fourth issue of single series bonds [Text Block]

For the periods ended on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made.

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

10,938

Disclosure of information about issue of series P bonds [Table Text Block]

For the periods ended on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments and their associated CCS have been made:

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payment of interest series P		3,534		3,960		1,085
CCS Coverage		3,439		2,995		1,421

Disclosure of information about issue of series Q bonds [Table Text Block]

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made:

Payments made	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Payment of interest series Q		3,769		3,791		319
CCS Coverage		1,021		-		-

Disclosure of information about fifth issue of single series bonds [Text Block]

For the periods ended on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following payments have been made:

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

19,125

9,563

Disclosure of information about sixth issue of single series bonds [Text Block]

Payments made

December 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

ThUS$

Payment of interest

8,500

Disclosure of trade and other payables [text block]

13.5	Trade and other payables

Details trade and other payables

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Details trade and other payables	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Accounts payable		203,346		-		203,346		205,414		-		205,414
Other accounts payable		587		-		587		376		-		376
Prepayments from customers		-		4,027		4,027		-		-		-
Total		203,933		4,027		207,960		205,790		-		205,790

Disclosure of detailed information about the current and past due suppliers [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the balance of current and past due accounts payable is made up as follows:

Suppliers current on all payments

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31, 2020
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		111,323		1,947		123		31		5		4,027		117,456
Services		46,187		1,380		16		757		86		-		48,426
Others		29,325		7		-		-		-		-		29,332
Total		186,835		3,334		139		788		91		4,027		195,214

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31, 2019
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		126,577		4,655		128		116		2,019		-		133,495
Services		51,785		168		-		-		87		-		52,040
Others		8,741		146		-		-				-		8,887
Total		187,103		4,969		128		116		2,106		-		194,422

Suppliers past due on payments

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31, 2020
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		1,305		59		47		39		517		-		1,967
Services		2,298		764		-		453		505		-		4,020
Others		3,258		150		371		118		2,275		-		6,172
Total		6,861		973		418		610		3,297		-		12,159

	Amounts according to payment periods as of December 31 2019
Type of Supplier	Up to 30 Days		31 - 60 days		61 - 90 Days		91 - 120 days		121 - 365 days		366 and more days		Total
													ThUS$
Goods		2,086		264		35		65		1,060		-		3,510
Services		3,073		329		116		387		580		-		4,485
Others		1,918		45		311		215		508		-		2,997
Total		7,077		638		462		667		2,148		-		10,992

Disclosure of detailed information about categories of financial assets [Text Block]

Financial Assets

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Description of financial assets	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Cash and cash equivalent		509,102		-		509,102		588,530		-		588,530
Trade receivables due from related parties at amortized cost		62,601		-		62,601		61,227		-		61,227
Financial assets measured at amortized cost		345,459		80		345,539		485,689		75		485,764
Loans and receivables measured at amortized cost		365,206		11,165		376,371		399,142		1,710		400,852
Total financial assets measured at amortized cost		1,282,368		11,245		1,293,613		1,534,588		1,785		1,536,373
Financial instruments for hedging purposes through equity		-		37,276		37,276		17,270		3,918		21,188
Financial instruments held for trading at through profit or loss		2,610		-		2,610		2,531		-		2,531
Financial assets classified as available for sale at fair value through equity		-		14,569		14,569		-		4,785		4,785
Total financial assets at fair value		2,610		51,845		54,455		19,801		8,703		28,504
Total financial assets		1,284,978		63,090		1,348,068		1,554,389		10,488		1,564,877

Disclosure of detailed information about categories of financial liabilities [Text Block]

Financial Liabilities

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Description of financial liabilities	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
For hedging purposes through equity		26,699		13,511		40,210		7,183		16,477		23,660
Held for trading at fair value through profit or loss		5,393		-		5,393		3,168		-		3,168
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss		32,092		13,511		45,603		10,351		16,477		26,828
Bank loans		82		69,376		69,458		199		69,138		69,337
Obligations to the public		36,781		1,816,626		1,853,407		280,578		1,403,108		1,683,686
Lease Liabilities		5,528		25,546		31,074		7,694		30,203		37,897
Trade and other payables		203,933		4,027		207,960		205,790		-		205,790
Trade payables due to related parties		606		-		606		475		-		475
Total financial liabilities at amortized cost		246,930		1,915,575		2,162,505		494,736		1,502,449		1,997,185
Total financial liabilities		279,022		1,929,086		2,208,108		505,087		1,518,926		2,024,013

Disclosure of fair value measurement [text block]

	As of December 31, 2020						Measurement Methodology
Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities	Carrying Amount at Amortized Cost		Fair value (informative)		Book Value Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		509,102		509,102		-		-		509,102		-
Other current financial assets
- Time deposits		345,459		345,459		-		-		345,459		-
- Derivative financial instruments
- Forwards		-		-		2,263		-		2,263		-
- Options		-		-		347		-		347		-
Non-current accounts receivable		11,165		11,165		-		-		-		-
Other non-current financial assets:
- Other		99		99		-		-		99		-
- Actions		-		-		14,549		14,549		-		-
- Hedging assets – Swaps		-		-		37,276		-		37,276		-
Other current financial liabilities
- Bank loans		82		82		-		-		82		-
- Derivative instruments		-		-		-		-		-		-
- Forwards		-		-		4,614		-		4,614		-
- Options		-		-		780		-		780		-
-Hedging liabilities - Swaps		-		-		5,695		-		5,695		-
-Inversions -Swaps		-		-		21,004		-		21,004		-
- Unsecured obligations		36,781		36,781		-		-		36,781		-
- Current lease liabilities		5,528		5,528		-		-		5,528		-
Other non-current financial liabilities
- Bank loans		69,376		71,029		-		-		71,029		-
- Unsecured obligations		1,816,626		2,355,943		-		-		2,355,943		-
- Non-current hedging liabilities		-		-		13,511		-		13,511		-
- Non-current lease liabilities		25,546		26,027		-		-		26,027		-

	As of December 31, 2019						Measurement methodology
Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities	Carrying Amount at Amortized Cost		Fair value (informative)		Book Value Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		588,530		588,530		-		-		588,530		-
Other current financial assets:
- Time deposits		485,689		485,689		-		-		485,689		-
-Derivative financial instruments		-		-		-		-		-		-
- Forwards		-				2,420		-		2,420		-
- Options		-		-		111		-		111		-
-Investment hedge swaps		-		-		17,270		-		17,270		-
Non-current accounts receivable		1,710		1,710		-		-		-		-
Other non-current financial assets
- Other		94		94		-		-		94		-
- Actions		-		-		4,785		4,785		-		-
- Hedging assets – Swaps		-		-		3,918		-		3,918		-
Other current financial liabilities
- Bank loans		199		199		-		-		199		-
-Derivative instruments		-		-		-		-		-		-
- Forwards		-		-		2,837		-		2,837		-
- Options		-		-		289		-		289		-
- Hedging liabilities – Swaps		-		-		7,183		-		7,183		-
- Unsecured obligations		280,578		280,578		-		-		280,578		-
-Current lease liabilities		7,694		7,694		-		-		7,694		-
Other non-current financial liabilities:
- Bank loans		69,138		71,033		-		-		71,033		-
- Unsecured obligations		1,403,108		1,658,506		-		-		1,658,506		-
- Non-current hedging liabilities		-		-		16,477		-		16,477		-
- Non-current lease liabilities		30,203		33,187		-		-		33,187		-

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Presentation of leases for lessee [abstract]

Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [text block]

14.1

Right-of-use assets

Disclosure of lease liabilities by classification [Table Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020

As of December 31, 2019

Lease liabilities

Current

Non-Current

Current

Non-Current

ThUS$

Lease liabilities

5,528

25,546

7,694

30,203

Total

5,528

25,546

7,694

30,203

Disclosure details of lease agreement [Table Text Block]

Current and non-current lease liabilities

Debtor

Creditor

Contract

Type of

Maturity

Tax ID No.

Company

Country

TAX ID No.

Supplier

Country

indexation unit

amortization

date

Effective rate

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

83.776.000-3

Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda

Chile

Monthly

03-31-2021

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

76.146.110-9

Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda

Chile

Peso

Monthly

09-01-2020

8.93

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

76.065.017-K

SKM Industrial Ltda.

Chile

Peso

Monthly

06-01-2022

8.93%

79.626.800-K

SQM Salar S.A.

Chile

96.862.140-8

Ameco Chile S.A.

Chile

Peso

Monthly

04-24-2021

4.07%

79.947.100-0

SQM Industrial S.A.

Chile

96.856.400-5

El Trovador S.A.

Chile

Monthly

02-08-2030

3.10%

79.947.100-0

SQM Industrial S.A.

Chile

76.976.580-8

Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda

Chile

Monthly

08-26-2024

2.72%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

76.729.932-K

SAAM Logistics S.A.

Chile

Monthly

08-01-2022

0.81%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

91.577.000-2

Muelles de Penco S.A.

Chile

Monthly

07-06-2023

1.30%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

91.577.000-2

Muelles de Penco S.A.

Chile

Monthly

07-06-2023

1.30%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

76.722.280-7

Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA

Chile

Monthly

05-01-2028

3.38%

79.768.170-9

Soquimich Comercial S.A.

Chile

96.565.580-8

Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.

Chile

Monthly

05-24-2021

6.18%

Foreign

SQM North America Corp.

USA

Foreign

Paces West LL.

USA

Dollar

Monthly

12-31-2027

3.36%

Foreign

SQM North America Corp.

USA

Foreign

Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC

USA

Dollar

Monthly

08-31-2024

3.33%

Foreign

SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Foreign

Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Dollar

Monthly

12-03-2026

3.45%

Foreign

SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Foreign

Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Mexican Peso

Monthly

10-31-2023

7.84%

Foreign

SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Foreign

Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Mexican Peso

Monthly

10-31-2023

7.84%

Foreign

SQM Europe N.V.

Belgium

Foreign

Straatsburgdok N.V.

Belgium

Euro

Monthly

03-31-2027

1.30%

Foreign

SQM Australia PTY

Australia

Foreign

The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd

Australia

Australian dollar

Monthly

01-31-2021

3.60%

Disclosure details of current lease liabilities [Table Text Block]

(a)

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, current lease liabilities are analyzed as follows:

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2020						Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2020
Company	Supplier	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		536		-		536		536		-		536
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		202		607		809		181		566		747
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		135		-		135		134		-		134
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		466		1,399		1,865		353		1,076		1,429
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		180		540		720		164		498		662
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		41		124		165		54		107		161
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		44		133		177		57		115		172
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		157		471		628		123		376		499
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		55		18		73		54		18		72
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		53		163		216		41		128		169
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		31		96		127		28		85		113
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		99		296		395		81		246		327
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		20		59		79		16		49		65
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		7		21		28		6		18		24
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		91		302		393		83		279		362
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		14		42		56		14		42		56
Total			2,131		4,271		6,402		1,925		3,603		5,528

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2019						Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2019
Company	Supplier	Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		90 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		554		1,662		2,216		506		1,578		2,084
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		74		124		198		71		121		192
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		202		607		809		166		519		685
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		135		404		539		129		394		523
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		466		1,399		1,865		343		1,044		1,387
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		180		540		720		159		485		644
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		106		142		248		103		140		243
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		45		60		105		44		59		103
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		48		64		112		47		64		111
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		157		471		628		119		363		482
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		55		164		219		51		157		208
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		49		156		205		34		116		150
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		31		93		124		26		81		107
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		99		296		395		78		238		316
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		20		59		79		15		46		61
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		7		21		28		5		16		21
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		91		273		364		82		247		329
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		16		32		48		16		32		48
Total			2,335		6,567		8,902		1,994		5,700		7,694

Disclosure details of non current lease liabilities [Table Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Non-current lease liabilities are analyzed as follows:

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2020								Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2020
Company	Supplier	1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total		1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		337		-		-		337		330		-		-		330
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		3,730		5,594		5,905		15,229		2,993		4,847		5,622		13,462
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		1,441		420		-		1,861		1,379		417		-		1,796
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		262		-		-		262		163		96		-		259
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		281		-		-		281		175		103		-		278
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		1,255		1,883		889		4,027		1,047		1,707		867		3,621
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		452		730		258		1,440		377		668		253		1,298
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		263		90		-		353		249		89		-		338
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		789		1,151		-		1,940		689		1,094		-		1,783
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		144		-		-		144		133		-		-		133
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		52		-		-		52		48		-		-		48
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		816		1,339		113		2,268		768		1,308		113		2,189
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		11		-		-		11		11		-		-		11
Total			9,833		11,207		7,165		28,205		8,362		10,329		6,855		25,546

Debtor	Creditor	Nominal amounts as of December 31,2019								Amounts at amortized cost as of December 31, 2019
Company	Supplier	1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total		1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Salar S.A.	Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda		554		-		-		554		547		-		-		547
SQM Salar S.A.	Transportes, Construcción y Servicios Cribach Ltda		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
SQM Salar S.A.	SKM Industrial Ltda.		1,147		-		-		1,147		1,077		-		-		1,077
SQM Salar S.A.	Ameco Chile S.A.		135		-		-		135		134		-		-		134
SQM Industrial S.A.	El Trovador S.A.		3,730		5,594		7,373		16,697		2,903		4,701		7,287		14,891
SQM Industrial S.A.	Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda		1,441		1,141		-		2,582		1,342		1,115		-		2,457
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	SAAM Logistics S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Muelles de Penco S.A.		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA		1,255		1,883		1,464		4,602		1,013		1,651		1,455		4,119
Soquimich Comercial S.A.	Compañía de Leasing Tattersall S.A.		73		-		-		73		72		-		-		72
SQM North America Corp.	Paces West LL.		439		709		508		1,656		351		627		492		1,470
SQM North America Corp.	Hawkins Nunmber One, LLC		257		224		-		481		234		217		-		451
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Onni Ensenada S.A. de C.V.		789		1,184		362		2,335		665		1,088		356		2,109
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		157		65		-		222		135		63		-		198
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.	Madol Inmobiliaria S.A. de C.V.		57		24		-		81		49		23		-		72
SQM Europe N.V.	Straatsburgdok N.V.		801		1,295		564		2,660		744		1,248		559		2,551
SQM Australia PTY	The trust Company (Australia) Pty Ltd		55		-		-		55		55		-		-		55
Total			10,890		12,119		10,271		33,280		9,321		10,733		10,149		30,203

Intangible assets and goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets and goodwill explanatory [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020
Intangible assets and goodwill	Useful life	Net Value
		ThUS$
IT programs	Finite		4,826
Mining rights	Finite		150,046
Water rights and rights of way.	Indefinite		23,343
Customer-related intangible assets	Finite		-
Other intangible assets	Finite		192
Intangible assets other than goodwill			178,407
Goodwill	Indefinite		41,966
Total Intangible Asset			220,373

As of December 31, 2019
Intangible assets and goodwill	Useful life	Net value
		ThUS$
IT programs	Finite		6,011
Mining rights	Finite		157,570
Water rights and rights of way.	Indefinite		23,342
Customer-related intangible assets	Finite		1,273
Other intangible assets.	Finite		162
Intangible assets other than goodwill			188,358
Goodwill	Indefinite		34,726
Total Intangible Assets			223,084

Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [text block]

Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2020:

Gross Value Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs		Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite		Customer-related intangible assets		Other intangible assets		Goodwill		Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Opening Balance		34,471		158,337			25,423		1,778		2,188		38,120		260,317
Additions		508		2,295			-		-		72		7,380		10,255
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates		5		-			1		-		-		-		6
Decreases through sale		-		(136	)		-		-		-		-		(136	)
Other increases (decreases)		297		-			-		-		14		-		311
Total increases (decreases)		810		2,159			1		-		86		7,380		10,436
Closing balance		35,281		160,496			25,424		1,778		2,274		45,500		270,753

Accumulated amortization and impairment Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		(28,460	)		(767	)		(2,081	)		(505	)		(2,026	)		(3,394	)		(37,233	)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates		-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Other increases (decreases)		-			(2	)		-			-			-			-			(2	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year		(14	)		(654	)		-			(990	)		-			(140	)		(1,798	)
Amortization		(1,981	)		(9,027	)		-			(283	)		(56	)		-			(11,347	)
Total increases (decreases)		(1,995	)		(9,683	)		-			(1,273	)		(56	)		(140	)		(13,147	)
Closing balance		(30,455	)		(10,450	)		(2,081	)		(1,778	)		(2,082	)		(3,534	)		(50,380	)

Net value Movements in Identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite		Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		6,011			157,570			23,342		1,273			162			34,726			223,084
Additions		508			2,295			-		-			72			7,380			10,255
Amortization		(1,981	)		(9,027	)		-		(283	)		(56	)		-			(11,347	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year		(14	)		(654	)		-		(990	)		-			(140	)		(1,798	)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates		5			-			1		-			-			-			6
Decreases through sale		-			(136	)		-		-			-			-			(136	)
Other increases (decreases)		297			(2	)		-		-			14			-			309
Total increases (decreases)		(1,185	)		(7,524	)		1		(1,273	)		30			7,240			(2,711	)
Closing balance		4,826			150,046			23,343		-			192			41,966			220,373

Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019:

Gross Value Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets		Other intangible assets		Goodwill		Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Opening Balance		29,137			159,424			25,425			1,778		2,165		38,120		256,049
Additions		2,606			227			-			-		23		-		2,856
Other increases / decreases of foreign currency		(7	)		-			(2	)		-		-		-		(9	)
Decreases through sale		-			(1,314	)		-			-		-		-		(1,314	)
Other increases (decreases)		2,735			-			-			-		-		-		2,735
Total increases (decreases)		5,334			(1,087	)		(2	)		-		23		-		4,268
Closing balance		34,471			158,337			25,423			1,778		2,188		38,120		260,317

Accumulated amortization and impairment Movements in identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		(24,569	)		(168	)		(1,649	)		(205	)		(1,988	)		(3,254	)		(31,833	)
Other increases / decreases of foreign currency		3			-			-			-			-			-			3
Other increases (decreases)		(256	)		-			-			-			-			-			(256	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year		-			(481	)		(432	)		-			-			(140	)		(1,053	)
Amortization		(3,638	)		(118	)		-			(300	)		(38	)		-			(4,094	)
Total increases (decreases)		(3,891	)		(599	)		(432	)		(300	)		(38	)		(140	)		(5,400	)
Closing balance		(28,460	)		(767	)		(2,081	)		(505	)		(2,026	)		(3,394	)		(37,233	)

Net value Movements in Identifiable intangible assets	IT programs			Mining rights, Finite			Water rights, and rights of way, Indefinite			Customer-related intangible assets			Other intangible assets			Goodwill			Identifiable intangible assets
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening Balance		4,568			159,256			23,776			1,573			177			34,866			224,216
Additions		2,606			227			-			-			23			-			2,856
Amortization		(3,638	)		(118	)		-			(300	)		(38	)		-			(4,094	)
Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year		-			(481	)		(432	)		-			-			(140	)		(1,053	)
Other increases / decreases of foreign currency		(4	)		-			(2	)		-			-			-			(6	)
Decreases through sale		-			(1,314	)					-			-			-			(1,314	)
Other increases (decreases)		2,479			-			-			-			-			-			2,479
Total increases (decreases)		1,443			(1,686	)		(434	)		(300	)		(15	)		(140	)		(1,132	)
Closing balance		6,011			157,570			23,342			1,273			162			34,726			223,084

Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill

(b)

Movements in identifiable goodwill as of December 31, 2020

Gross Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2020		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)		Total increase (decrease)		Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		3,214		-		-		-		3,214
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-		-		22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-		-		148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-		-		86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		320		-		-		-		320
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		10		-		10		11,383
SQM Holland B.V.		-		7,370		-		7,370		7,370
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-		-		724
Total increases (decreases)		38,120		7,380		-		7,380		45,500
Closing balance		38,120		7,380		-		7,380		45,500

Accumulated impairment Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2020			Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		(3,214	)		-		-			-			(3,214	)
SQM S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Iberian S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Investment Corporation		-			-		-			-			-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		(180	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(320	)
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Holland B.V.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Potasio S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
Total increases (decreases)		(3,394	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,534	)
Closing balance		(3,394	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,534	)

Net Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2020		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		-		-		-			-			-
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-			-			22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-			-			148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-			-			86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		140		-		(140	)		(140	)		-
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		10		-			10			11,383
SQM Holland B.V.		-		7,370		-			7,370			7,370
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-			-			724
Total increases (decreases)		34,726		7,380		(140	)		7,240			41,966
Closing balance		34,726		7,380		(140	)		7,240			41,966

Movements in identifiable goodwill as of December 31, 2019

Gross Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2019		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)		Total increase (decrease)		Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		3,214		-		-		-		3,214
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-		-		22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-		-		148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-		-		86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		320		-		-		-		320
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		-		-		-		11,373
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-		-		724
Total increases (decreases)		38,120		-		-		-		38,120
Closing balance		38,120		-		-		-		38,120

Accumulated impairment Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2019			Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.		(3,214	)		-		-			-			(3,214	)
SQM S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Iberian S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Investment Corporation		-			-		-			-			-
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		(40	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(180	)
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		-			-		-			-			-
SQM Potasio S.A.		-			-		-			-			-
Total increases (decreases)		(3,254	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,394	)
Closing balance		(3,254	)		-		(140	)		(140	)		(3,394	)

Net Value Movements in identifiable goodwill	Goodwill at the start of the period January 01, 2019		Additional recognition		Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the year (-)			Total increase (decrease)			Goodwill at end of period
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Industrial S.A.	-		-		-			-			-
SQM S.A.		22,255		-		-			-			22,255
SQM Iberian S.A.		148		-		-			-			148
SQM Investment Corporation		86		-		-			-			86
Soquimich Comercial S.A.		280		-		(140	)		(140	)		140
Soquimich European Holding B.V.		11,373		-		-			-			11,373
SQM Potasio S.A.		724		-		-			-			724
Total increases (decreases)		34,866		-		(140	)		(140	)		34,726
Closing balance		34,866		-		(140	)		(140	)		34,726

Property, plant and equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [text block]

16.1

Types of property, plant and equipment

Description of types of property, plant and equipment	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land		23,579			23,620
Buildings		239,666			227,173
Other property, plant and equipment		35,418			32,645
Transport equipment		2,880			2,686
Supplies and accessories		4,183			4,579
Office equipment		459			420
Network and communication equipment		1,272			663
Mining assets		47,052			23,174
IT equipment		4,083			4,359
Energy generating assets		4,878			5,998
Constructions in progress		486,345			375,316
Machinery, plant and equipment		887,504			869,273
Total		1,737,319			1,569,906
Property, plant and equipment, gross
Land		23,579			23,620
Buildings		705,089			666,027
Other property, plant and equipment		234,238			257,247
Transport equipment		13,030			12,143
Supplies and accessories		26,101			25,531
Office equipment		11,607			11,441
Network and communication equipment		8,951			8,009
Mining assets		194,562			161,619
IT equipment		29,629			28,693
Energy generating assets		38,540			38,495
Constructions in progress		486,345			375,316
Machinery, plant and equipment		3,304,061			3,142,461
Total		5,075,732			4,750,602
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of property, plant and equipment, total
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of buildings		(465,423	)		(438,854	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of other property, plant and equipment		(198,820	)		(224,602	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of transport equipment		(10,150	)		(9,457	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of supplies and accessories		(21,918	)		(20,952	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of office equipment		(11,148	)		(11,021	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of network and communication equipment		(7,679	)		(7,346	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of mining assets		(147,510	)		(138,445	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of IT equipment		(25,546	)		(24,334	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of energy generating assets		(33,662	)		(32,497	)
Accumulated depreciation and impairment of machinery, plant and equipment		(2,416,557	)		(2,273,188	)
Total		(3,338,413	)		(3,180,696	)

Description of classes of property, plant and equipment	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Property, plant and equipment, net
Pumps		28,184		32,525
Conveyor Belt		20,117		21,911
Crystallizer		22,145		24,102
Plant Equipment		173,335		170,263
Tanks		15,367		14,159
Filter		35,553		27,080
Electrical equipment/facilities		93,937		92,090
Other Property, Plant & Equipment		49,930		53,409
Site Closure		36,828		12,056
Piping		102,578		96,402
Well		226,347		238,670
Pond		41,906		41,319
Spare Parts (1)		41,277		45,287
Total		887.504		869,273

(1)

Spare parts is presented net of provision. The reconciliation of the spare parts provision as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

Reconciliation	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Opening balance		39,265		32,414
Increase in provisions		3,616		6,851
Closing balance		42,881		39,265

Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [Text Block]

16.2

Conciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type:

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020, gross amount	Land			Buildings		Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment		Supplies and accessories			Equipment office		Network and communication equipment			Mining assets		IT equipment			Energy generating assets		Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		23,620			666,027		257,247			12,143		25,531			11,441		8,009			161,619		28,693			38,495		375,316			3,142,461			4,750,602
Additions		-			838		278			-		82			33		386			-		429			-		319,192			987			322,225
Disposals		-			-		(33,048	)		-		(1	)		-		-			-		-			-		-			(149	)		(33,198	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		22			49		2			1		5			-		-			-		12			-		-			53			144
Reclassifications		-			32,179		9,940			886		488			133		558			32,943		548			45		(203,412	)		125,692			-
Other increases (decreases)		(27	)		5,996		(181	)		-		(4	)		-		(2	)		-		(53	)		-		(4,751	)		35,017			35,995
Decreases for classification as held for sale		(36	)		-		-			-		-			-		-			-		-			-		-			-			(36	)
Total changes		(41	)		39,062		(23,009	)		887		570			166		942			32,943		936			45		111,029			161,600			325,130
Closing balance		23,579			705,089		234,238			13,030		26,101			11,607		8,951			194,562		29,629			38,540		486,345			3,304,061			5,075,732

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020, accumulated depreciation	Land		Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction		Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		-		(438,854	)		(224,602	)		(9,457	)		(20,952	)		(11,021	)		(7,346	)		(138,445	)		(24,334	)		(32,497	)		-		(2,273,188	)		(3,180,696	)
Changes
Disposals		-		-			33,048			-			1			-			-			-			-			-			-		148			33,197
Depreciation expense		-		(26,779	)		(7,284	)		(692	)		(966	)		(126	)		(335	)		(9,065	)		(1,242	)		(1,165	)		-		(134,230	)		(181,884	)
Impairment		-		(23	)		(21	)		-			-			-			-			-			(12	)		-			-		(9,507	)		(9,563	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		-		(20	)		(2	)		(1	)		(4	)		(1	)		-			-			(10	)		-			-		(28	)		(66	)
Reclassifications		-		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			-
Other increases (decreases) (1)		-		253			41			-			3			-			2			-			52			-			-		248			599
Decreases for classification as held for sale		-		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			-
Total changes		-		(26,569	)		25,782			(693	)		(966	)		(127	)		(333	)		(9,065	)		(1,212	)		(1,165	)		-		(143,369	)		(157,717	)
Closing balance		-		(465,423	)		(198,820	)		(10,150	)		(21,918	)		(11,148	)		(7,679	)		(147,510	)		(25,546	)		(33,662	)		-		(2,416,557	)		(3,338,413	)

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2020, net amount	Land			Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		23,620			227,173			32,645			2,686			4,579			420			663			23,174			4,359			5,998			375,316			869,273			1,569,906
Additions		-			838			278			-			82			33			386			-			429			-			319,192			987			322,225
Disposals		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(1	)		(1	)
Depreciation expense		-			(26,779	)		(7,284	)		(692	)		(966	)		(126	)		(335	)		(9,065	)		(1,242	)		(1,165	)		-			(134,230	)		(181,884	)
Deterioration		-			(23	)		(21	)		-			-			-			-			-			(12	)		-			-			(9,507	)		(9,563	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		22			29			-			-			1			(1	)		-			-			2			-			-			25			78
Reclassifications		-			32,179			9,940			886			488			133			558			32,943			548			45			(203,412	)		125,692			-
Other increases (decreases) (1)		(27	)		6,249			(140	)		-			(1	)		-			-			-			(1	)		-			(4,751	)		35,265			36,594
Decreases for classification as held for sale (2)		(36	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(36	)
Total changes		(41	)		12,493			2,773			194			(396	)		39			609			23,878			(276	)		(1,120	)		111,029			18,231			167,413
Closing balance		23,579			239,666			35,418			2,880			4,183			459			1,272			47,052			4,083			4,878			486,345			887,504			1,737,319

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2019, gross amount	Land			Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment		Mining assets		IT equipment			Energy generating assets		Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$ $			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		24,695			648,719			245,731			11,668			24,456			11,377			7,505		132,309		29,955			36,930		207,830			3,068,862			4,450,037
Additions		-			290			332			-			37			43			159		-		492			-		314,236			6,077			321,666
Disposals		-			-			(858	)		-			-			-			-		-		(3	)		-		-			(17	)		(878	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		(35	)		(72	)		(4	)		(2	)		(9	)		(3	)		-		-		(6	)		-		-			(72	)		(203	)
Reclassifications		132			18,526			12,456			477			745			-			89		16,901		1,289			1,565		(140,104	)		88,088			164
Other increases (decreases)		-			-			(410	)		-			302			24			256		12,409		(3,034	)		-		(6,646	)		(20,477	)		(17,576	)
Decreases for classification as held for sale		(1,172	)		(1,436	)		-			-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-			-			(2,608	)
Total changes		(1,075	)		17,308			11,516			475			1,075			64			504		29,310		(1,262	)		1,565		167,486			73,599			300,565
Closing balance		23,620			666,027			257,247			12,143			25,531			11,441			8,009		161,619		28,693			38,495		375,316			3,142,461			4,750,602

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2019, accumulated depreciation	Land		Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction		Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		-		(409,911	)		(217,556	)		(8,776	)		(19,734	)		(10,864	)		(6,813	)		(120,808	)		(24,975	)		(30,813	)		-		(2,144,964	)		(2,995,214	)
Changes
Disposals		-		-			858			-			-			-			-			-			1			-			-		-			859
Depreciation expense		-		(29,000	)		(8,013	)		(683	)		(1,144	)		(161	)		(426	)		(7,033	)		(1,158	)		(1,676	)		-		(138,999	)		(188,293	)
Impairment		-		(49	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			(49	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		-		28			3			1			7			1			-			-			5			-			-		34			79
Reclassifications		-		7			(6	)		1			6			-			1			-			(5	)		-			-		(207	)		(203	)
Other increases (decreases) (1)		-		(209	)		112			-			(87	)		3			(108	)		(10,604	)		1,798			(8	)		-		10,948			1,845
Decreases for classification as held for sale		-		280			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-		-			280
Total changes		-		(28,943	)		(7,046	)		(681	)		(1,218	)		(157	)		(533	)		(17,637	)		641			(1,684	)		-		(128,224	)		(185,482	)
Closing balance		-		(438,854	)		(224,602	)		(9,457	)		(20,952	)		(11,021	)		(7,346	)		(138,445	)		(24,334	)		(32,497	)		-		(2,273,188	)		(3,180,696	)

Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by class as of December 31, 2019, net amount	Land			Buildings			Other property, plant and equipment			Transport equipment			Supplies and accessories			Equipment office			Network and communication equipment			Mining assets			IT equipment			Energy generating assets			Assets under construction			Machinery, plant and equipment			Property, plant and equipment
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		24,695			238,808			28,175			2,892			4,722			513			692			11,501			4,980			6,117			207,830			923,898			1,454,823
Additions		-			290			332			-			37			43			159			-			492			-			314,236			6,077			321,666
Disposals		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(2	)		-			-			(17	)		(19	)
Depreciation expense		-			(29,000	)		(8,013	)		(683	)		(1,144	)		(161	)		(426	)		(7,033	)		(1,158	)		(1,676	)		-			(138,999	)		(188,293	)
Impairment		-			(49	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(49	)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency translation difference		(35	)		(44	)		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)		(2	)		-			-			(1	)		-			-			(38	)		(124	)
Reclassifications		132			18,533			12,450			478			751			-			90			16,901			1,284			1,565			(140,104	)		87,881			(39	)
Other increases (decreases) (1)		-			(209	)		(298	)		-			215			27			148			1,805			(1,236	)		(8	)		(6,646	)		(9,529	)		(15,731	)
Decreases for classification as held for sale (2)		(1,172	)		(1,156	)		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(2,328	)
Total changes		(1,075	)		(11,635	)		4,470			(206	)		(143	)		(93	)		(29	)		11,673			(621	)		(119	)		167,486			(54,625	)		115,083
Closing balance		23,620			227,173			32,645			2,686			4,579			420			663			23,174			4,359			5,998			375,316			869,273			1,569,906

Disclosure of rates and costs for capitalized interest of property, plant and equipment [Text Block]

Costs of capitalized interest	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Capitalized interest rate		4	%		4	%
Amount of costs for interest capitalized in ThUS$		8,462			7,841

Other current and non-current non-financial assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about other current and non-current non-financial assets [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the detail of “Other Current and Non-current Assets” is as follows:

Other non-financial assets, current	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Domestic Value Added Tax		18,107		17,807
Foreign Value Added Tax		7,785		8,566
Prepaid mining licenses		1,025		1,244
Prepaid insurance		10,307		7,135
Other prepayments		946		1,423
Refund of Value Added Tax to exporters		14,316		10,560
Other taxes		4,499		3,213
Other assets		414		604
Total		57,399		50,552

Other non-financial assets, non-current	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Exploration and evaluation expenses (1)		17,883		18,654
Guarantee deposits		731		551
Other assets		3,428		524
Total		22,042		19,729

(1)

Reconciliation of changes in assets for exploration and mineral resource evaluation, by type.

Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in assets for exploration and mineral resource evaluation [Text Block]

Movements in assets for the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources as of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019:

Conciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		18,654			26,189			17,721
Change in assets for exploration and evaluation of mineral resources
Additions		-			-			11,298
Short term reclassifications		(526	)		(1,311	)		1,987
Increase (decrease) due to transfers and other charges		(245	)		(6,224	)		(4,817	)
Total changes		(771	)		(7,535	)		8,468
Total		17,883			18,654			26,189

Employee benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of detailed information about provision for employee benefits [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about provision for employee benefits [Text Block]

Classes of benefits and expenses by employee	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Current
Profit sharing and bonuses		7,770		-
Performance bonds and operational targets		1,326		16,387
Total		9,096		16,387
Non-current
Profit sharing and bonuses		-		8,026
Severance indemnity payments		32,199		27,814
Total		32,199		35,840

Disclosure of detailed information about post employment benefit obligations [Text Block]

Reconciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
Changes in the benefit obligation	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year		9,586			8,657			8,755
Service cost		-			-			-
Interest cost		280			336			319
Actuarial loss		506			984			63
Benefits paid		(508	)		(391	)		(480	)
Total		9,864			9,586			8,657

Reconciliation	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
Changes in the plan assets	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year		8,754			8,404			8,751
Actual return (loss) in plan assets		4,642			741			133
Benefits paid		(508	)		(391	)		(480	)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year		12,888			8,754			8,404
Financing status		3,025			(832	)		(253	)
Items not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost components:
Net actuarial loss at the beginning of the year		(3,634	)		(3,022	)		(2,614	)
Amortization during the year		326			242			160
Net estimated gain or loss occurred during the year		3,500			(854	)		(568	)
Adjustment to recognize the minimum pension obligation		192			(3,634	)		(3,022	)

Service cost or benefits received during the year	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Service cost or benefits received during the year		-			-			-
Interest cost in benefit obligation		280			336			319
Actual return in plan assets		4,642			741			133
Amortization of prior year losses		326			242			160
Net gain during the year		3,500			(854	)		(568	)
Net periodic pension expense		(31	)		(33	)		(159	)

Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [text block]

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, severance indemnities calculated at the actuarial value are as follows:

Staff severance indemnities	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance		(27,814	)		(28,233	)		(27,445	)
Current cost of Service		(3,804	)		(2,880	)		(1,529	)
Interest cost		(1,486	)		(1,661	)		(1,658	)
Actuarial gain/loss		(2,826	)		(2,514	)		(1,617	)
Exchange rate difference		(1,513	)		2,475			2,710
Benefits paid during the year		5,244			4,999			1,306
Total		(32,199	)		(27,814	)		(28,233	)

Disclosure of detailed information about employee Actuarial assumption rate [Text Block]

The liability recorded for staff severance indemnity is valued at the actuarial value method, using the following actuarial assumptions:

Actuarial assumptions	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018			Annual/Years
Mortality rate		RV - 2014			RV - 2014			RV - 2014
Actual annual interest rate		3.65	%		3.68	%		4.64	%
Voluntary retirement rate:
Men		6.49	%		6.49	%		6.49	%		Annual
Women		6.49	%		6.49	%		6.49	%		Annual
Salary increase		3.00	%		3.00	%		3.00	%		Annual
Retirement age:
Men		65			65			65			Years
Women		60			60			60			Years

Disclosure Of Sensitivity Analysis For Actuarial Assumptions Explanatory [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company has conducted a sensitivity analysis of the main assumptions of the actuarial calculation, determining the following:

Sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2020	Effect + 100 basis points			Effect - 100 basis points
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Discount rate		(1,985	)		2,234
Employee turnover rate		(261	)		291

Sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2019	Effect + 100 basis points			Effect - 100 basis points
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Discount rate		(1,796	)		2,021
Employee turnover rate		(236	)		263

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of other provisions [abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about provisions [Text Block]

19.1

Types of provisions

	As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Types of provisions	Current		Non-current		Total		Current		Non-current		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Provision for legal complaints (1)		8,905		1,260		10,165		13,472		1,452		14,924
Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost (2)		-		61,265		61,265		-		33,238		33,238
Other provisions (3)		95,261		92		95,353		97,093		-		97,093
Total		104,166		62,617		166,783		110,565		34,690		145,255

(2) The commitments related to Sernageomin have been incorporated through the issuance of the guarantee for the restoration of the place where the production sites are located.

(3) See Note 19.2

Description of detailed information about other current and noncurrent provision [Text Block]

19.2

Description of other provisions

Current provisions, other short-term provisions	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Rent under Lease contract (1)		85,167		90,320
Provision for additional tax related to foreign loans		740		543
End of agreement bonus		8,159		3,641
Directors’ per diem allowance		698		1,802
Miscellaneous provisions		497		787
Total		95,261		97,093

Disclosure of other current liabilities [text block]

19.3

Other non-financial liabilities, Current

Description of other liabilities	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Tax withholdings		1,208		3,345
VAT payable		1,642		3,465
Guarantees received		2,636		2,641
Accrual for dividend		8,027		68,890
Monthly tax provisional payments		8,407		16,659
Deferred income		6,435		3,033
Withholdings from employees and salaries payable		5,017		4,575
Accrued vacations (1)		24,003		21,686
Other current liabilities		3,580		2,605
Total		60,955		126,899

Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in other provisions [Text Block]

19.4

Changes in provisions

Description of items that gave rise to variations as of December 31, 2020	Legal complaints			Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost			Others provisions			Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Total provisions, initial balance		14,924			33,238			97,093			145,255
Changes
Additional provisions		62,922			30,974			60,685			154,581
Provision used		(67,685	)		-			(59,939	)		(127,624	)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange		4			-			(2,486	)		(2,482	)
Others		-			(2,947	)		-			(2,947	)
Total Increase (decreases)		(4,759	)		28,027			(1,740	)		21,528
Total		10,165			61,265			95,353			166,783

Description of items that gave rise to variations as of December 31, 2019	Legal complaints			Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost		Others provisions			Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Total provisions, initial balance		14,862			28,822		94,335			138,019
Changes
Additional provisions		4,111			-		150,314			154,425
Provision used		(4,049	)		-		(147,532	)		(151,581	)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange		-			-		(24	)		(24	)
Others		-			4,416		-			4,416
Total Increase (decreases)		62			4,416		2,758			7,236
Total		14,924			33,238		97,093			145,255

Description of items that gave rise to variations as of December 31, 2018	Legal complaints			Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost		Others provisions			Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
Total provisions, initial balance		19,419			26,954		47,073			93,446
Changes
Additional provisions		1,000			1,820		181,244			184,064
Provision used		(5,557	)		-		(133,949	)		(139,506	)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange		-			-		-			-
Others		-			48		(33	)		15
Total Increase (decreases)		(4,557	)		1,868		47,262			44,573
Total		14,862			28,822		94,335			138,019

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of detailed information about controls capital management [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about controls capital management [Text Block]

Capital Management	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			Description (1)	Calculation (1)
Net Financial Debt (ThUS$)		1,074,020			681,912		Financial Debt – Financial Resources	Other current Financial Liabilities + Other Non-Current Financial Liabilities– Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Hedging Assets, non-current
Liquidity		5.40			3.45		Current Assets divided by Current Liabilities	Total Current Assets / Total Current Liabilities
ROE		7.79	%		13.15	%	Profit for the year divided by Total Equity	LTM (2) Profit for the year / Equity
Adjusted EBITDA (ThUS$)		579,765			644,223		Adjusted EBITDA	Profit for the year + Depreciation and Amortization Expenses + Finance Costs + Income Tax – Other income and Share of profit of associates and joint ventures + Other expenses – Finance income – Currency differences
EBITDA (ThUS$)		524,650			668,912		EBITDA	Profit for the year + Depreciation and Amortization Expenses + Finance Costs + Income Tax
ROA		9.83	%		12.76	%	Adjusted EBITDA – Depreciation divided by Total Assets net of financial resources less related parties’ investments	(LTM Gross Profit – Administrative Expenses)/ (Total Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Other Non-Current Financial Assets – Equity-accounted Investments)
Indebtedness		0.50			0.32		Total Liabilities on Equity	Total Liabilities / Total Equity

Disclosure of classes of share capital [text block]

Detail of capital classes in shares:

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company has not placed any new shares issues on the market

Type of capital in preferred shares	As of December 31, 2020				As of December 31, 2019
	Series A		Series B		Series A		Series B
Description of type of capital in shares
Number of authorized shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972
Number of fully subscribed and paid shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972
Number of subscribed, partially paid shares		-		-		-		-
Par value of shares in US$		0.9435		2.8464		0.9435		2.8464
Increase (decrease) in the number of current shares		-		-		-		-
Number of current shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972
Number of shares owned by the entity or its subsidiaries or associates		-		-		-		-
Number of shares whose issuance is reserved due to the existence of options or agreements to dispose shares		-		-		-		-
Capital amount in shares ThUS$		134,750		342,636		134,750		342,636
Amount of premium issuance ThUS$		-		-		-		-
Amount of reserves ThUS$		-		-		-		-
Total number of subscribed shares		142,819,552		120,376,972		142,819,552		120,376,972

20.3

Disclosures on reserves in Equity

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, this caption comprises the following:

Disclosures on reserves in equity	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Reserve for currency exchange conversion (1)		(11,569	)		(25,745	)		(26,307	)
Reserve for cash flow hedges (2)		4,491			7,196			7,971
Reserve for gains and losses from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (3)		6,872			(270	)		(1,111	)
Reserve for actuarial gains or losses in defined benefit plans (4)		(8,680	)		(9,490	)		(6,884	)
Other reserves		16,318			14,086			11,332
Total		7,432			(14,223	)		(14,999	)

Disclosure of detailed information about movement in other reserves [Text Block]

Movements in other reserves and changes in interest were as follows:

	Foreign currency translation difference			Reserve for cash flow hedges						Reserve for actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit plans						Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income						Other reserves			Total reserves
	Before			Before						Before			Deferred			Before			Deferred			Before						Deferred			Total
Movements	taxes			taxes			Tax			taxes			taxes			taxes			taxes			taxes			Reserves			Taxes			reserves
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Opening balance as of January 1, 2018		(24,913	)		2,248			-			(6,847	)		894			4,787			(1,850	)		11,332			(13,393	)		(956	)		(14,349	)
Increase		6,542			14,794			-			674			(133	)		294			(79	)		-			22,304			(212	)		22,092
Decrease		(7,936	)		(9,071	)		-			(2,003	)		531			(5,841	)		1,578			-			(24,851	)		2,109			(22,742	)
Closing balance as of December 31, 2018		(26,307	)		7,971			-			(8,176	)		1,292			(760	)		(351	)		11,332			(15,940	)		941			(14,999	)
Increase		1,824			8,628			(2,683	)		-			-			1,570			(424	)		3,093			15,115			(3,107	)		12,008
Decrease		(1,262	)		(6,720	)		-			(3,306	)		700			(418	)		113			(339	)		(12,045	)		813			(11,232	)
Closing balance as of December 31, 2019		(25,745	)		9,879			(2,683	)		(11,482	)		1,992			392			(662	)		14,086			(12,870	)		(1,353	)		(14,223	)
Increase		15,732			-			-			3,858			430			11,885			(3,180	)		2,121			33,596			(2,750	)		30,846
Decrease		(1,556	)		(3,706	)		1,001			(2,903	)		(575	)		(2,101	)		538			111			(10,155	)		964			(9,191	)
Closing balance as of December 31, 2020		(11,569	)		6,173			(1,682	)		(10,527	)		1,847			10,176			(3,304	)		16,318			10,571			(3,139	)		7,432

Disclosure of detailed information about legal reserves reported in the individual financial statements of the subsidiaries [Text Block]

Subsidiary – Associate	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
SQM Iberian S.A.		9,464			9,464			9,464
SQM Europe NV		1,957			1,957			1,957
Soquimich European holding B.V.		828			828			828
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL		455			455			455
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS		-			305			305
Kore Potash PLC		3,170			2,754			-
Total		15,874			15,763			13,009
Other derivative reserves of the acquisition of subsidiaries, which was already under Company ownership at the acquisition date (IAS 27R)
SQM Iberian S.A.		(1,677	)		(1,677	)		(1,677	)
Orcoma Estudios SPA		2,121			-			-
Total Other reserves		16,318			14,086			11,332

Disclosure of dividends [text block]

Dividends discounted from equity from January to December 2020 and 2019 were the following:

Dividends	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Ajay SQM Chile S.A. Dividends		556		882		823
Ajay SQM Chile S.A Payable Dividend		682		-		-
Soquimich Comercial S.A. Potential Dividend		5,904		3,936		7,872
Soquimich Comercial S.A. Payable Dividend		2,976		1,999		1,038
Non-controlling interests		10,118		6,817		9,733
Interim dividend		44,986		211,224		331,199
Potential dividend		100,000		-		100,000
Dividends payable		4,369		66,891		108,631
Owners of the Parent		149,355		278,115		539,830
Dividends discounted from equity for the period		159,473		284,932		549,563

Contingencies and restrictions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of contingent liability [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about financial indicators [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, the above-mentioned financial indicator has the following values:

Indicator		As of December 31, 2020				As of December 31, 2019
Leverage			0.50				0.32

Disclosure of detailed information about grantor obligations [Text Block]

Grantor	Relationship	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Ferosor Agrícola S.A.	Unrelated Third party		5,626		5,372
Tattersall Agroinsumos S.A.	Unrelated Third party		2,000		2,000
Covepa SPA	Unrelated Third party		703		671
Johannes Epple Davanzo	Unrelated Third party		314		300
Hortofrutícola La Serena	Unrelated Third party		303		282
Com. Serv Johannes Epple Davanz	Unrelated Third party		408		269
Juan Luis Gaete Chesta	Unrelated Third party		190		182
Arena Fertilizantes y Semillas	Unrelated Third party		211		201
Vicente Oyarce Castro	Unrelated Third party		229		213
Bernardo Guzmán Schmidt	Unrelated Third party		130		121
Total			10,114		9,611

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure Of Revenue From Products and Services [Abstract]

Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [text block]

(a)

Geographic areas:

For the period ended December 31, 2020
Geographic areas	Specialty plant nutrition		Iodine and derivatives		Lithium and derivatives		Potassium		Industrial chemicals		Other		Total ThUS$
Chile		100,353		1,234		399		23,963		4,059		23,737		153,745
Latin America and the Caribbean		69,535		10,843		1,597		72,697		4,951		367		159,990
Europe		145,896		142,161		49,719		30,029		11,585		735		380,125
North America		246,737		90,292		25,558		39,432		23,963		1,588		427,570
Asia and Others		139,167		90,127		306,100		43,173		116,050		1,144		695,761
Total		701,688		334,657		383,373		209,294		160,608		27,571		1,817,191

For the period ended as of December 31, 2019
Geographic areas	Specialty plant nutrition		Iodine and derivatives		Lithium and derivatives		Potassium		Industrial chemicals		Other		Total ThUS$
Chile		109,975		1,064		599		27,371		39,512		33,336		211,857
Latin America and the Caribbean		78,872		7,972		3,593		64,868		6,354		269		161,928
Europa		149,992		123,525		76,250		27,973		15,289		735		393,764
North America		243,399		90,070		45,810		43,312		27,798		883		451,272
Asia and Others		141,682		148,389		379,462		48,627		5,922		752		724,834
Total		723,920		371,020		505,714		212,151		94,875		35,975		1,943,655

For the period ended as of December 31, 2018
Geographic areas	Specialty plant nutrition		Iodine and derivatives		Lithium and derivatives		Potassium		Industrial chemicals		Other		Total ThUS$
Chile		111,595		1,052		700		25,593		4,575		45,834		189,349
Latin America and the Caribbean		77,737		6,389		3,598		80,192		12,098		177		180,191
Europe		200,229		112,080		103,430		46,068		17,384		473		479,664
North America		240,995		83,587		68,254		50,685		27,347		647		471,515
Asia and Others		151,195		121,864		558,819		64,936		46,863		1,407		945,084
Total		781,751		324,972		734,801		267,474		108,267		48,538		2,265,803

Disclosure Of Revenue By Products Text Block [Text Block]

(b)

Main product and service lines:

	For the period from January to December of the year
Products and Services	2020		2019		2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Specialty plant nutrition		701,688		723,920		781,751
- Sodium Nitrates		18,291		20,679		17,688
-Potassium nitrate and sodium potassium nitrate		424,041		457,477		527,945
- Specialty Blends		163,033		153,739		145,511
- Other specialty fertilizers		96,323		92,025		90,607
Iodine and derivatives		334,657		371,020		324,972
Lithium and derivatives		383,373		505,714		734,801
Potassium		209,294		212,151		267,474
Industrial chemicals		160,608		94,875		108,267
Other		27,571		35,975		48,538
- Services		3,241		3,410		4,017
- Income from property leases		1,457		1,438		1,474
- Income from subleases on right-of-use assets		176		261		-
- Commodities		11,938		16,176		18,581
-Other ordinary income of Commercial Offices		10,759		14,690		24,466
Total		1,817,191		1,943,655		2,265,803

Disclosure of cost of sales [text block]

23.2

Cost of sales

Cost of sales broken down by nature of expense

	For the period from January to December of the year
Nature of expense	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Raw materials and consumables used		(287,877	)		(271,912	)		(260,869	)
Classes of employee benefit expenses		(178,956	)		(178,493	)		(203,571	)
Depreciation expense		(182,410	)		(188,157	)		(212,641	)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)		(5,814	)		(5,450	)		-
Amortization expense		(12,655	)		(5,102	)		(6,376	)
Investment plan expenses		(14,286	)		(18,367	)		(11,860	)
Provision for site closure		(911	)		(911	)		(2,045	)
Provision for materials, spare parts and supplies		640			(7,500	)		1,721
Contractors		(142,001	)		(120,793	)		(120,923	)
Operating leases		(57,461	)		(47,708	)		(37,245	)
Mining concessions		(6,645	)		(7,856	)		(8,168	)
Operations transport		(68,730	)		(56,376	)		(64,352	)
Freight / product transport costs		(52,156	)		(46,264	)		(51,387	)
Purchase of products from third parties		(224,115	)		(210,583	)		(182,695	)
Insurance		(17,657	)		(16,968	)		(11,923	)
CORFO rights and other agreements		(74,418	)		(143,861	)		(182,954	)
Export costs		(71,718	)		(75,908	)		(107,418	)
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (contracts under IFRS 16)		(1,133	)		(1,037	)		-
Variation in inventory		97,467			52,557			20,597
Variation in inventory provision		7,244			17,107			(8,997	)
Other		(40,729	)		(50,021	)		(34,525	)
Total		(1,334,321	)		(1,383,603	)		(1,485,631	)

Disclosure of detailed information about other income [Text Block]

23.3

Other income

Other income	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020		2019		2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Discounts obtained from suppliers		665		676		705
Fines charged to suppliers		267		483		698
Taxes recovered		346		457		996
Amounts recovered from insurance		14,719		492		443
Overestimate of provisions for third-party obligations		118		983		375
Sale of assets classified as properties, plant and equipment		3,222		2,422		1,536
Options on mining rights		5,852		5,298		16,095
Easements, pipelines and roads		1,619		7,204		10,806
Mining licenses and notary costs reimbursed		85		203		394
Total		26,893		18,218		32,048

Description of detailed information about employee benefits by nature of expenses [Text Block]

23.4	Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Employee benefit expenses		(55,152	)		(60,255	)		(63,880	)
Marketing costs		(2,377	)		(3,911	)		(3,078	)
Amortization expenses		(91	)		(5	)		(15	)
Entertainment expenses		(4,858	)		(5,783	)		(4,805	)
Advisory services		(13,880	)		(13,862	)		(12,848	)
Lease of buildings and facilities		(3,111	)		(3,653	)		(4,556	)
Insurance		(3,478	)		(2,553	)		(1,758	)
Office expenses		(6,204	)		(7,327	)		(8,165	)
Contractors		(5,079	)		(4,874	)		(5,730	)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)		(2,617	)		(2,501	)		-
Other expenses, by nature		(10,170	)		(12,456	)		(13,291	)
Total		(107,017	)		(117,180	)		(118,126	)

Disclosure of detailed information about other expenses [Text Block]

23.5

Other expenses

Other expenses	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation of assets not in use		(42	)		(136	)		(59	)
Subtotal		(42	)		(136	)		(59	)
Impairment losses (reversals of impairment losses) recognized in profit for the year
Properties, plant and equipment		(9,563	)		(49	)		(1,390	)
Intangible assets other than goodwill		(1,658	)		(913	)		(1,736	)
Goodwill		(140	)		(140	)		(3,254	)
Amortization of intangible assets		(283	)		-			-
Subtotal		(11,644	)		(1,102	)		(6,380	)
Other expenses, by nature
Legal expenses		(69,965	)		(9,277	)		(15,139	)
VAT and other unrecoverable taxes		(626	)		(613	)		(1,187	)
Fines paid		(314	)		(145	)		(965	)
Investment plan expenses		(864	)		(1,693	)		(7,555	)
Exploration expenses		(5,262	)		(5,537	)		(5,864	)
Donations		(8,793	)		(5,026	)		(4,502	)
Reorganization of related businesses		-			-			6,000
Other operating expenses		(2,102	)		(2,466	)		(1,256	)
Subtotal		(87,926	)		(24,757	)		(30,468	)
Total		(99,612	)		(25,995	)		(36,907	)

Disclosure of detailed information about other income expenses [Text Block]

23.6

Other gains (losses)

	For the period from January to December of the year
Other income (expenses)	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Adjust previous year application method of participation		(49	)		(985	)		(664	)
Losses in the sale of investments in associates		(11,830	)		-			(759	)
Impairment of interests in associates		7,235			631			(8,802	)
Losses in the sale of investments in joint Ventures		(481	)		-			14,507
Others		(188	)		(29	)		2,122
Total		(5,313	)		(383	)		6,404

Disclosure of detailed information about impairment reversion of value of financial assets impairment Losses [Text Block]

23.7	(Impairment) /reversion of value of financial assets impairment losses

	For the period from January to December of the year
Description	2020		2019			2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$
(Impairment) /reversion of value of financial assets impairment losses (See Note 13.2)		4,684		(1,057	)		2,967
Total		4,684		(1,057	)		2,967

Disclosure of detailed information about expenses by nature [Text Block]

23.8

Summary of expenses by nature

The following summary considers notes 23.2, 23.4 and 23.5

Expenses by nature	For the period from January to December of the year
	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Raw materials and consumables		(287,877	)		(271,912	)		(260,869	)
Classes of Employee Benefit Expenses		(234,108	)		(238,748	)		(267,451	)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation expense		(182,452	)		(188,293	)		(212,700	)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets		(8,431	)		(7,951	)		-
Impairment of Value		(1,658	)		(913	)		(1,390	)
Properties, plant and equipment		(9,563	)		(49	)		(3,254	)
Goodwill		(140	)		(140	)		-
Amortization expense		(13,029	)		(5,107	)		(8,127	)
Legal expenses		(69,965	)		(9,277	)		(15,139	)
Investment plan expenses		(15,150	)		(20,060	)		(19,415	)
Exploration expenses		(5,262	)		(5,537	)		(5,864	)
Provision for site closure		(911	)		(911	)		(2,045	)
Provision for materials, spare parts and supplies		640			(7,500	)		1,721
Contractors		(147,080	)		(125,667	)		(126,653	)
Operation leases		(60,572	)		(51,361	)		(41,801	)
Mining concessions		(6,645	)		(7,856	)		(8,168	)
Operation transport		(68,730	)		(56,376	)		(64,352	)
Freight and product transport costs		(52,156	)		(46,264	)		(51,387	)
Purchase of products from third parties		(224,115	)		(210,583	)		(182,695	)
CORFO rights y other agreements		(74,418	)		(143,861	)		(182,954	)
Export costs		(71,718	)		(75,908	)		(107,418	)
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (IFRS 16)		(1,133	)		(1,037	)		-
Insurance		(21,135	)		(19,521	)		(13,681	)
Restructuring of joint ventures								6,000
Consultant and advisor services		(13,880	)		(13,862	)		(12,848	)
Variation in gross inventory		97,467			52,557			20,597
Variation in provision on product inventory		7,244			17,107			(8,997	)
Other expenses		(76,173	)		(87,748	)		(71,774	)
Total expenses by nature		(1,540,950	)		(1,526,778	)		(1,640,664	)

Disclosure of interest expense [text block]

23.9

Finance expenses

	For the period from January to December of the year
Finance expenses	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Interest expense from bank borrowings and overdrafts		(2,797	)		(2,133	)		(1,707	)
Interest expense from bonds		(87,030	)		(72,984	)		(55,887	)
Interest expense from loans		(1,598	)		(2,682	)		(3,093	)
Capitalized interest expenses		8,462			7,841			5,021
Financial expenses for restoration and rehabilitation provisions		2,947			(4,417	)		(960	)
Interest on lease agreement		(1,133	)		(1,535	)		-
Other finance costs		(1,050	)		(1,029	)		(1,181	)
Total		(82,199	)		(76,939	)		(57,807	)

Disclosure of finance income [text block]

23.10

Finance income

	For the period from January to December of the year
Finance income	2020		2019		2018
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Interest from term deposits		10,260		15,345		13,758
Interest from marketable securities		2,147		6,765		6,253
Interest from maintenance of minimum bank balance in current account		18		-		262
Other finance income		1,031		4,130		2,195
Other finance interest		259		49		65
Total		13,715		26,289		22,533

Reportable segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of entity's operating segments [Abstract]

Disclosure of entity's operating segments [text block]

Operating segment items as of December 31, 2020	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Reportable segments			Operating segments			Unallocated amounts			Total as of December 31, 2020
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		701,688			334,657			383,373			160,608			209,294			27,571			1,817,191			1,817,191			-			1,817,191
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		701,688			334,657			383,373			160,608			209,294			27,571			1,817,191			1,817,191			-			1,817,191
Costs of sales		(537,801	)		(168,499	)		(297,048	)		(119,092	)		(187,019	)		(24,862	)		(1,334,321	)		(1,334,321	)		-			(1,334,321	)
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(107,017	)		(107,017	)
Finance expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(82,199	)		(82,199	)
Depreciation and amortization expense		(55,335	)		(40,687	)		(56,092	)		(14,136	)		(34,570	)		(3,092	)		(203,912	)		(203,912	)		-			(203,912	)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			8,940			8,940
Income (loss) before taxes		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			482,870			482,870			(244,332	)		238,538
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(70,179	)		(70,179	)
Net income (loss)		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			482,870			482,870			(314,511	)		168,359
Assets																				-						4,818,463			4,818,463
Equity-accounted investees		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			85,993			85,993
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			358,009			358,009
Liabilities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,655,885			2,655,885
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss																				-						4,684			4,684
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(11,644	)		(11,644	)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			182,234			182,234
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(167,091	)		(167,091	)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(94,132	)		(94,132	)

Operating segment items as of December 31, 2019	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Reportable segments			Operating segments			Unallocated amounts			Total as of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		723,920			371,020			505,714			94,875			212,151			35,975			1,943,655			1,943,655			-			1,943,655
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		723,920			371,020			505,714			94,875			212,151			35,975			1,943,655			1,943,655			-			1,943,655
Costs of sales		(573,808	)		(230,468	)		(306,250	)		(63,590	)		(176,199	)		(33,288	)		(1,383,603	)		(1,383,603	)		-			(1,383,603	)
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(117,180	)		(117,180	)
Finance expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(76,939	)		(76,939	)
Depreciation and amortization expense		(67,700	)		(43,336	)		(45,238	)		(6,854	)		(37,691	)		(532	)		(201,351	)		(201,351	)		-			(201,351	)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			9,786			9,786
Income tax expense, continuing operations		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			560,052			560,052			(169,430	)		390,622
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(110,019	)		(110,019	)
Net income (loss)		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			560,052			560,052			(279,449	)		280,603
Assets		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			4,684,151			4,684,151
Equity-accounted investees		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			109,435			109,435
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			110,021			110,021
Liabilities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,549,679			2,549,679
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(1,057	)		(1,057	)
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(1,102	)		(1,102	)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			426,971			426,971
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(485,471	)		(485,471	)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			105,896			105,896

Operating segment items as of December 31, 2018	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Reportable segments			Operating segments			Unallocated amounts			Total as of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		781,751			324,972			734,801			108,267			267,474			48,538			2,265,803			2,265,803			-			2,265,803
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity		781,751			324,972			734,801			108,267			267,474			48,538			2,265,803			2,265,803			-			2,265,803
Costs of sales		(613,267	)		(217,464	)		(316,875	)		(72,964	)		(217,386	)		(47,675	)		(1,485,631	)		(1,485,631	)		-			(1,485,631	)
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(118,126	)		(118,126	)
Finance expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(57,807	)		(57,807	)
Depreciation and amortization expense		(79,061	)		(42,438	)		(42,283	)		(8,454	)		(47,940	)		(651	)		(220,827	)		(220,827	)		-			(220,827	)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			6,351			6,351
Income tax expense, continuing operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(178,975	)		(178,975	)
Income tax expense		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			780,172			780,172			(159,134	)		621,038
Net income (loss)		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			780,172			780,172			(338,109	)		442,063
Assets		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			4,268,094			4,268,094
Equity-accounted investees		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			111,549			111,549
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(15,028	)		(15,028	)
Liabilities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,130,292			2,130,292
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			2,967			2,967
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			524,839			524,839
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(187,004	)		(187,004	)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-			(387,313	)		(387,313	)

Items in the statement of comprehensive income as of December 31, 2020	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Corporate Unit			Total segments and Corporate unit
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		701,688			334,657			383,373			160,608			209,294			27,571			-			1,817,191
Costs of sales		(537,801	)		(168,499	)		(297,048	)		(119,092	)		(187,019	)		(24,862	)		-			(1,334,321	)
Gross profit		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			-			482,870
Other incomes by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			26,893			26,893
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			(107,017	)		(107,017	)
Other expenses by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			(99,612	)		(99,612	)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9		-			-			-			-			-			-			4,684			4,684
Other gains (losses)		-			-			-			-			-			-			(5,313	)		(5,313	)
Financial income		-			-			-			-			-			-			13,715			13,715
Financial costs		-			-			-			-			-			-			(82,199	)		(82,199	)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			8,940			8,940
Exchange differences		-			-			-			-			-			-			(4,423	)		(4,423	)
Profit (loss) before taxes		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			(244,332	)		238,538
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			(70,179	)		(70,179	)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			(314,511	)		168,359
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Profit (loss)		163,887			166,158			86,325			41,516			22,275			2,709			(314,511	)		168,359
Profit, attributable to
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners		-			-			-			-			-			-			164,518			164,518
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers		-			-			-			-			-			-			3,841			3,841
Profit		-			-			-			-			-			-			168,359			168,359

Items in the statement of comprehensive income as of December 31, 2019	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Corporate Unit			Total segments and Corporate unit
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		723,920			371,020			505,714			94,875			212,151			35,975			-			1,943,655
Cost of sales		(573,808	)		(230,468	)		(306,250	)		(63,590	)		(176,199	)		(33,288	)		-			(1,383,603	)
Gross profit		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			-			560,052
Other incomes by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			18,218			18,218
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			(117,180	)		(117,180	)
Other expenses by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			(25,995	)		(25,995	)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9		-			-			-			-			-			-			(1,057	)		(1,057	)
Other gains (losses)		-			-			-			-			-			-			(383	)		(383	)
Financial income		-			-			-			-			-			-			26,289			26,289
Financial costs		-			-			-			-			-			-			(76,939	)		(76,939	)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			9,786			9,786
Exchange differences		-			-			-			-			-			-			(2,169	)		(2,169	)
Profit (loss) before taxes		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			(169,430	)		390,622
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			(110,019	)		(110,019	)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			(279,449	)		280,603
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Profit (loss)		150,112			140,552			199,464			31,285			35,952			2,687			(279,449	)		280,603
Profit (loss), attributable to
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners		-			-			-			-			-			-			278,115			278,115
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers		-			-			-			-			-			-			2,488			2,488
Profit (loss)		-			-			-			-			-			-			280,603			280,603

Items in the statement of comprehensive income as of December 31, 2018	Specialty plant nutrients			Iodine and its derivatives			Lithium and its derivatives			Industrial chemicals			Potassium			Other products and services			Corporate Unit			Total segments and Corporate unit
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Revenue		781,751			324,972			734,801			108,267			267,474			48,538			-			2,265,803
Cost of sales		(613,267	)		(217,464	)		(316,875	)		(72,964	)		(217,386	)		(47,675	)		-			(1,485,631	)
Gross profit		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			-			780,172
Other incomes by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			32,048			32,048
Administrative expenses		-			-			-			-			-			-			(118,126	)		(118,126	)
Other expenses by function		-			-			-			-			-			-			(36,907	)		(36,907	)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9		-			-			-			-			-			-			2,967			2,967
Other gains (losses)		-			-			-			-			-			-			6,404			6,404
Financial income		-			-			-			-			-			-			22,533			22,533
Financial costs		-			-			-			-			-			-			(57,807	)		(57,807	)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method		-			-			-			-			-			-			6,351			6,351
Exchange differences		-			-			-			-			-			-			(16,597	)		(16,597	)
Profit (loss) before taxes		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			(159,134	)		621,038
Income tax expense		-			-			-			-			-			-			(178,975	)		(178,975	)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			(338,109	)		442,063
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
Profit (loss)		168,484			107,508			417,926			35,303			50,088			863			(338,109	)		442,063
Profit (loss), attributable to
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners		-			-			-			-			-			-			439,830			439,830
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers		-			-			-			-			-			-			2,233			2,233
Profit (loss)		-			-			-			-			-			-			442,063			442,063

Disclosure of geographical areas [text block]

Items as of December 31, 2020	Chile		Latin America and the Caribbean		Europe		North America		Asia and others		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Revenue		153,745		159,990		380,126		427,572		695,758		1,817,191
Investment accounted for under the equity method		-		-		41,273		14,468		30,252		85,993
Intangible assets other than goodwill		95,934		565		825		2,274		78,809		178,407
Goodwill		23,065		-		18,901		-		-		41,966
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,667,824		642		12,592		3,494		52,767		1,737,319
Right-of-use assets		23,461		2,298		2,428		1,776		61		30,024
Other non-current assets		19,377		17		7		2,641		-		22,042
Non-current assets		1,829,661		3,522		76,026		24,653		161,889		2,095,751

Items as of December 31, 2019	Chile		Latin America and the Caribbean		Europe		North America			Asia and others		Total
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Revenue		211,857		161,928		393,764		451,272			724,834		1,943,655
Investment accounted for under the equity method		-		-		42,243		14,669			52,523		109,435
Intangible assets other than goodwill		106,910		420		1,397		2,683			76,948		188,358
Goodwill		23,205		-		11,521		-			-		34,726
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,526,919		513		3,424		6,250			32,800		1,569,906
Right-of-use assets		29,427		2,734		2,817		2,083			103		37,164
Other non-current assets		20,321		28		4		(624	)		-		19,729
Non-current assets		1,706,782		3,695		61,406		25,061			162,374		1,959,318

Items as of December 31, 2018	Chile			Latin America and the Caribbean		Europe		North America			Asia and others		Total
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Revenue		189,349			180,189		479,664		471,515			945,086		2,265,803
Investment accounted for under the equity method		(6,588	)		-		61,256		16,115			40,766		111,549
Intangible assets other than goodwill		110,544			1,215		238		152			77,201		189,350
Goodwill		22,535			86		11,521		724			-		34,866
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,445,349			347		4,451		3,098			1,578		1,454,823
Other non-current assets		17,111			23		-		(892	)		11,297		27,539
Non-current assets		1,588,951			1,671		77,466		19,197			130,842		1,818,127

Effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of effect of changes in foreign exchange rates [Abstract]

Disclosure of foreign currency exchange differences recognized in profit or loss except for financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss [Text Block]

(a)

Foreign currency exchange differences recognized in profit or loss and other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency exchange differences recognized in profit or loss and other comprehensive income	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Conversion foreign exchange gains (losses) recognized in the result of the year		(4,423	)		(2,169	)		(16,597	)
Conversion foreign exchange reserves
Conversion foreign exchange reserves attributable to the owners of the controlling entity		14,176			562			(1,394	)
Conversion foreign exchange reserves attributable to the non-controlling entity		(176	)		225			174
Total		14,000			787			(1,220	)

Disclosure of reserve of exchange differences on translation [Text Block]

(b)

Reserves for foreign currency exchange differences:

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, are detailed as follows:

Details	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Changes in equity generated by the equity method value through conversion:
Comercial Hydro S.A.		1,004			1,004			1,004
SQMC Internacional Ltda.		(9	)		(9	)		(17	)
Proinsa Ltda.		(10	)		(10	)		(11	)
Comercial Agrorama Ltda.		(19	)		33			(21	)
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.		(14	)		(44	)		(1	)
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.		211			142			113
Sacal S.A.		(3	)		(3	)		(3	)
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.		(13	)		(19	)		(10	)
Agrorama S.A.		92			231			132
Doktor Tarsa		-			(13,811	)		(13,811	)
SQM Vitas Fzco		(3,736	)		(2,267	)		(2,682	)
Ajay Europe		(693	)		(1,449	)		(1,270	)
SQM Eastmed Turkey		-			(155	)		(113	)
Doctochem		-			7			-
Coromandel SQM India		-			(431	)		(393	)
SQM Italia SRL		-			(236	)		(213	)
SQM Oceanía Pty Ltd.		(579	)		(634	)		(634	)
SQM Indonesia S.A.		(124	)		(124	)		(124	)
Abu Dhabi Fertillizers Industries WWL.		372			372			(435	)
SQM Vitas Holland		99			(197	)		(170	)
SQM Thailand Limited		(68	)		(68	)		(68	)
SQM Europe		(1,983	)		(1,983	)		(1,983	)
SQM Australia Pty Ltd.		(4,052	)		(4,035	)		(4,222	)
Pavoni & C. Spa		164			(185	)		70
Terra Tarsa BV		-			116			(82	)
Plantacote NV		-			(16	)		(34	)
Doktolab Tarim Arastirma San.		-			(54	)		(29	)
Kore Potash PLC (a)		(1,128	)		(1,754	)		(1,206	)
SQM Colombia SAS		(80	)		(166	)		(94	)
Total		(11,569	)		(25,745	)		(26,307	)

Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Foreign exchange rates [abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about assets held in foreign currency subject to fluctuations in exchange rates [Text Block]

Assets held in foreign currency subject to fluctuations in exchange rates are detailed as follows:

Class of Asset	Currency	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Cash and cash equivalents	USD		454,402		558,572
Cash and cash equivalents	ARS		-		3
Cash and cash equivalents	CLP		7,190		8,240
Cash and cash equivalents	CNY		11,597		2,484
Cash and cash equivalents	EUR		17,144		3,131
Cash and cash equivalents	GBP		19		3
Cash and cash equivalents	AUD		1,411		8,492
Cash and cash equivalents	INR		6		6
Cash and cash equivalents	MXN		1,378		2,103
Cash and cash equivalents	PEN		3		4
Cash and cash equivalents	AED		-		-
Cash and cash equivalents	JPY		1,646		1,559
Cash and cash equivalents	ZAR		14,286		3,929
Cash and cash equivalents	KRW		16		-
Cash and cash equivalents	IDR		3		3
Cash and cash equivalents	PLN		1		1
Subtotal cash and cash equivalents			509,102		588,530
Other current financial assets	USD		145,893		127,889
Other current financial assets	CLF		-		36,896
Other current financial assets	CLP		202,176		340,705
Subtotal other current financial assets			348,069		505,490
Other current non-financial assets	USD		20,645		16,535
Other current non-financial assets	AUD		224		285
Other current non-financial assets	BRL		-		2
Other current non-financial assets	CLF		53		31
Other current non-financial assets	CLP		27,837		24,374
Other current non-financial assets	CNY		1,661		326
Other current non-financial assets	EUR		1,531		3,055
Other current non-financial assets	COP		70		-
Other current non-financial assets	MXN		4,488		2,629
Other current non-financial assets	THB		70		22
Other current non-financial assets	JPY		157		174
Other current non-financial assets	ZAR		646		3,119
Other current non-financial assets	SEK		17		-
Subtotal other non-financial current assets			57,399		50,552
Trade and other receivables	USD		230,214		225,554
Trade and other receivables	PEN		1		6
Trade and other receivables	BRL		23		19
Trade and other receivables	CLF		545		504
Trade and other receivables	CLP		47,133		56,023
Trade and other receivables	CNY		22,882		3,340
Trade and other receivables	EUR		22,868		24,925
Trade and other receivables	GBP		682		148
Trade and other receivables	MXN		355		211
Trade and other receivables	AED		533		1,193
Trade and other receivables	THB		1,167		1,695
Trade and other receivables	JPY		23,010		66,266
Trade and other receivables	AUD		589		801
Trade and other receivables	ZAR		12,504		15,900
Trade and other receivables	COP		2,675		2,557
Trade and other receivables	SEK		25		-
Subtotal trade and other receivables			365,206		399,142
Receivables from related parties	USD		61,379		60,135
Receivables from related parties	EUR		1,222		1,092
Subtotal receivables from related parties			62,601		61,227

Class of assets	Currency	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Current inventories	USD		1,093,028		983,338
Subtotal Current Inventories			1,093,028		983,338
Current tax assets	USD		128,529		87,509
Current tax assets	ARS		-		1
Current tax assets	CLP		3,015		1,623
Current tax assets	EUR		218		61
Current tax assets	MXN		-		1,806
Current tax assets	PEN		4		-
Current tax assets	ZAR		26		139
Current tax assets	COP		417		294
Current tax assets	THB		15		-
Subtotal current tax assets			132,224		91,433
Non-current assets or groups of assets classified as held for sale	USD		1,629		2,454
Subtotal Non-current assets or groups of assets classified as held for sale			1,629		2,454
Total current assets			2,569,258		2,682,166
Other non-current financial assets	USD		51,828		8,687
Other non-current financial assets	CLP		20		20
Other non-current financial assets	JPY		77		71
Subtotal Other non-current financial assets			51,925		8,778
Other non-current non-financial assets	USD		21,236		19,101
Other non-current non-financial assets	BRL		17		22
Other non-current non-financial assets	COP		-		6
Other non-current non-financial assets	EUR		7		4
Other non-current non-financial assets	CLP		782		596
Subtotal Other non-current non-financial assets			22,042		19,729
Other receivables, non-current	USD		10,061		522
Other receivables, non-current	CLF		152		165
Other receivables, non-current	MXN		102		43
Other receivables, non-current	CLP		850		980
Subtotal Other receivables, non-current			11,165		1,710
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	USD		23,417		57,777
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	TRY		792		26,624
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	AED		47,774		9,111
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	EUR		11,082		14,315
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	INR		1,304		1,568
Investments classified using the equity method of accounting	THB		1,624		40
Subtotal Investments classified using the equity method of accounting			85,993		109,435
Intangible assets other than goodwill	USD		176,282		185,951
Intangible assets other than goodwill	MXN		1,025		1,137
Intangible assets other than goodwill	CLP		182		136
Intangible assets other than goodwill	EUR		696		1,134
Intangible assets other than goodwill	CNY		222		-
Subtotal intangible assets other than goodwill			178,407		188,358
Purchases goodwill, gross	USD		34,438		34,438
Purchases goodwill, gross	CLP		-		140
Purchases goodwill, gross	EUR		7,528		148
Subtotal Purchases goodwill, gross			41,966		34,726
Property, plant and equipment	USD		1,719,358		1,556,160
Property, plant and equipment	CLP		3,237		3,294
Property, plant and equipment	EUR		10,954		4,756
Property, plant and equipment	AED		923		-
Property, plant and equipment	BRL		111		-
Property, plant and equipment	MXN		2,494		5,588
Property, plant and equipment	COP		120		108
Property, plant and equipment	KRW		122		-
Subtotal property, plant and equipment			1,737,319		1,569,906
Right-of-use assets	USD		25,238		37,164
Right-of-use assets	EUR		2,428		-
Right-of-use assets	AED		60		-
Right-of-use assets	MXN		2,298		-
Subtotal Right-of-use assets			30,024		37,164
Current tax assets, non-current	USD		90,364		32,179
Subtotal Current tax assets, non-current			90,364		32,179
Total non-current assets			2,249,205		2,001,985
Total assets			4,818,463		4,684,151

Disclosure of detailed information about liabilities held in foreign currencies [Text Block]

		As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
Class of liability	Currency	Up to 90 days		More than 90 days to 1 year		Total		Up to 90 days		More than 90 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Current liabilities
Other current financial liabilities	USD		43,218		4,676		47,894		20,582		250,694		271,276
Other current financial liabilities	CLF		20,732		329		21,061		19,518		323		19,841
Other current financial liabilities	BRL		-		-		-		11		-		11
Subtotal other current financial liabilities			63,950		5,005		68,955		40,111		251,017		291,128
Lease liabilities, current	USD		-		4,750		4,750		-		7,694		7,694
Lease liabilities, current	MXN		-		416		416		-		-		-
Lease liabilities, current	EUR		-		362		362		-		-		-
Subtotal Lease liabilities, current			-		5,528		5,528		-		7,694		7,694
Trade and other payables	USD		83,425		-		83,425		44,146		-		44,146
Trade and other payables	CLF		123		-		123		-		-		-
Trade and other payables	BRL		9		-		9		10		-		10
Trade and other payables	THB		30		-		30		53		-		53
Trade and other payables	CLP		73,857		-		73,857		73,703		17,108		90,811
Trade and other payables	CNY		1,323		-		1,323		-		-		-
Trade and other payables	EUR		40,280		-		40,280		58,538		5		58,543
Trade and other payables	GBP		18		-		18		17		-		17
Trade and other payables	INR		1		-		1		1		-		1
Trade and other payables	MXN		584		-		584		5,122		-		5,122
Trade and other payables	PEN		5		-		5		5		-		5
Trade and other payables	AUD		2,935		-		2,935		4,442		-		4,442
Trade and other payables	ZAR		1,168		-		1,168		2,260		-		2,260
Trade and other payables	AED		-		-		-		188		-		188
Trade and other payables	COP		175		-		175		192		-		192
Subtotal trade and other payables			203,933		-		203,933		188,677		17,113		205,790
Trade payables due to related parties, current	USD		-		282		282		475		-		475
Trade payables due to related parties, current	AUD		324		-		324		-		-		-
Subtotal Trade payables due to related parties, current			324		282		606		475		-		475
Other current provisions	USD		103,252		698		103,950		109,650		820		110,470
Other current provisions	ARS		-		-		-		7		-		7
Other current provisions	CLP		216		-		216		82		-		82
Other current provisions	EUR		-		-		-		6		-		6
Subtotal other current provisions			103,468		698		104,166		109,745		820		110,565

Class of liability		As of December 31, 2020						As of December 31, 2019
	Currency	Up to90 days		91 days to 1 year		Total		Up to90 days		91 days to 1 year		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Current tax liabilities	USD		-		20,981		20,981		2,863		14,994		17,857
Current tax liabilities	CLP		-		61		61		-		17		17
Current tax liabilities	EUR		-		642		642		-		-		-
Current tax liabilities	MXN		-		959		959		-		-		-
Subtotal current tax liabilities			-		22,643		22,643		2,863		15,011		17,874
Provisions for employee benefits, current	USD		2,981		6,011		8,992		12,486		3,901		16,387
Provisions for employee benefits, current	AUD		58		-		58		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, current	CLP		3		-		3		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, current	THB		-		-		-		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, current	MXN		43		-		43		-		-		-
Subtotal Provisions for employee benefits, current			3,085		6,011		9,096		12,486		3,901		16,387
Other current non-financial liabilities	USD		51,995		397		52,392		117,136		154		117,290
Other current non-financial liabilities	THB		-		-		-		30		-		30
Other current non-financial liabilities	BRL		2		-		2		3		-		3
Other current non-financial liabilities	CLP		6,264		792		7,056		5,969		2,439		8,408
Other current non-financial liabilities	CNY		60		-		60		-		-		-
Other current non-financial liabilities	EUR		913		119		1,032		842		-		842
Other current non-financial liabilities	MXN		121		53		174		129		64		193
Other current non-financial liabilities	JPY		52		-		52		21		12		33
Other current non-financial liabilities	PEN		70		-		70		70		-		70
Other current non-financial liabilities	ZAR		-		-		-		10		-		10
Other current non-financial liabilities	COP		-		-		-		-		-		-
Other current non-financial liabilities	ARS		-		117		117		20		-		20
Subtotal other current non-financial liabilities			59,477		1,478		60,955		124,230		2,669		126,899
Total current liabilities			434,237		41,645		475,882		478,587		298,225		776,812

		As of December 31, 2020
Class of liability	Currency	Over 1 year to 2 years		Over 2 years to 3 years		Over 3 years to 4 years		Over 4 years to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Non-current liabilities
Other non-current financial liabilities	USD		-		312,730		69,376		248,664		838,399		1,469,169
Other non-current financial liabilities	CLF		-		-		-		-		430,344		430,344
Subtotal Other non-current financial liabilities			-		312,730		69,376		248,664		1,268,743		1,899,513
Non-current lease liabilities	USD		1,977		-		-		-		4,158		6,135
Non-current lease liabilities	UF		15,258		-		-		-		-		15,258
Non-current lease liabilities	MXN		2,189		-		-		-		-		2,189
Non-current lease liabilities	JPY		1,964		-		-		-		-		1,964
Subtotal non-current lease liabilities			21,388		-		-		-		4,158		25,546
Non-current Trade and other payables	USD		-		4,027		-		-		-		4,027
Subtotal Non-current Trade and other payables			-		4,027		-		-		-		4,027
Other non-current provisions	USD		-		36,391		-		-		26,226		62,617
Subtotal Other non-current provisions			-		36,391		-		-		26,226		62,617
Deferred tax liabilities	USD		-		919		-		-		155,182		156,101
Subtotal Deferred tax liabilities			-		919		-		-		155,182		156,101
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	USD		31,585		-		-		-		-		31,585
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	CLP		610		-		-		-		-		610
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	MXN		-		-		-		-		-		-
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	JPY		4		-		-		-		-		4
Subtotal Provisions for employee benefits, non-current			32,199		-		-		-		-		32,199
Total non-current liabilities			53,587		354,067		69,376		248,664		1,454,309		2,180,003
Total liabilities													2,655,885

		As of December 31, 2019
Class of liability	Currency	Over 1 year to 2 years		Over 2 years to 3 years		Over 3 years to 4 years		Over 4 years to 5 years		Over 5 years		Total
		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Non-current liabilities
Other non-current financial liabilities	USD		89,896		42,336		313,749		13,749		617,055		1,076,785
Other non-current financial liabilities	CLF		-		-		-		-		411,938		411,938
Subtotal Other non-current financial liabilities			89,896		42,336		313,749		13,749		1,028,993		1,488,723
Non-current lease liabilities	USD		-		-		-		-		30,203		30,203
Subtotal non-current lease liabilities			-		-		-		-		30,203		30,203
Non-current Trade and other payables	USD		-		-		-		-		-		-
Subtotal Non-current Trade and other payables			-		-		-		-		-		-
Other non-current provisions	USD		23,014		167		-		1,452		10,057		34,690
Subtotal Other non-current provisions			23,014		167		-		1,452		10,057		34,690
Deferred tax liabilities	USD		-		-		-		-		183,411		183,411
Subtotal Deferred tax liabilities			-		-		-		-		183,411		183,411
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	USD		-		-		-		-		34,884		34,884
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	CLP		-		-		-		-		519		519
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	MXN		-		-		-		-		236		236
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current	JPY		-		-		-		-		201		201
Subtotal Provisions for employee benefits, non-current			-		-		-		-		35,840		35,840
Total non-current liabilities			112,910		42,503		313,749		15,201		1,288,504		1,772,867
Total liabilities													2,549,679

Disclosure of detailed information about effect of exchange rate changes on the statement of income explanatory [Text Block]

	For the period from January to December of the year
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2020			2019			2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Profit (loss) in foreign currency		(4,423	)		(2,169	)		(16,597	)
Foreign currency translation reserve (*)		14,176			562			(1,394	)
Total		9,753			(1,607	)		(17,991	)

(*) includes MUS$ 14,580, which were transferred through sale of Grupo Tarsa, SQM Eastmed and other smaller companies.

Income tax and deferred taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Disclosure of income tax [Abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about current and non-current tax assets [Text Block]

(a)

Current

Current tax assets	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Monthly provisional income tax payments, Chilean companies		37,123		47,283
Monthly provisional income tax payments, foreign companies		1,265		124
Corporate tax credits (1)		1,566		1,262
1st category tax absorbed by tax loss (2)		2,322		916
Taxes in recovery process		89,948		41,848
Total		132,224		91,433

(b)

Non-current

Non-current tax assets	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Monthly provisional income tax payments, Chilean companies compensated by the specific tax on mining activity (Lithium)		6,398		6,398
Specific tax on mining activities (IEAM) paid by Lithium (on consignment)		83,966		25,781
Total		90,364		32,179

(1)

(2)

This concept corresponds to the absorption of the tax losses determined by the company at the end of the year, which must be attributed to the dividends received during the year.

Disclosure of detailed information about current tax liabilities [Text Block]

27.2	Current tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
1st Category income tax		14,736		7,863
Foreign company income tax		7,838		9,944
Article 21 single tax		69		67
Total		22,643		17,874

Description of detailed information regarding income tax rates applicable for various countries [Text Block]

The income tax rate for the main countries where the Company operates is presented below:

	Income tax			Income tax
Country	2020			2019
Spain		25	%		25	%
Belgium		25	%		29.58	%
Mexico		30	%		30	%
United States		21% + 3,36	%		21% + 3,25	%
South Africa		28	%		28	%

Disclosure of deferred taxes [text block]

(a)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020

	Net liability position
Description of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020	Assets		Liabilities
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Unrealized loss		90,585		-
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		-		(187,168	)
Restoration and rehabilitation provision		6,598		-
Manufacturing expenses		-		(107,215	)
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		-		(6,669	)
Vacation accrual		6,138		-
Inventory provision		22,200		-
Materials provision		8,812		-
Forward		-		-
Employee benefits		-		-
Research and development expenses		-		(3,580	)
Bad debt provision		5,072		-
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		19,637		-
Loan acquisition expenses		-		(5,212	)
Financial instruments recorded at market value		-		(3,929	)
Specific tax on mining activity		-		(3,014	)
Tax loss benefit		844		-
Other		1,454		-
Foreign items (other)		-		(654	)
Balances to date		161,340		(317,441	)
Net balance				(156,101	)

(b)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019

	Net liability position
Description of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Assets		Liabilities
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Unrealized loss		82,075		-
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		-		(197,167	)
Facility closure provision		7,313		-
Manufacturing expenses		-		(106,420	)
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		-		(6,000	)
Vacation		5,591		-
Inventory provision		23,885		-
Materials provision		7,982		-
Employee benefits		2,689		-
Research and development expenses		-		(3,533	)
Bad debt provision		3,542		-
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		2,546		-
Loan acquisition expenses		-		(3,856	)
Financial instruments recorded at market value		-		(1,287	)
Specific tax on mining activity		-		(1,357	)
Tax loss benefit		2,296		-
Other		-		(2,021	)
Foreign items (other)		311		-
Balances to date		138,230		(321,641	)
Net balance				(183,411	)

Disclosure of detailed information about reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities assets [Text Block]

(c)

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2020

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	Deferred tax liability (asset) at beginning of period			Deferred tax (expense) benefit recognized in profit (loss) for the year			Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity			Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)			Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Unrealized loss		(82,076	)		(8,509	)		-			(8,509	)		(90,585	)
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		197,167			(9,999	)		-			(9,999	)		187,168
Facility closure provision		(7,312	)		714			-			714			(6,598	)
Manufacturing expenses		106,420			795			-			795			107,215
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		6,000			514			155			669			6,669
Vacation accrual		(5,591	)		(547	)		-			(547	)		(6,138	)
Inventory provision		(23,885	)		1,685			-			1,685			(22,200	)
Materials provision		(7,982	)		(830	)		-			(830	)		(8,812	)
Forward		-			1,001			(1,001	)		-			-
Employee benefits		(2,689	)		2,689			-			2,689			-
Research and development expenses		3,534			46			-			46			3,580
bad debt provision		(3,542	)		(1,530	)		-			(1,530	)		(5,072	)
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		(2,546	)		(17,091	)		-			(17,091	)		(19,637	)
Loan approval expenses		3,856			1,356			-			1,356			5,212
Junior mining companies (valued based on stock price)		1,287			-			2,642			2,642			3,929
specific tax on mining activity		1,356			1,668			(10	)		1,658			3,014
Tax loss benefit		(2,296	)		1,452			-			1,452			(844	)
Other		2,021			(3,475	)		-			(3,475	)		(1,454	)
Foreign items (other)		(311	)		965			-			965			654
Total temporary differences, unused losses and unused tax credits		183,411			(29,096	)		1,786			(27,310	)		156,101

(d)

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2019

Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	Deferred tax liability (asset) at beginning of period			Deferred tax (expense) benefit recognized in profit (loss) for the year			Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity			Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)			Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Unrealized loss		(75,832	)		(6,243	)		-			(6,243	)		(82,075	)
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest		196,843			324			-			324			197,167
Facility closure provision		(4,280	)		(3,033	)		-			(3,033	)		(7,313	)
Manufacturing expenses		103,760			2,660			-			2,660			106,420
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance		5,679			1,007			(686	)		321			6,000
Vacation accrual		(5,155	)		(436	)		-			(436	)		(5,591	)
Inventory provision		(28,155	)		4,270			-			4,270			(23,885	)
Materials provision		(6,239	)		(1,743	)		-			(1,743	)		(7,982	)
Forward		(2,169	)		(514	)		2,683			2,169			-
Employee benefits		(3,309	)		620			-			620			(2,689	)
Research and development expenses		2,216			1,317			-			1,317			3,533
bad debt provisions		(4,188	)		646			-			646			(3,542	)
Provision for legal complaints and expenses		(4,013	)		1,467			-			1,467			(2,546	)
Loan approval expenses		2,337			1,519			-			1,519			3,856
Financial instruments recorded at market value		976			-			311			311			1,287
specific tax on mining activity		3,278			(1,905	)		(16	)		(1,921	)		1,357
Tax loss benefit		(1,124	)		(1,172	)		-			(1,172	)		(2,296	)
Other		(5,005	)		7,026			-			7,026			2,021
Foreign items (other)		(259	)		(52	)		-			(52	)		(311	)
Total temporary differences, unused losses and unused tax credits		175,361			5,758			2,292			8,050			183,411

Disclosure of detailed information about net operating loss carryforwards [Text Block]

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, tax loss carryforwards are detailed as follows:

Deferred taxes related to benefits for tax losses	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Chile		818		2,296
Foreign		26		-
Total		844		2,296

Disclosure of detailed information about movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities [Text Block]

Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are detailed as follows:

	Assets (liabilities)
Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$			ThUS$
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance		(183,411	)		(175,361	)
Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes in profit or loss		29,096			(5,758	)
Decrease in deferred taxes in equity		(1,786	)		(2,292	)
Total		(156,101	)		(183,411	)

Disclosure of detailed information about current and deferred tax expenses income [Text Block]

Current and deferred tax (expenses) benefit are detailed as follows:

	(Expense) Income
Disclosures on income tax expense (benefit)	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Current income tax (expense) income
Current tax expense		(97,374	)		(116,483	)		(207,959	)
Adjustments to prior year current income tax (expense) benefit		(1,901	)		12,222			1,577
Current income tax expense, net, total		(99,275	)		(104,261	)		(206,382	)
Deferred tax expense
Deferred tax expense relating to the creation and reversal of temporary differences		26,219			2,551			26,434
Tax adjustments related to the creation and reversal of temporary differences from the previous year		2,877			(8,309	)		973
Deferred tax expense, net, total		29,096			(5,758	)		27,407
Income tax expense		(70,179	)		(110,019	)		(178,975	)

Tax (expenses) benefit for foreign and domestic parties are detailed as follows:

	(Expense) Income
Income tax (expense) benefit	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Current income tax benefit (expense) by foreign and domestic parties, net
Current income tax expense, foreign parties, net		(9,782	)		(7,394	)		(7,516	)
Current income tax expense, domestic, net		(89,493	)		(96,867	)		(198,866	)
Current income tax expense, net, total		(99,275	)		(104,261	)		(206,382	)
Deferred tax benefit (expense) by foreign and domestic parties, net
Current income tax benefit, foreign parties, net		10,284			2,370			(1,885	)
Current income tax benefit (expense), domestic, net		18,812			(8,128	)		29,292
Deferred tax expense, net, total		29,096			(5,758	)		27,407
Income tax expense		(70,179	)		(110,019	)		(178,975	)

Disclosure of detailed information about tax effects of other comprehensive income components [Text Block]

(i)

Disclosures on the tax effects of other comprehensive income components:

	As of December 31, 2020
Income tax related to other income and expense components with a charge or credit to net equity	Amount before taxes (expense) gain			(Expense) income for income taxes			Amount after taxes
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Gain (loss) from defined benefit plans		974			(145	)		829
Cash flow hedge		(3,706	)		1,001			(2,705	)
Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income		9,785			(2,642	)		7,143
Total		7,053			(1,786	)		5,267

	As of December 31, 2019
Income tax related to other income and expense components with a charge or credit to net equity	Amount before taxes (expense) gain			(Expense) income for income taxes			Amount after taxes
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Gain (loss) from defined benefit plans		(3,310	)		702			(2,608	)
Cash flow hedge		1,908			(2,683	)		(775	)
Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income		1,152			(311	)		841
Total		(250	)		(2,292	)		(2,542	)

	As of December 31, 2018
Income tax related to other income and expense components with a charge or credit to net equity	Amount before taxes (expense) gain			(Expense) income for income taxes		Amount after taxes
	ThUS$			ThUS$		ThUS$
Gain (loss) from defined benefit plans		(1,327	)		396		(931	)
Cash flow hedge		5,723			-		5,723
Reserve for gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income		(5,546	)		1,498		(4,048	)
Total		(1,150	)		1,894		744

Disclosure of reconciliation of accounting profit multiplied by applicable tax rates [Text Block]

Reconciliation between the tax income (expense) and the tax calculated by multiplying accounting income by the Chilean corporate income tax rate.

	(Expense) Benefits
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	As of December 31, 2020			As of December 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
	ThUS$			ThUS$			ThUS$
Consolidated income before taxes		238,538			390,622			621,038
Income tax rate in force in Chile		27	%		27	%		27	%
Tax expense using the statutory tax rate		(64,405	)		(105,468	)		(167,680	)
Net effect of royalty tax payments		(4,659	)		(4,314	)		(4,919	)
Effect of fines affected by article 21 and passive income		(1,804	)		(724	)		(2,957	)
Tax effect of revenue from regular activities exempt from taxation		1,786			2,376			1,446
Tax rate effect of non-tax-deductible expenses for determining taxable profit (loss)		(2,987	)		(2,128	)		(2,327	)
Tax effect of tax rates supported abroad		(2,077	)		(252	)		(8,714	)
Surplus provision Internal revenue service		-			-			3,517
Effects of changes resulting from classifying a permanent item as a temporary one		4,826			-			-
Other tax effects from reconciliation between accounting gains and tax expenses		(859	)		491			2,659
Tax expense using the effective tax rate		(70,179	)		(110,019	)		(178,975	)

Assets held for sale (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale or as held for distribution to owners [abstract]

Disclosure of detailed information about available for sale noncurrent assets [Text Block]

The following table shows the movements in assets held for sale:

Assets held for sale	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Land		1,493		2,454
Mining rights		136		-
Total assets held for sale		1,629		2,454

Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020 Employees	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019 Employees
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees	126	5,507	124	5,741
Executives [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		115		121
Professionals [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		1,250		1,280
Technicians and operators [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		3,577		3,763
Foreign employees [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		565		577
SQM S.A [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		408		439
SQM S.A [Member] \| Executives [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		30		30
SQM S.A [Member] \| Professionals [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		94		110
SQM S.A [Member] \| Technicians and operators [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		267		282
SQM S.A [Member] \| Foreign employees [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		17		17
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		5,099		5,302
Other Subsidiaries [Member] \| Executives [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		85		91
Other Subsidiaries [Member] \| Professionals [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		1,156		1,170
Other Subsidiaries [Member] \| Technicians and operators [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		3,310		3,481
Other Subsidiaries [Member] \| Foreign employees [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Employees Explanatory [Line Items]
Number of employees		548		560

Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 shares	Dec. 31, 2019 shares
Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of shareholder Outstanding shares interest in excess	5.00%
Number of shareholders	1,358
Inversiones TLC SPA [Member]
Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of voting equity held by entity or by its subsidiaries	23.77%
Number of shares in entity held by entity or by its subsidiaries or associates	62,556,568
Number of shares reserved for issue under options and contracts for sale of shares		62,556,568
Inversiones TLC SPA [Member] \| Series A Stock [Member]
Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of voting equity held by entity or by its subsidiaries	25.86%
Inversiones TLC SPA [Member] \| Series B Stock [Member]
Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Percentage of voting equity held by entity or by its subsidiaries	25.86%
Number of shares in entity held by entity or by its subsidiaries or associates	5,516,772
Banco de Chile via State Street [Member] \| Series A Stock [Member]
Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Number of shares in entity held by entity or by its subsidiaries or associates	57,235,201
Banco de Chile via State Street [Member] \| Series B Stock [Member]
Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Number of shares in entity held by entity or by its subsidiaries or associates	11,418,078

Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Basis Of Presentation For Consolidated Financial Statement [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, (net)	$ 1,737,319	$ 1,569,906	$ 1,454,823
Right-of-use assets	30,024	37,164	$ 0
Other current financial liabilities	68,955	291,128
Lease liabilities, current	5,528	7,694
Other non-current financial liabilities	1,899,513	1,488,723
Lease liabilities, non-current	$ 25,546	30,203
Balances originally reported [Member]
Disclosure Of Basis Of Presentation For Consolidated Financial Statement [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, (net)		1,607,070
Right-of-use assets		0
Other current financial liabilities		298,822
Lease liabilities, current		0
Other non-current financial liabilities		1,518,926
Lease liabilities, non-current		0
Reclassification balances [Member]
Disclosure Of Basis Of Presentation For Consolidated Financial Statement [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, (net)		(37,164)
Right-of-use assets		37,164
Other current financial liabilities		(7,694)
Lease liabilities, current		7,694
Other non-current financial liabilities		(30,203)
Lease liabilities, non-current		30,203
Reclassified balances [member]
Disclosure Of Basis Of Presentation For Consolidated Financial Statement [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, (net)		1,569,906
Right-of-use assets		37,164
Other current financial liabilities		291,128
Lease liabilities, current		7,694
Other non-current financial liabilities		1,488,723
Lease liabilities, non-current		$ 30,203

Significant accounting policies (Details)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Brazilian real [Member]

5.18

4.02

New Peruvian Sol [Member]

5.14

4.11

3.62

3.31

3.60

3.35

Argentine peso [Member]

84.14

59.83

82.62

59.86

Japanese yen [Member]

105.56

108.90

103.81

109.12

Euro [Member]

0.81

0.89

0.82

0.90

Mexican peso [Member]

19.93

18.89

Australian dollar [Member]

19.97

19.11

1.30

1.43

1.33

1.45

Pound Sterling [Member]

0.74

0.76

South African rand [Member]

0.74

0.76

14.61

14.06

14.88

14.42

Chilean peso [Member]

710.95

748.74

731.92

767.22

Chinese yuan [Member]

6.51

6.98

6.53

7.01

Indian rupee [Member]

73.30

71.31

73.65

71.16

Thai Baht [Member]

29.94

29.97

30.08

30.22

Turkish lira [Member]

7.36

5.94

7.70

5.85

Uf [Member]

^[1]

40.89

37.81

^[1]

39.73

36.90

[1]	US$ per UF

Significant accounting policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Significant accounting policies (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2020
Water rights and rights of way [member] \| Bottom of range [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Description of useful life, intangible assets other than goodwill	Indefinite
Water rights and rights of way [member] \| Top of range [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Description of useful life, intangible assets other than goodwill	Indefinite
Mining rights granted by Corfo [member] \| Bottom of range [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Useful life measured as period of time, intangible assets other than goodwill	10 years
Mining rights granted by Corfo [member] \| Top of range [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Useful life measured as period of time, intangible assets other than goodwill	10 years
Mining rights [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Description of useful life, intangible assets other than goodwill	Unit-production method
IT programs [member] \| Bottom of range [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Useful life measured as period of time, intangible assets other than goodwill	2 years
IT programs [member] \| Top of range [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Useful life measured as period of time, intangible assets other than goodwill	8 years

Significant accounting policies (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Significant accounting policies (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2020
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Amortization Period	10 years
Bottom of range [member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Cash dividend rate	30.00%

Financial risk management (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Time deposits [Member] \| Financial Assets Neither Past Due Nor Impaired Total [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	$ 261,973
Time and Investment Fund Deposits Total [Member] \| Financial Assets Neither Past Due Nor Impaired Total [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		$ 476,332
90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Financial Assets Neither Past Due Nor Impaired Total [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	345,459	485,689
No Rating [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| BBVA Banco Frances [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		53
No Rating [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Other banks with lower balances [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	86
No Rating [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco de Chile [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		18,026
Fitch F1 [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Scotiabank Sud Americano [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	7,002	14,428
Fitch F1 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Scotiabank Sud Americano [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	31,668
Moody's P-2 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Scotiabank Sud Americano [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		54,180
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Banco Credito e Inversiones [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	9,002	42,096
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Banco Santander - Santiago [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	16,702
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Banco de Chile [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	10,503	50,221
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Banco Estado [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	1,001	500
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Banco Santander [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		2,708
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Credito e Inversiones [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	185,589
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Santander - Santiago [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		74,365
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Santander - Santiago [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	45,168
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Estado [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		15,126
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco de Crédito e Inversiones [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		178,448
Moody's P-2 S&P A-2 [Member] \| Time deposits [Member] \| Banco Itau Corpbanca [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	7,299	39,093
Moody's P-2 S&P A-2 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Itau Corpbanca [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	49,006	127,579
S&P A-2 Fitch F2 [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| Banco Security [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets		17,965
Moodys Aaamf SP AAAm Fitch AAAmmf [Member] \| Investment Fund [Member] \| JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	102,753	181,155
SP AAAm Fitch AAAmmf [Member] \| Investment Fund [Member] \| Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	107,625	$ 146,078
Moody's P-1 S&P A-1 Fitch N1+ [Member] \| 90 days to 1 year [Member] \| JP Morgan Asset Management [Member] \| Financial assets neither past due nor impaired [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets	$ 34,028

Financial risk management (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Bank borrowings	$ 72,340	$ 77,040
Unsecured obligations	2,742,530	2,125,010
Subtotal	2,814,870	2,202,050
Hedging liabilities	29,470	63,270
Derivative financial instruments	5,390	3,170
Subtotal	34,860	66,440
Current and non-current lease liabilities	34,610	42,180
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable	203,933	205,790
Total	3,088,270	2,516,460
Less than 1 year [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Bank borrowings	940	2,170
Unsecured obligations	88,220	326,340
Subtotal	89,160	328,510
Hedging liabilities	6,060	6,570
Derivative financial instruments	5,390	3,170
Subtotal	11,450	9,740
Current and non-current lease liabilities	6,400	8,900
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable	203,930	205,790
Total	310,940	552,940
1 to 5 years [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Bank borrowings	71,400	74,870
Unsecured obligations	927,170	614,290
Subtotal	998,570	689,160
Hedging liabilities	12,340	24,330
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Subtotal	12,340	24,330
Current and non-current lease liabilities	21,040	23,010
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable	0	0
Total	1,031,950	736,500
Over 5 years [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Bank borrowings	0	0
Unsecured obligations	1,727,140	1,184,380
Subtotal	1,727,140	1,184,380
Hedging liabilities	11,070	32,370
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Subtotal	11,070	32,370
Current and non-current lease liabilities	7,170	10,270
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable	0	0
Total	1,745,380	1,227,020
Carrying amount [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Bank borrowings	70,080	70,190
Unsecured obligations	1,872,090	1,697,110
Subtotal	1,942,170	1,767,300
Hedging liabilities	40,210	23,660
Derivative financial instruments	5,390	3,170
Subtotal	45,600	26,830
Current and non-current lease liabilities	31,070	37,900
Trade accounts payable and other accounts payable	203,930	205,790
Total	$ 2,222,770	$ 2,037,820

Financial risk management (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial risk management (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Percentage of Financial Liabilities Maturing in Next 12 Months	4.00%
Undrawn borrowing facilities	$ 478,000
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges liability	$ 29,470	$ 63,270
Percentage of Insurance Covers on Risk	80.00%
Banco Santander [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Collateral Guarantee Reduce Liquidity Risk	$ 1,870
CHILE
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Average foreign exchange rate	10,000
Derivatives [member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Financial assets, at fair value	$ 18,410	18,900
Adjustments for unrealised foreign exchange losses (gains)	$ 473,000
Derivatives [member] \| Interest rate hedging [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments percentage of obligations covered	100.00%
Derivatives [member] \| Derivative instruments associated with nominative term deposits [Member] \| Hedges of foreign exchange risks [Member]
Financial risk management [Line Items]
Derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges assets	$ 21,000
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges liability		$ 16,400
Percentage of foreign exchange risk associated with nominative term deposits	100.00%

Separate information on the main office, parent entity and joint action agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Separate information on the main office, parent entity and joint action agreements [Line Items]
Assets	$ 4,818,463	$ 4,684,151	$ 4,268,094
Liabilities	(2,655,885)	(2,549,679)	(2,130,292)
Equity	2,162,578	2,134,472	$ 2,137,802	$ 2,247,468
Parent [Member]
Separate information on the main office, parent entity and joint action agreements [Line Items]
Assets	4,173,308	4,069,649
Liabilities	(2,050,223)	(1,983,382)
Equity	$ 2,123,085	$ 2,086,267

The amount of residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all its liabilities.

Board of Directors, Senior Management and Key management personnel (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation	$ 22,858	$ 22,598	$ 27,907

Board of Directors, Senior Management and Key management personnel (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 Employees	Dec. 31, 2019 Employees
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation	$ 22,858	$ 22,598	$ 27,907
Number of employees	126	124		5,507	5,741
Chairman [Member] \| Variable compensation [Member] \| National currency [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation, Percentage	0.09%	0.12%
Directors [Member] \| Variable compensation [Member] \| Local currency [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation, Percentage	0.045%	0.06%
Directors committee [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation	$ 4,582	$ 5,168
Directors committee [Member] \| Variable compensation [Member] \| Local currency [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation, Percentage	0.015%	0.02%
Health, Safety and Environmental Matters Committee [Member] \| Fixed compensation [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation		$ 100
Corporate Governance Committee [Member] \| Fixed compensation [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation		$ 100

Equity-accounted investees (Details) - USD ($)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

$ 85,993,000

$ 109,435,000

$ 111,549,000

7,500,000

Investments accounted for using equity method [member]

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1]

60,023,000

85,092,000

75,976,000

7,118,000

8,402,000

5,081,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

382,000

(571,000)

(1,177)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

7,831,000

3,904,000

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1]

11,505,000

11,609,000

10,821,000

(156,000)

634,000

596,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

1,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

(156,000)

635,000

596,000

Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1],[2]

26,001,000

21,582,000

^[2]

4,031,000

3,912,000

241,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[2]

198,000

489,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

^[2]

4,031,000

4,110,000

730,000

Ajay North America

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1]

14,468,000

14,669,000

14,951,000

2,191,000

2,871,000

3,728,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

2,191,000

2,871,000

3,728,000

Ajay Europe SARL

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1]

7,875,000

7,451,000

7,845,000

1,029,000

1,165,000

1,373,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

756,000

(179,000)

(439,000)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

1,785,000

986,000

934,000

Charlee SQM Thailand Co, Ltd,

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1]

316,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

316,000

SQM Eastmed Turkey

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1],[2]

623,000

310,000

^[2]

247,000

354,000

370,000

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[2]

(42,000)

(21,000)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

^[2]

247,000

312,000

349,000

Kore Potash Ltd

Share in profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

^[1]

26,175,000

24,739,000

20,467,000

(224,000)

(534,000)

(1,543,000)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

(374,000)

(549,000)

(1,206,000)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, before tax

$ (598,000)

$ (1,083)

$ (2,749,000)

[1]	These investments include adjustments for unrealized results.
[2]	As of December 31, 2020, these investments no longer form part of the group. See Note 8.4 (a).

Equity-accounted investees (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

$ 3,164

$ 3,851

$ 10,612

Distribution and commercialization of specialty plant nutrients in the Middle East.

PO Box 71871, Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

37.00%

$ 0

6,632

Ajay North America

Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.

1400 Industry RD Power Springs GA 30129

United States

49.00%

$ 1,967

2,796

2,807

Ajay Europe SARL

Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.

Z.I. du Grand Verger BP 227 53602 Evron Cedex

France

50.00%

Charlee SQM Thailand Co, Ltd,

$ 1,197

1,055

811

Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.

31 Soi 138 (Meesuk) LLapdrawrd, Bangkapi, 10240 Bangkok

Thailand

40.00%

$ 0

362

SQM Eastmed Turkey,

Production and distribution of iodine and iodine derivatives.

Organize Sanayi Bolgesi, Ikinci Kisim, 22 cadde TR07100 Antalya

Turkey

50.00%

$ 0

Kore Potash Ltd.

Prospecting, exploration and mining development

L 3 88 William ST Perth, was 6000

United Kingdom

20.20%

Terra Tarsa B.V | Related Party of Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]

$ 0

^[1]

Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients, in the Middle East.

^[1]

Herikerbergweg 238, Luna Arena, 1101CM Amsterdam PO Box 23393, 1100DW Amsterdam Zuidoost

^[1]

Holland

^[1]

50.00%

Plantacote N.V. | Related Party of Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]

^[1]

$ 0

^[1]

Sale of CRF and production and sales of WSNPK.

^[1]

Houtdok-Noordkaai 25a, 2030 Antwerpen, Belgium

^[1]

Belgium

^[1]

100.00%

Doktolab Tarim Arastima San, Tic As | Related Party of Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]

^[1]

$ 0

^[1]

Laboratory services.

^[1]

27. Cd. No:2, 07190 Aosb 2. Kısım/Döşemealtı, Antalya, Turkey

^[1]

Turkey

^[1]

100.00%

Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC | Related Party of Terra Tarsa B.V [Member]

^[1]

$ 0

^[2]

Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients.

^[2]

74800 Ukraine, Kakhovka, 4 Yuzhnaya Str.

^[2]

Ukraine

^[2]

100.00%

Terra Tarsa Don LLC | Related Party of Terra Tarsa B.V [Member]

^[2]

$ 0

^[2]

Distribution and sale of specialty fertilizers.

^[2]

Zorge Street, house 17, 344090, Rostov-on-Don

^[2]

Russian Federation

^[2]

100.00%

Internacional Technical and Trading Agenies Co. WLL | Related Party of Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL [Member]

^[2]

$ 0

^[3]

Distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrients, in the Middle East.

^[3]

P.O Box: 950918 Amman 11195

^[3]

Jordan

^[3]

50.00%

Doctochem Tarim Sanayai Ticaret LTD | Related Party of Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]

^[3]

$ 0

^[1]

Production, distribution and trading of specialty plant nutrition.

^[1]

Eski Büyükdere Cad No: 7 GIZ 2000 Plaza K:17 D:67-68 Maslak Sariyer Ístambul.

^[1]

Turkey

^[1]

100.00%

^[1]

$ 0

[1]	Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS
[2]	Terra Tarsa B.V.
[3]	Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL

Equity-accounted investees (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 2,569,258	$ 2,682,166
Non-current Assets	2,249,205	2,001,985
Current liabilities	475,882	776,812
Non-current liabilities	2,180,003	1,772,867
Revenue	1,817,191	1,943,655	$ 2,265,803
Gain (loss)	168,359	280,603	442,063
Other comprehensive income	19,266	(1,755)	(486)
Comprehensive income	187,625	278,848	441,577
Associates [member]
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets	75,549	176,333	141,240
Non-current Assets	149,940	161,068	187,895
Current liabilities	20,002	43,572	47,056
Non-current liabilities	101	39,226	9,943
Revenue	91,511	202,984	187,061
Gain (loss)	2,876	15,719	4,989
Other comprehensive income	2,222	(2,833)	(6,825)
Comprehensive income	5,098	12,886	(1,836)
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets	29,313	28,543	23,496
Non-current Assets	8,586	9,971	11,444
Current liabilities	6,706	7,133	5,695
Non-current liabilities	101	0	0
Revenue	6,641	31,588	33,098
Gain (loss)	(420)	1,713	1,611
Other comprehensive income	0	4	(1)
Comprehensive income	(420)	1,717	1,610
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets		97,797	66,498
Non-current Assets		15,196	12,242
Current liabilities		22,420	27,067
Non-current liabilities		38,522	8,509
Revenue		93,768	74,144
Gain (loss)		7,824	481
Other comprehensive income		396	978
Comprehensive income		8,220	1,459
Ajay North America
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets	18,513	19,748	21,644
Non-current Assets	15,749	13,250	12,409
Current liabilities	4,737	3,061	3,542
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	42,920	38,833	40,290
Gain (loss)	4,471	5,860	7,608
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	4,471	5,860	7,608
Ajay Europe SARL
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets	22,032	19,589	21,219
Non-current Assets	1,493	1,456	1,214
Current liabilities	7,773	6,144	6,743
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	41,950	35,709	36,337
Gain (loss)	2,058	2,329	2,747
Other comprehensive income	1,736	(358)	(878)
Comprehensive income	3,794	1,971	1,869
SQM Eastmed Turkey
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets		2,718	1,724
Non-current Assets		1,833	2,160
Current liabilities		2,600	1,829
Non-current liabilities		704	1,434
Revenue		3,086	3,192
Gain (loss)		709	740
Other comprehensive income		(84)	(42)
Comprehensive income		625	698
Kore Potash Ltd.
Equity-accounted investees [Line Items]
Current assets	5,691	7,938	6,659
Non-current Assets	124,112	119,362	148,426
Current liabilities	786	2,214	2,180
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	0	0	0
Gain (loss)	(3,233)	(2,716)	(8,198)
Other comprehensive income	486	(2,791)	(6,882)
Comprehensive income	$ (2,747)	$ (5,507)	$ (15,080)

Equity-accounted investees (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Nov. 14, 2018

Jul. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2020

Sep. 30, 2020

Jun. 30, 2020

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 11, 2019

May 15, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

$ 85,993

$ 109,435

$ 111,549

Dividends paid, classified as financing activities

50.00%

221,995

329,787

550,352

Profit loss from sale of interests in associates

$ 643

Kore Potash Ltd. [Member]

Percentage share reduction

0.06%

Proportion of ownership interest in associate

20.20%

Increase decrease in equity through share based payment transaction

$ 79

Kore Potash Ltd. [Member] | SQM [Member] | South Africa

Proportion of ownership interest in associate

19.67%

20.26%

Investment in associate shares

260,598,591

Total shares in associates

584,753,846

Payment to acquire investment in associates

$ 2,600

$ 1,679

Plantacote N.V [Member] | WSNPK [Member] | SQM [Member] | Netherlands

Business combination total purchase consideration

16,757

Business combination goodwill

7,380

SQM Thailand Co Ltd [Member]

Dividends paid, classified as financing activities

$ 759

Kore Potash PLC [Member]

Percentage share reduction

$ 3,000

0.60%

Transfer in equity of non controlling interest to other reserves

$ 754

Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]

Proceeds from sales of interests in associates

^[1],[2]

26,001

21,582

33,066

Profit loss from sale of interests in associates

11,408

Other current receivables

4,745

Other non current receivables

9,491

Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member] | Doctochem Tarim Sanayi LTD [Member]

SQM Eastmed Turkey [Member]

100.00%

Proportion of ownership interest in associate

^[1],[2]

$ 0

$ 623

$ 310

50.00%

Proceeds from sales of interests in associates

618

Profit loss from sale of interests in associates

$ 408

[1]	As of December 31, 2020, these investments no longer form part of the group. See Note 8.4 (a).
[2]	These investments include adjustments for unrealized results.

Joint Ventures (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. [Member]

$ 3,164

$ 3,851

$ 10,612

Production and distribution of soluble fertilizers.

Huangjing Road, Dawan Town, Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu Municipality, Sichuan Province

China

50.00%

Coromandel SQM India [Member]

$ 0

Production and distribution of potassium nitrate.

1-2-10, Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad – 500003 Andhra Pradesh

India

50.00%

$ 0

SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]

Production and commercialization of specialty plant, animal nutrition and industrial hygiene.

Jebel ALI Free Zone P.O. Box 18222, Dubai

United Arab Emirates

50.00%

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]

$ 0

10,598

Production and distribution of nutrient plant solutions with specialties NPK soluble.

Longquan Town, Jimo City, Qingdao Municipality, Shangdong Province

China

50.00%

SQM Vitas Holland B.V. [Member]

$ 0

Without information production of specialized fertilizers and other products for distribution in Italy and other countries.

Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost

Holland

50.00%

SQM Vitas Brazil Agroindustria [Member]

$ 0

^[1]

Production and trading of specialty vegetable and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene.

^[1]

Via Cndeias, Km. 01 Sem Numero, Lote 4, Bairro Cia Norte, Candeias, Bahia.

^[1]

Brazil

^[1],[2]

49.99%

SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. [Member]

^[1]

$ 0

^[1]

Production and trading of specialty vegetable and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene

^[1]

Av. Juan de Arona 187, Torre B, Oficina 301-II, San Isidro, Lima

^[1]

Peru

^[1],[2]

50.00%

^[1]

$ 0

Pavoni C Spa [Member]

products for distribution in Italy and other countries.

Corso Italia 172, 95129 Catania (CT), Sicilia

Italy

50.00%

Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd [Member]

$ 0

Development and operation of the Mt Holland Lithium project, which will include the construction of a lithium extraction and refining mine

L18, 109 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6000 |PO Box Z5200 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6831

Australia

50.00%

Arpa Speciali SRL [Member]

$ 0

^[3]

Production of specialty fertilizers and others for distribution in Italy and other countries.

^[3]

Mantova (MN) Via Cremona 27 Int. 25

^[3]

Italy

^[2],[3]

50.48%

Dividends Received [Member]

^[3]

$ 0

$ 2,223

$ 10,598

$ 0

[1]	SQM Vitas Fzco.
[2]	The percentages presented correspond to the ownership used in the consolidation of the company.
[3]	Pavoni & C. Spa.

Joint Ventures (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd [Member]

$ 85,993

$ 109,435

$ 111,549

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[1],[2]

9,028

1,992

^[1]

(280)

(632)

(650)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[1]

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[1]

(280)

(632)

(650)

Coromandel SQM India [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2],[3]

1,568

1,729

^[3]

(98)

174

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[3]

(38)

(159)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[3]

(136)

SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2]

9,720

9,111

20,202

2,010

1,797

1,781

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

(1,469)

437

(903)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

541

2,234

878

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2],[3]

3,464

3,168

^[3]

296

188

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[3]

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[3]

296

188

SQM Vitas Brazil Agroindustria [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[4]

3,511

5,347

5,915

^[4]

1,018

564

1,439

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[4]

(1,469)

(225)

(792)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[4]

(451)

339

647

SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[4]

1,659

1,955

2,671

^[4]

660

211

(275)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[4]

661

(112)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[4]

660

872

(387)

Minera Exar S.A. [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2],[4]

^[4]

(206)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[4]

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[4]

(206)

SQM Vitas BV [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2]

1,304

1,345

(15)

(14)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

(27)

(70)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

(42)

(84)

Joint ventures [member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

5,170

7,394

8,648

1,678

806

1,120

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

(1,469)

435

(904)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

209

1,241

216

Pavoni C Spa [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2]

7,222

6,864

7,084

(39)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

349

(255)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

358

(219)

Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2],[5]

^[5]

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[5]

(13)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[5]

(13)

Arpa Speciali SRL [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[5],[6]

^[5],[6]

(44)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

^[5],[6]

(1)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[5],[6]

(44)

Joint Venture Total [Member]

Share of profit (loss) from continuing operations of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

^[2]

25,970

24,343

35,573

1,822

1,384

1,270

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method, net of tax

(1,104)

104

(1,062)

Share of total comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

$ 718

$ 1,488

$ 208

[1]	See subsequent events in Notes 9.2 and 29.2.
[2]	These investments include adjustments for unrealized gains.
[3]	As of December 31, 2020, these investments were no longer part of the group, see note 9.2 (a).
[4]	SQM Vitas Fzco.
[5]	As of December 31, 2020, this joint venture has a negative value of ThUS$ (92), which is presented in Other non-current provisions.
[6]	Pavoni & C. Spa.

Joint Ventures (Parenthetical) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Other non current provisions	$ 62,617	$ 34,690
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Other non current provisions	$ 92

Joint Ventures (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Joint Ventures (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 2,569,258	$ 2,682,166
Long-Lived Assets	2,249,205	2,001,985
Current liabilities	475,882	776,812
Non-current liabilities	2,180,003	1,772,867
Revenue	1,817,191	1,943,655	$ 2,265,803
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	168,359	280,603	442,063
Other comprehensive income	19,266	(1,755)	(486)
Comprehensive income	187,625	278,848	441,577
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	29,507	28,668	28,577
Long-Lived Assets	4,412	5,129	5,913
Current liabilities	14,156	13,472	12,902
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	9	7	16
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	(562)	(1,262)	(1,301)
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	(562)	(1,262)	(1,301)
Coromandel SQM India [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	0	4,504	5,905
Long-Lived Assets	0	633	852
Current liabilities	0	1,704	3,050
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	0	8,197	11,605
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	0	(197)	348
Other comprehensive income	0	(77)	(318)
Comprehensive income	0	(274)	30
SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	(496)	9,695	30,430
Long-Lived Assets	20,431	1	17,592
Current liabilities	496	1,136	2,678
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	0	36	16,583
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	4,019	3,595	3,561
Other comprehensive income	0	(876)	(1,806)
Comprehensive income	4,019	2,719	1,755
SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	0	7,534	7,754
Long-Lived Assets	0	26	114
Current liabilities	0	632	1,533
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	0	12,003	13,004
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	0	592	377
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	0	592	377
SQM Vitas Brazil Agroindustria [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	40,064	46,118	36,648
Long-Lived Assets	5,527	7,299	7,566
Current liabilities	33,410	40,334	31,808
Non-current liabilities	0	0	0
Revenue	78,960	87,901	82,625
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	2,036	1,128	2,879
Other comprehensive income	(2,938)	(451)	(1,585)
Comprehensive income	(902)	677	1,294
SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	34,548	29,452	22,365
Long-Lived Assets	7,928	8,378	7,785
Current liabilities	33,145	24,855	18,996
Non-current liabilities	1,080	6,044	5,966
Revenue	37,591	28,590	28,619
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	1,319	421	(550)
Other comprehensive income	0	1,322	(223)
Comprehensive income	1,319	1,743	(773)
SQM Vitas BV [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets		2,609	2,692
Long-Lived Assets		0	0
Current liabilities		2	1
Non-current liabilities		0	0
Revenue		0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations		(30)	(28)
Other comprehensive income		(53)	(139)
Comprehensive income		(83)	(167)
Joint ventures [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	115,686	139,640	144,672
Long-Lived Assets	47,922	29,498	46,412
Current liabilities	93,300	92,712	79,299
Non-current liabilities	2,826	7,162	6,664
Revenue	132,518	151,030	167,913
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	6,596	4,318	5,313
Other comprehensive income	(2,207)	(670)	(3,931)
Comprehensive income	4,389	3,648	1,382
Pavoni C Spa [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	10,645	9,444	10,062
Long-Lived Assets	7,493	7,074	6,490
Current liabilities	9,270	8,466	8,098
Non-current liabilities	836	735	698
Revenue	15,958	14,296	15,461
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	16	71	(79)
Other comprehensive income	698	(510)	140
Comprehensive income	714	(439)	61
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current assets	1,418	1,616	239
Long-Lived Assets	2,131	958	100
Current liabilities	2,823	2,111	233
Non-current liabilities	910	383	0
Revenue	0	0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	(232)	0	106
Other comprehensive income	33	(25)	0
Comprehensive income	$ (199)	$ (25)	$ 106

Joint Ventures (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Joint Ventures (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 509,102	$ 588,530	$ 556,066	$ 630,438
Other current financial liabilities	68,955	291,128
Other non-current financial liabilities	1,899,513	1,488,723
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(203,912)	(201,351)	(220,827)
Interest Expense		(76,939)	$ (57,807)	$ (82,199)
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	30	33
Other current financial liabilities	0	0
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(394)	(743)
Interest Expense	0	0
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	244	153
Coromandel SQM India [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	2,240
Other current financial liabilities	0	0
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense		291
Depreciation and amortisation expense	0
Interest Expense	0	(4)
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	0	(27)
SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	4,251	3,071
Other current financial liabilities	0	0
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(1)	0
Interest Expense	(2)	(7)
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	0	0
SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	4,640
Other current financial liabilities	0	0
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	0	(62)
Interest Expense	0	0
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	0	(241)
SQM Vitas Brazil Agroindustria [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	4,065	2,101
Other current financial liabilities	6,820	9,106
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(257)	(287)
Interest Expense	(326)	(435)
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	(197)	(316)
SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,043	225
Other current financial liabilities	227	258
Other non-current financial liabilities	691	895
SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(355)	(33)
Interest Expense	(656)	(1,176)
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	(34)
SQM Vitas BV [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	2,609
Other current financial liabilities	0	0
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	0	0
Interest Expense	0	(1)
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	0	0
Joint ventures [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	10,809	15,926
Other current financial liabilities	13,573	15,345
Other non-current financial liabilities	691	895
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(1,483)	(1,691)
Interest Expense	(1,412)	(1,655)
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	607	(464)
Pavoni C Spa [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	767	314
Other current financial liabilities	5,573	5,509
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(263)	(149)
Interest Expense	(410)	0
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	(120)	(214)
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	653	693
Other current financial liabilities	953	472
Other non-current financial liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(213)	(126)
Interest Expense	(18)	(32)
Income Tax Benefit (expense)	$ 714	$ 0

Joint Ventures (Details Textual)
$ in Thousands, € in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

May 15, 2018

EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2020

USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018

USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2018

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018

USD ($)

Feb. 14, 2018

USD ($)

Jan. 25, 2018

USD ($)

Other cash payments to acquire interests in joint ventures, classified as investing activities

50.00%

$ 16,949

$ 2,600

$ 19,989

Proportion of voting rights held in joint venture

50.00%

Gain loss on disposal of investments in joint ventures

3,164

$ 3,851

10,612

$ 643

Netherlands | SQM [Member]

100.00%

Minera Exar S.A. [Member]

$ 1,276

Gain (loss) that relates to identifiable assets acquired or liabilities assumed in business combination and is of such size, nature or incidence that disclosure is relevant to understanding combined entity's financial statements

14,507

Capital contributions made by related entities

$ 7,000

$ 13,000

SQM Potasio S.A. [Member]

Joint venture contributions

Impairment loss

8,802

$ 6,000

Pavoni C Spa [Member]

Acquisitions through business combinations, intangible assets and goodwill

3,206

Other cash payments to acquire interests in joint ventures, classified as investing activities | €

€ 2.6

Soquimich European Holding B.V. [Member]

Other cash payments to acquire interests in joint ventures, classified as investing activities | €

€ 5.5

Lithium Americas Corporation [Member]

Joint venture contributions

$ 7,000

Arpa Speciali SRL [Member]

Disposal of interests in joint ventures consideration receivable

^[1]

Gain loss on disposal of investments in joint ventures

125

Proceeds from disposal of interests in joint ventures

Arpa Speciali SRL [Member] | Other Accounts Receivable [Member]

Disposal of interest in joint ventures balance consideration receivable current

Disposal of interest in joint ventures balance consideration receivable non current

Coromandel SQM India [Member]

Proceeds from disposal of interests in joint ventures

$ 1,505

SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]

Gain loss on disposal of investments in joint ventures

$ 0

$ 62

Proceeds from disposal of interests in joint ventures

1,303

Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd [Member]

Reversal of impairment losses on investment in associates

7,036

Kidmann Resourcs Westmen And Mt Holland [Member]

Contribution towards projects in joint operations

30,000

Wesment Farmers Limited [Member]

Contribution towards projects in joint operations

$ 15,000

Mt Holland [Member]

Finance activities for the year

$ 30,000

[1]	Pavoni & C. Spa.

Cash and cash equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash on hand	$ 54	$ 71
Cash in banks	244,848	105,141
Other demand deposits	2,227	6,986
Total cash	247,129	112,198
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	51,595	149,099
Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents	210,378	327,233
Total cash equivalents	261,973	476,332
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 509,102	$ 588,530	$ 556,066	$ 630,438

Cash and cash equivalents (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents	$ 210,378	$ 327,233
Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents	107,625	181,155
JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents	$ 102,753	$ 146,078

Cash and cash equivalents (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 509,102	$ 588,530	$ 556,066	$ 630,438
Peso [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,190	8,240
Dollar [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	454,402	558,572
Euro [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	17,144	3,131
Mexican Peso [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,378	2,103
South African Rand [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	14,286	3,929
Japanese Yen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,646	1,559
Peruvian Sol [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3	4
Indian Rupee [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	6	6
Chinese Yuan [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	11,597	2,484
Indonesian Rupee [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3	3
Argentine Peso [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	3
Pound Sterling [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	19	3
Australian dollar [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,411	8,492
South Korean won [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	16	0
UAE dirham [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Polish Ztoly [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1	$ 1

Cash and cash equivalents (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash balances	$ 731	$ 551
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash balances	$ 731	$ 551

Cash and cash equivalents (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 39,031	$ 282,914
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 51,595	$ 149,099
Short term deposit One [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Santander - Santiago	Banco crédito e inversiones
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.35%	3.45%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 30, 2020	Nov. 18, 2019
Expiration date	Mar. 30, 2021	Feb. 13, 2020
Notional amount	$ 7,000	$ 18,000
Accrued income	0	74
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 7,000	$ 18,074
Short term deposit Two [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Scotiabank Sud Americano	Banco crédito e inversiones
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.35%	2.85%
Date of short term deposit	Nov. 30, 2020	Dec. 26, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 08, 2021	Feb. 20, 2020
Notional amount	$ 1,500	$ 20,000
Accrued income	1	8
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 1,501	$ 20,008
Short term deposit Three [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco de Chile	Banco de Chile
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.61%	3.45%
Date of short term deposit	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 15, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 08, 2021	Jan. 23, 2020
Notional amount	$ 2,000	$ 14,000
Accrued income	1	62
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 2,001	$ 14,062
Short term deposit Four [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco de Chile	Banco de Chile
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.61%	3.50%
Date of short term deposit	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 15, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 08, 2021	Jan. 09, 2020
Notional amount	$ 3,500	$ 18,000
Accrued income	1	80
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 3,501	$ 18,080
Short term deposit Five [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco crédito e inversiones	Banco de Chile
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.46%	3.45%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 01, 2020	Nov. 15, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 15, 2021	Jan. 16, 2020
Notional amount	$ 500	$ 18,000
Accrued income	0	79
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 500	$ 18,079
Short term deposit Six [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Scotiabank Sud Americano	Banco Itaú Corpbanca
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.40%	2.90%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 01, 2020	Dec. 26, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 15, 2021	Feb. 20, 2020
Notional amount	$ 500	$ 33,000
Accrued income	0	13
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 500	$ 33,013
Short term deposit Seven [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Scotiabank Sud Americano	Scotiabank Sud Americano
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Peso
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.40%	2.16%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 02, 2020	Dec. 30, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 20, 2021	Jan. 08, 2020
Notional amount	$ 2,500	$ 6,812
Accrued income	1	0
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 2,501	$ 6,812
Short term deposit Eight [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Santander - Santiago	Banco crédito e inversiones
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.50%	3.51%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 09, 2020	Nov. 21, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 25, 2021	Jan. 28, 2020
Notional amount	$ 500	$ 1,000
Accrued income	0	4
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 500	$ 1,004
Short term deposit Nine [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Scotiabank Sud Americano	Banco crédito e inversiones
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.50%	3.75%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 09, 2020	Dec. 02, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 25, 2021	Feb. 27, 2020
Notional amount	$ 1,000	$ 2,000
Accrued income	0	6
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 1,000	$ 2,006
Short term deposit Ten [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Santander - Santiago	Banco crédito e inversiones
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.50%	3.60%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 09, 2020	Nov. 25, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 25, 2021	Jan. 28, 2020
Notional amount	$ 6,000	$ 1,000
Accrued income	1	4
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 6,001	$ 1,004
Short term deposit Eleven [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco crédito e inversiones	Banco Estado
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.51%	2.15%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 09, 2020	Dec. 16, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 25, 2021	Jan. 06, 2020
Notional amount	$ 6,000	$ 500
Accrued income	1	0
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 6,001	$ 500
Short term deposit Twelve [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco crédito e inversiones	Banco Santander - Santiago
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.26%	2.55%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 14, 2020	Dec. 09, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 29, 2021	Feb. 04, 2020
Notional amount	$ 500	$ 1,700
Accrued income	0	3
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 500	$ 1,703
Short term deposit Thirteen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Estado	Banco Itaú Corpbanca
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.14%	2.55%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 14, 2020	Dec. 16, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 29, 2021	Jan. 06, 2020
Notional amount	$ 1,000	$ 2,500
Accrued income	1	3
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 1,001	$ 2,503
Short term deposit Fourteen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Scotiabank Sud Americano	Banco Itaú Corpbanca
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.40%	3.64%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 14, 2020	Nov. 29, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 29, 2021	Feb. 13, 2020
Notional amount	$ 1,500	$ 1,500
Accrued income	0	5
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 1,500	$ 1,505
Short term deposit Fifteen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco de Chile	Banco Itaú Corpbanca
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.56%	2.80%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 14, 2020	Nov. 12, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 29, 2021	Jan. 28, 2020
Notional amount	$ 5,000	$ 2,000
Accrued income	1	8
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 5,001	$ 2,008
Short term deposit Sixteen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Banco Santander - Santiago
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.68%	2.33%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 18, 2020	Oct. 16, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 01, 2021	Jan. 12, 2020
Notional amount	$ 500	$ 1,000
Accrued income	0	5
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 500	$ 1,005
Short term deposit Seventeen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Scotiabank Sud Americano
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.68%	2.45%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 18, 2020	Dec. 17, 2019
Expiration date	Feb. 01, 2021	Jan. 13, 2020
Notional amount	$ 2,000	$ 3,600
Accrued income	1	3
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 2,001	$ 3,603
Short term deposit Eighteen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco crédito e inversiones	Scotiabank Sud Americano
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.20%	3.20%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 23, 2020	Nov. 13, 2019
Expiration date	Feb. 05, 2021	Jan. 30, 2020
Notional amount	$ 2,000	$ 500
Accrued income	1	2
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 2,001	$ 502
Short term deposit Nineteen [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Scotiabank Sud Americano
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.40%	3.40%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 24, 2020	Dec. 02, 2019
Expiration date	Feb. 08, 2021	Feb. 27, 2020
Notional amount	$ 1,000	$ 2,000
Accrued income	0	5
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 1,000	$ 2,005
Short term deposit Twenty [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Santander - Santiago	Scotiabank Sud Americano
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.26%	3.45%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 29, 2020	Nov. 18, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 08, 2021	Jan. 30, 2020
Notional amount	$ 2,500	$ 1,500
Accrued income	1	6
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 2,501	$ 1,506
Short term deposit Twenty One [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Santander - Santiago	BBVA Banco Francés
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.15%	39.00%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 30, 2020	Dec. 26, 2019
Expiration date	Feb. 12, 2021	Jan. 27, 2020
Notional amount	$ 700	$ 52
Accrued income	0	1
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 700	$ 53
Short term deposit Twenty Two [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	Banco Itaú Corpbanca	Banco Itaú S.A.
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term	On demand
Short term deposits, original currency	Peso	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	0.35%	8.00%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 29, 2020	Oct. 17, 2019
Expiration date	Jan. 05, 2021	Jan. 17, 2020
Notional amount	$ 3,798	$ 64
Accrued income	0	0
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 3,798	64
Short term deposit Twenty Three [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Name of the receiver of deposit	BBVA Banco Francés
Description of type of deposit	Fixed term
Short term deposits, original currency	Dollar
Short term deposits, Interest rate	1.80%
Date of short term deposit	Dec. 31, 2020
Expiration date	Mar. 06, 2021
Notional amount	$ 86
Accrued income	0
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	86
Short term deposit [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Notional amount	51,584	148,728
Accrued income	11	371
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents	$ 51,595	$ 149,099

Cash and cash equivalents (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 509,102	$ 588,530	$ 556,066	$ 630,438
Other current financial assets	348,069	505,490
Other non-current financial hedge assets	51,925	8,778
Other current financial liabilities	(68,955)	(291,128)
Lease liabilities, current	5,528	7,694
Other non-current financial liabilities	(1,899,513)	(1,488,723)
Lease liabilities, non-current	25,546	30,203
Total	1,105,095	719,810
Net Debt [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	509,102	588,530
Other current financial assets	348,069	505,490
Other non-current financial hedge assets	37,276	3,918
Other current financial liabilities	(68,955)	(291,128)
Lease liabilities, current	(5,528)	(7,694)
Other non-current financial liabilities	(1,899,513)	(1,488,723)
Lease liabilities, non-current	(25,546)	(30,203)
Total	$ (1,105,095)	$ (719,810)

Cash and cash equivalents (Details 6) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Cash and cash equivalents (Details 6) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	$ (719,810)
Amounts from loans	(127,863)
Amounts from interest	81,484
Other cash income/expenses	(226,753)
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	26,248
Exchange rate differences	(47,752)
Other	(90,649)
Net debt, ending of year	(1,105,095)
Obligations with the public and bank loans [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	(1,753,028)
Amounts from loans	(136,692)
Amounts from interest	73,933
Other cash income/expenses	7,819
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	0
Exchange rate differences	(33,280)
Other	(81,616)
Net debt, ending of year	(1,922,864)
Current and noncurrent lease liabilities [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	(37,897)
Amounts from loans	8,015
Amounts from interest	1,133
Other cash income/expenses	0
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	0
Exchange rate differences	0
Other	(2,325)
Net debt, ending of year	(31,074)
Financial instruments derived from hedging [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	(23,655)
Amounts from loans	814
Amounts from interest	7,634
Other cash income/expenses	0
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	(20,909)
Exchange rate differences	0
Other	(4,094)
Net debt, ending of year	(40,210)
Financial instruments derived from non-hedging member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	(3,169)
Amounts from loans	0
Amounts from interest	0
Other cash income/expenses	0
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	(2,226)
Exchange rate differences	0
Other	0
Net debt, ending of year	(5,395)
Current and non current financial liabilities [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	(1,817,749)
Amounts from loans	(127,863)
Amounts from interest	82,700
Other cash income/expenses	7,819
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	(23,135)
Exchange rate differences	(33,280)
Other	(88,035)
Net debt, ending of year	(1,999,543)
Cash and cash equivalents [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	588,530
Amounts from loans	0
Amounts from interest	0
Other cash income/expenses	(78,988)
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	0
Exchange rate differences	(440)
Other	0
Net debt, ending of year	509,102
Deposits that do not qualify as cash and cash equivalents [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	485,689
Amounts from loans	0
Amounts from interest	0
Other cash income/expenses	(123,196)
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	0
Exchange rate differences	(14,032)
Other	(3,002)
Net debt, ending of year	345,459
Derivatives from hedge assets [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	21,188
Amounts from loans	0
Amounts from interest	(1,216)
Other cash income/expenses	(39,290)
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	56,207
Exchange rate differences	0
Other	388
Net debt, ending of year	37,277
Derivatives from other financial nonhedge assets [member]
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Line Items]
Net debt, beginning of year	2,532
Amounts from loans	0
Amounts from interest	0
Other cash income/expenses	6,902
Hedging and non-hedging instruments	(6,824)
Exchange rate differences	0
Other	0
Net debt, ending of year	$ 2,610

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw material reserves	$ 10,694	$ 7,287
Production supplies	31,007	26,064
Products-in-progress reserves	487,830	457,563
Finished product reserves	563,497	492,424
Total	$ 1,093,028	$ 983,338

Inventories (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw material reserves	$ 1,934	$ 2,488
Products-in-progress reserves	66,122	71,468
Finished product reserves	12,874	14,218
Total	$ 80,930	$ 88,174	$ 105,282	$ 96,284

Inventories (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Inventories (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventories [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 88,174	$ 105,282	$ 96,284
Increase in Lower Value	(5,404)	(6,987)	7,845
Additional Provision Differences of Inventory	(704)	(123)	3,176
Increase / Decrease eventual differences and others	1,244	(6,262)	2,436
Provision Used	(2,380)	(3,736)	(4,459)
Total changes	(7,244)	(17,108)	8,998
Final Balance	$ 80,930	$ 88,174	$ 105,282

Inventories (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Inventories (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventories [Abstract]
Current materials and supplies to be consumed in production process or rendering services	$ 422,535	$ 393,600
Cost of inventories recognised as expense during period	80,930	88,174
Products In Progress	108,909	104,295
Finished product	$ 176,561	$ 204,686

Related party disclosures (Details)	12 Months Ended
Related party disclosures (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Nitratos Naturais Do Chile Ltda. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Brazil
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Nitrate Corporation Of Chile Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM North America Corp. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United States
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Europe N.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Belgium
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Soquimich European Holding B.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Netherlands
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Corporation N.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Curacao
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Comercial De Mexico S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Mexico
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
North American Trading Company [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United States
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Administracion y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Mexico
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Peru S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Peru
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Ecuador S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Ecuador
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Nitratos Mexico S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Mexico
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United States
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Investment Corporation N.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Curacao
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Brasil Limitada [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Brazil
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM France S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	France
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Japan Co. Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Japan
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Aruba
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Oceania Pty Limited [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Australia
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Rs Agro-Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Aruba
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Indonesia S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Indonesia
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Virginia L.L.C. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United States
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Comercial Caiman Internacional S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Panama
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Africa Pty Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	South Africa
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Colombia SAS [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Colombia
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Internacional NV [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Belgium
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Shanghai Chemicals Co Ltd [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	China
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Lithium Specialties LLC [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United States
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Iberian S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Spain
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	China
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Thailand Limited [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Thailand
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Australia PTY [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Australia
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Holland B.V. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Netherlands
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Korea LLC [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Korea
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Comercial Hydro S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	96.801.610-5
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Potasio S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	96.651.060-9
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Nitratos S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	96.592.190-7
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Ajay SQM Chile S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	96.592.180-K
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Industrial S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	79.947.100-0
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	79.906.120-1
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Peso
Nature	Subsidiary
Almacenes y Depositos Ltda. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	79.876.080-7
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Peso
Nature	Subsidiary
Servicios Integrales de Transitos y Transferencias S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	79.770.780-5
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	79.768.170-9
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM Salar S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	79.626.800-K
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	76.534.490-5
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Peso
Nature	Subsidiary
Exploraciones Mineras S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	76.425.380-9
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Comercial Agrorama Ltda. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	76.064.419-6
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Peso
Nature	Subsidiary
Agrorama S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	76.145.229-0
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Peso
Nature	Subsidiary
Orcoma Estudios SPA [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	76.359.919-1
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Orcoma SPA [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	76.360.575-2
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
SQM MaG SpA. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	76.686.311-9
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Sociedad Contractual Minera Búfalo [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	77.114.779-8
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Subsidiary
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries Wwl [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	Arab Emirates
Functional currency	Arab Emirates dirham
Nature	Associate
Ajay North America [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United States
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Associate
Ajay Europe SARL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	France
Functional currency	Euro
Nature	Associate
Kore Potash Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Associate
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	China
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Joint venture
SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	Arab Emirates
Functional currency	Arab Emirates dirham
Nature	Joint venture
SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	China
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Joint venture
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	Australia
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Joint venture
Pavoni & C, SPA [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	Italy
Functional currency	Euro
Nature	Joint venture
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	96.511.530-7
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Other related parties
Norte Grande S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	96.529.340-K
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Peso
Nature	Other related parties
Callegari Agricola S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	79.049.778-9
Country of origin	Chile
Functional currency	Peso
Nature	Other related parties
Sqm Vitas Brazil Agroindustria Foreign [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	Brazil
Functional currency	Real brazilian
Nature	Other related parties
SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Country of origin	Peru
Functional currency	Dollar
Nature	Other related parties
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Oman
Functional currency	United Arab Emirates dirham
Nature	Other related parties
International Technical and Trading Agencies CO WLL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	foreign
Country of origin	Jordan
Functional currency	United Arab Emirates dirham
Nature	Other related parties
Ara Dos Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Ara Tres Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Ara Cuatro Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Ara Cinco Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Curicó Dos Primera del Salar de Pampa Alta, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Curicó Tres Primera del Sector de Pampa Alta, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Evelyn Veinticuatro Primera de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Filomena Tres Primera de Oficina Filomena, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Filomena Cuatro Primera de Oficina Filomena, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Cuatro Primera de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Cuatro Segunda del Salar de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Cuatro Tercera de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Cuatro Cuarta de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Cuatro Quinta de Pampa Blanca, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Primera del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Segunda del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Francis Tercera del Salar de Pampa Blanca de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Ivon Primera de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Ivon Décima Segunda de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Ivon Sexta de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Julia Primera de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Lorena Trigésimo Quinta de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Perseverancia Primera de Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Tamara 40 Primera del Sector S.E. OF. Concepción, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Tamara Tercera de Oficina Concepción, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties
Tamara 40 Segunda del Sector S.E. OF Concepción, Sierra Gorda [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID		N/A
Country of origin		Chile
Functional currency		Peso
Nature		Other related parties

Related party disclosures (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Turkey
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 1,053	$ 14,767	$ 16,726
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	France
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 23,162	21,348	19,470
Ajay Europe S,A.R.L. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	France
Transaction	Dividends
Dividend income	$ 1,197	1,055	811
Ajay North America LLC. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	United States of America
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 20,259	16,932	16,810
Ajay North America LLC. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	United States of America
Transaction	Dividends
Dividend income	$ 1,967	2,796	2,807
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Arab Emirates
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 0	3,749	5,811
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Arab Emirates
Transaction	Dividends
Dividend income	$ 0	0	6,632
Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Thailand
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 0	0	4,960
Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Thailand
Transaction	Dividends
Dividend income	$ 0	0	362
SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Brazil
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 41,341	46,876	44,827
SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Peru
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 17,723	24,138	17,204
SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	Arab Emirates
Transaction	Dividends
Dividend income	$ 0	10,598	0
Coromandel SQM India [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	India
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 1,510	3,955	7,696
SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	China
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 0	1,929	0
Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Ukraine
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 737	1,280	1,674
Plantacote N.V [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Belgium
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 0	4,096	4,554
Pavoni & C, SPA [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	Italy
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 1,125	3,152	201
Arpa Speciali SRL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Italy
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 0	2,359	207
SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	China
Transaction	Dividends
Dividend income	$ 2,223	0
Terra Tarsa Don LLC [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Russian Federation
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 0	40	187
SQM Eastmed Turkey [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Turkey
Transaction	Sale of products
Revenue from sale of goods, related party transactions	$ 0	$ 47	$ 30

Related party disclosures (Details 2) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Related party disclosures (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Gonzalo Guerrero Yamamoto [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	10.581.580-8
Nature	Chairman / director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 20
Universidad del Desarrollo [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	71.644.300-0
Nature	Chairman / director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 125
Universidad Tecnológica de Chile [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	72.012.000-3
Nature	Chairman / director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 41
Sociedad Periodística El Libero [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	76.389.727-3
Nature	Shareholders
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 0
Link Capital Partners SpA [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	76.825.265-3
Nature	Family of director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 224
Proveedora Industrial Arrigoni [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	76.839.170-k
Nature	Director in common
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 5
El Mercurio S.A.P. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	90.193.000-7
Nature	Family of director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 36
Emp. Nac. Telecomunicaciones S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	92.580.000-7
Nature	Family of director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 1,847
Entel PCS Telecomunicaciones S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	96.806.980-2
Nature	Family of director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 264
Banco de Chile [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	97.004.000-5
Nature	Director in common
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 44,696
Cia. de Seg. de Vida Consorcio Nacional [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	99.012.000-5
Nature	Family of director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Services – Supplier
Services received, related party transactions	$ 71
Enaex S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	90.266.000-3
Nature	Director in common
Country	Chile
Transaction	Servicies – Client
Services received, related party transactions	$ 19
Emp. Nac. Telecomunicaciones S.A. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	92.580.000-7
Nature	Family of director
Country	Chile
Transaction	Servicies – Client
Services received, related party transactions	$ 43
Norte Grande S.A.[Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Description Of Tax ID	96.529.340-K
Nature	Director in common
Country	Chile
Transaction	Lease
Lease	$ 135

Related party disclosures (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 62,601	$ 61,227
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Turkey
Currency	Dollar
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	110
Ajay Europe SARL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	France
Currency	Euro
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 4,625	3,712
Ajay North America LLC. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	United States of America
Currency	Dollar
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 2,956	2,290
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Arab Emirates
Currency	United Arab Emirates Dirham
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 595	803
Soc.de Inversiones Pampa Calichera [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	96.511.530-7
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Chile
Currency	Dollar
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 6	6
SQM Vitas Brazil Agroindustria [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Brazil
Currency	Dollar
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 24,335	27,275
SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Peru
Currency	Dollar
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 24,205	23,475
Coromandel SQM India [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	India
Currency	Indian Rupee
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	1,792
SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	Arab Emirates
Currency	United Arab Emirates Dirham
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 236	234
Terra Tarsa Ukraine LLC [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Ukraine
Currency	Ukrainian hryvnia
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	7
Terra Tarsa Don LLC [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Russian Federation
Currency	Russian Ruble
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	13
Plantacote N.V [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Belgium
Currency	Euro
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	657
SQM Eastmed Turkey [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	Turkey
Currency	Euro
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	47
Pavoni And C Spa [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	Italy
Currency	Euro
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 1,095	1,028
Arpa Speciali SRL [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Other related parties
Country of origin	Italy
Currency	Euro
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	134
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.[Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	Australia
Currency	Australian dollar
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 84	0
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltd [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	China
Currency	Dollar
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 4,464	0
Allowance [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 0	$ (356)

Related party disclosures (Details 4) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Related party disclosures (Details 4) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Current payables to related parties	$ 606,000	$ 475,000
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	France
Currency	Euro
Current payables to related parties	$ 50	0
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	Australia
Currency	Australian dollar
Current payables to related parties	$ 324,000	232,000
SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Joint venture
Country of origin	China
Currency	Dollar
Current payables to related parties	$ 0	243,000
Ajay North America LLC.[Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Tax ID	Foreign
Nature	Associate
Country of origin	United States of America
Currency	Dollar
Current payables to related parties	$ 232	$ 0

Related party disclosures (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 62,601	$ 61,227
Wesment farmers limited [member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Contribution towards projects in joint operations	15,000
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. [Member]
Related party disclosures [Line Items]
Current receivables due from related parties	$ 6,502	$ 10,965

Financial instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other non-current financial assets	$ 51,925	$ 8,778
Other current financial assets	348,069	505,490
Hedging assets [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other non-current financial assets	37,276	3,918
Other current financial assets	0	17,270
Financial assets at amortised cost, category [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other non-current financial assets	80	75
Other current financial assets	345,459	485,689
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, classified as held for trading, category [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	2,610	2,531
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, category [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other non-current financial assets	$ 14,569	$ 4,785

Financial instruments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	$ 348,069	$ 505,490
Financial assets at amortised cost [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	345,459	485,689
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| Banco de Credito e Inversiones [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	185,589	185,400
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| Banco Santander [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	45,168	74,365
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| Banco Itau - Corpbanca [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	49,006	120,628
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| Banco Security [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	0	17,964
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| Banco de Chile [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	0	18,026
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| Banco Estado [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	0	15,126
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| Scotiabank Sud Americano [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	31,668	54,180
Financial assets at amortised cost [member] \| JP Morgan Asset Management [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	$ 34,028	$ 0

Financial instruments (Parenthetical) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Term deposit One [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets Pledged as Collateral	$ 0	$ 1,870

Financial instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Trade and other current receivables	$ 365,206	$ 399,142
Non-current trade receivables	11,165	1,710
Trade and other receivables	376,371	400,852
Trade and other receivables [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current trade receivables	313,265	367,583
Current prepayments	19,900	20,309
Other current receivables	32,041	11,250
Trade and other current receivables	365,206	399,142
Non-current trade receivables	0	0
Non-current prepayments	0	0
Other non-current receivables	11,165	1,710
Trade and other non-current receivables	11,165	1,710
Trade receivables	313,265	367,583
Prepayments	19,900	20,309
Other Receivables	43,206	12,960
Trade and other receivables	$ 376,371	$ 400,852

Financial instruments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	$ 396,099	$ 422,236
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	(19,728)	(21,384)
Assets for trade receivables, net	376,371	400,852
Receivables related to credit operations, current [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	327,586	383,775
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	(14,321)	(16,192)
Assets for trade receivables, net	313,265	367,583
Trade receivables, current [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	327,586	383,775
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	(14,321)	(16,192)
Assets for trade receivables, net	313,265	367,583
Prepayments, current [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	20,684	21,092
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	(784)	(783)
Assets for trade receivables, net	19,900	20,309
Other receivables, current [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	36,664	15,659
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	(4,623)	(4,409)
Assets for trade receivables, net	32,041	11,250
Current trade and other receivables [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	57,348	36,751
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	(5,407)	(5,192)
Assets for trade receivables, net	51,941	31,559
Other receivables, non-current [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	11,165	1,710
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	0	0
Assets for trade receivables, net	11,165	1,710
Non-current receivables [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Assets before allowances	11,165	1,710
Allowance for doubtful trade receivables	0	0
Assets for trade receivables, net	$ 11,165	$ 1,710

Financial instruments (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) Numbers	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Numbers
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Total Gross Book Value	$ 365,206	$ 399,142
Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	1,587	1,861
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 325,726	$ 381,049
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	110	304
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 1,860	$ 2,726
Receivables due from related parties, current [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Total Gross Book Value	70,145	72,550
Credit exposure	$ 7,545	$ 11,323
Between 1 and 30 days [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Expected credit loss rate	10.00%	18.00%
Total Gross Book Value	$ 12,200	$ 20,721
Credit exposure	$ 1,207	$ 3,664
Between 1 and 30 days [Member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	119	166
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 12,140	$ 20,195
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	8	72
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 60	$ 526
Between 31 and 60 days [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Expected credit loss rate	39.00%	34.00%
Total Gross Book Value	$ 1,226	$ 1,288
Credit exposure	$ 477	$ 440
Between 31 and 60 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	12	26
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 1,226	$ 1,279
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	0	4
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 0	$ 10
Between 61 and 90 days [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Expected credit loss rate	52.00%	44.00%
Total Gross Book Value	$ 159	$ 573
Credit exposure	$ 83	$ 251
Between 61 and 90 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	5	12
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 159	$ 519
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	0	3
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 0	$ 54
More than 91 days [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Expected credit loss rate	79.00%	78.00%
Total Gross Book Value	$ 11,883	$ 8,370
Credit exposure	$ 9,367	$ 6,552
Between 121 and 150 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	2	5
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 2,384	$ 361
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	2	7
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 2	$ 49
Between 151 and 180 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	3	7
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 1,398	$ 190
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	4	2
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 12	$ 33
Between 181 and 210 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	1	4
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 0	$ 51
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	2	0
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 5	$ 0
Between 211 and 250 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	3	6
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 2	$ 48
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	6	8
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 114	$ 11
More than 250 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	156	144
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 5,030	$ 5,449
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	64	137
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 1,447	$ 1,085
Current [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Expected credit loss rate	1.00%	1.00%
Total Gross Book Value	$ 302,118	$ 352,823
Credit exposure	$ 3,187	$ 5,285
Current [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	1,281	1,486
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 301,939	$ 351,931
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	23	69
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 179	$ 892
Between 91 and 120 days [member] \| Uncollateralized Portfolio [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Number of customers under no renegotiated terms \| Numbers	5	5
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms	$ 1,448	$ 1,026
Number of customers under renegotiated terms \| Numbers	1	2
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross	$ 41	$ 66
Trade [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Total Gross Book Value	327,586	383,775
Credit exposure	$ 14,321	$ 16,192

Financial instruments (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Abstract]
Provision Impairment Accounts receivable at the beginning of the Period	$ 32,707	$ 32,634
(Decrease) increase impairment of accounts receivable	(4,684)	1,057
Use of Provision Applied to Accounts Receivable	(750)	(984)
Impairment of Accounts Receivable Provision at the end of the Period	27,273	32,707
Trade and Other Receivables Provision	14,321	16,192
Current other Receivables Provision	5,407	5,192
Provision Trade payables due to related parties, current	7,545	11,323
Recovery of Insurance	347	320
Impairment of Accounts Receivable Provision	27,273	32,707
Renegotiated Provision	1,728	1,905
Non-renegotiated Provision	$ 25,545	$ 30,802

Financial instruments (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Effect on profit or loss for the period Derivative instruments	$ 3,257
Hedging reserve in equity before tax	(3,707)
Debt [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Hedging assets	18,081
Hedging liabilities		$ (18,853)
Effect on profit or loss for the period Derivative instruments	11,472	(29,557)
Hedging reserve in equity before tax	6,609	10,704
Debt [Member] \| Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Hedging liabilities	(19,195)	(22,771)
Effect on profit or loss for the period Derivative instruments	(12,956)	(25,363)
Hedging reserve in equity before tax	(6,239)	2,592
Debt [Member] \| Forward contract [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Hedging assets	37,276	3,918
Effect on profit or loss for the period Derivative instruments	24,428	(4,194)
Hedging reserve in equity before tax	12,848	8,112
Investment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Hedging assets		16,381
Hedging liabilities	(21,004)
Effect on profit or loss for the period Derivative instruments	(20,626)	17,146
Hedging reserve in equity before tax	(378)	(765)
Investment [Member] \| Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Hedging liabilities	(21,004)	(889)
Effect on profit or loss for the period Derivative instruments	(20,626)	(711)
Hedging reserve in equity before tax	(378)	(178)
Investment [Member] \| Forward contract [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Hedging assets	0	17,270
Effect on profit or loss for the period Derivative instruments	0	17,857
Hedging reserve in equity before tax	$ 0	$ (587)

Financial instruments (Details 7) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 7) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Net Variation Of Hedging	$ (450)
Gains (losses) on hedging instrument, fair value hedges	3,257
Hedging Reserve In Equity Before Tax	(3,707)
Debt Hedging [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Net Variation Of Hedging	36,935
Gains (losses) on hedging instrument, fair value hedges	41,029
Hedging Reserve In Equity Before Tax	(4,094)
Investment Hedging [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Net Variation Of Hedging	(37,385)
Gains (losses) on hedging instrument, fair value hedges	(37,772)
Hedging Reserve In Equity Before Tax	387
Assets Hedging [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Net Variation Of Hedging	16,088
Gains (losses) on hedging instrument, fair value hedges	10,765
Hedging Reserve In Equity Before Tax	5,323
Liabilities Hedging [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Net Variation Of Hedging	(16,538)
Gains (losses) on hedging instrument, fair value hedges	(7,508)
Hedging Reserve In Equity Before Tax	$ (9,030)

Financial instruments (Details 9) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 9) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Series H bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Contract amount	$ 134,049
Currency	UF
Derivative contracts, Maturity	Jan. 04, 2023
Series O bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Contract amount	$ 58,748
Currency	UF
Derivative contracts, Maturity	Feb. 01, 2022
Series P bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Contract amount	$ 134,228
Currency	UF
Derivative contracts, Maturity	Jan. 15, 2028
Series Q bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Contract amount	$ 106,933
Currency	UF
Derivative contracts, Maturity	Jun. 01, 2030

Financial instruments (Details 10) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current	$ 68,955	$ 291,128
Non-current	1,899,513	1,488,723
Total	1,968,468	1,779,851
Bank borrowings [Member] \| Financial liabilities at amortised cost, category [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current	82	199
Non-current	69,376	69,138
Total	69,458	69,337
Obligations With The Public [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current	36,781	280,578
Non-current	1,816,626	1,403,108
Total	1,853,407	1,683,686
For hedging [Member] \| Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, classified as held for trading, category [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current	26,699	7,183
Non-current	13,511	16,477
Total	40,210	23,660
Non-hedging liabilities [Member] \| Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, classified as held for trading, category [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current	5,393	3,168
Total	$ 5,393	$ 3,168

Financial instruments (Details 11) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Total loans	$ 2,814,870	$ 2,202,050
Bank borrowings [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current loans	82	199
Non-current loans	69,376	69,138
Total loans	$ 69,458	$ 69,337

Financial instruments (Details 12) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 12) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Company	SQM S.A.
Notional amounts	$ 39,031	$ 282,914
Borrowing costs	(2,250)	(2,336)
Bank borrowings [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amounts	0	0
Current amounts	82	199
Borrowing costs	0	0
Total	82	199
Bank borrowings [Member] \| Not later than three months [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amounts	0	0
Current amounts	0	12
Bank borrowings [Member] \| Later than three months and not later than one year [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amounts	0	0
Current amounts	$ 82	$ 187
Bank borrowing One [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile
Tax ID No.	O-E
Financial institution	Scotiabank Cayman	Scotiabank Cayman
Country	USA
Currency or adjustment index	USD
Payment of interest	Upon maturity
Repayment	05/30/2023
Effective rate	1.00%
Nominal rate	1.36%
Bank borrowing Three [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country		Chile
Tax ID No.		Foreign
Financial institution	Scotiabank Cayman	Scotiabank Cayman
Country		USA
Currency or adjustment index		US$
Repayment		Upon maturity
Borrowings Expiration Date		May 29, 2023
Effective rate		2.11%
Nominal rate		3.01%
Notional amounts	$ 0	$ 0
Current amounts	82	187
Borrowing costs	0	0
Total	82	187
Bank borrowing Three [Member] \| Not later than three months [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amounts	0	0
Current amounts	0	0
Bank borrowing Three [Member] \| Later than three months and not later than one year [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amounts	0	0
Current amounts	$ 82	$ 187
Foreign Bank Borrowings One [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.		Foreign
Company		Nitratos Naturais do Chile
Country		Brazil
Tax ID No.		Foreign
Financial institution		Banco ITAU Brasil
Country		Brazil
Currency or adjustment index		BRL
Repayment		Upon maturity
Borrowings Expiration Date		Dec. 31, 2019
Effective rate		13.57%
Nominal rate		4.25%
Notional amounts		$ 0
Current amounts		12
Borrowing costs		0
Total		12
Foreign Bank Borrowings One [Member] \| Not later than three months [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amounts		0
Current amounts		12
Foreign Bank Borrowings One [Member] \| Later than three months and not later than one year [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amounts		0
Current amounts		$ 0

Financial instruments (Details 13) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 13) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Company	SQM S.A.
Notional amount	$ 39,031	$ 282,914
Current maturities	39,031	282,914
Borrowing costs	(2,250)	(2,336)
Total	36,781	280,578
NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	33,154	24,390
Current maturities	33,154	24,390
LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	5,877	258,524
Current maturities	$ 5,877	$ 258,524
Single series bond One [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	01/28/2021	04/21/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	4.38%	5.50%
Effective rate	1.95%	0.43%
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Notional amount	$ 4,648	$ 252,674
Current maturities	4,648	252,674
Borrowing costs	(433)	(386)
Total	4,215	252,288
Single series bond One [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	4,648	0
Current maturities	4,648	0
Single series bond One [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	252,674
Current maturities	$ 0	$ 252,674
Single series bond Two [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	04/03/2021	01/28/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	3.63%	4.38%
Effective rate	1.08%	2.35%
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Notional amount	$ 2,658	$ 4,648
Current maturities	2,658	4,648
Borrowing costs	(614)	(433)
Total	2,044	4,215
Single series bond Two [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	4,648
Current maturities	0	4,648
Single series bond Two [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	2,658	0
Current maturities	$ 2,658	$ 0
Single series bond Three [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	05/07/2021	04/03/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	4.25%	3.63%
Effective rate	3.59%	1.42%
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Notional amount	$ 7,508	$ 2,658
Current maturities	7,508	2,658
Borrowing costs	(679)	(614)
Total	6,829	2,044
Single series bond Three [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	7,508	0
Current maturities	7,508	0
Single series bond Three [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	2,658
Current maturities	$ 0	$ 2,658
Single Series Bond Four [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	01/22/2021	05/07/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	4.25%	4.25%
Effective rate	4.17%	4.07%
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Notional amount	$ 2,869	$ 2,869
Current maturities	2,869	2,869
Borrowing costs	(237)	(679)
Total	2,632	2,190
Single Series Bond Four [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	0
Current maturities	0	0
Single Series Bond Four [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	2,869	2,869
Current maturities	$ 2,869	$ 2,869
Series H bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	564	564
Maturity date	01/05/2021	01/05/2020
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	4.90%	4.90%
Effective rate	0.58%	1.36%
Repayment	Semiannual	Semiannual
Notional amount	$ 18,212	$ 17,166
Current maturities	18,212	17,166
Borrowing costs	(172)	(139)
Total	18,040	17,027
Series H bonds [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	18,212	17,166
Current maturities	18,212	17,166
Series H bonds [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	0
Current maturities	$ 0	$ 0
Series O bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	699	699
Maturity date	02/01/2021	02/01/2020
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	3.80%	3.80%
Effective rate	2.24%	2.41%
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Notional amount	$ 962	$ 890
Current maturities	962	890
Borrowing costs	(82)	(67)
Total	880	823
Series O bonds [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	962	890
Current maturities	962	890
Series O bonds [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	0
Current maturities	$ 0	$ 0
Series P bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	563	563
Maturity date	01/15/2021	01/15/2020
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	3.25%	3.25%
Effective rate	2.37%	2.71%
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Notional amount	$ 1,824	$ 1,686
Current maturities	1,824	1,686
Borrowing costs	(12)	(12)
Total	1,812	1,674
Series P bonds [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,824	1,686
Current maturities	1,824	1,686
Series P bonds [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	0
Current maturities	$ 0	$ 0
Series Q bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	700	700
Maturity date	06/01/2021	06/01/2020
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Nominal rate	3.45%	3.45%
Effective rate	2.92%	3.11%	3.45%
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Notional amount	$ 350	$ 323
Current maturities	350	323
Borrowing costs	(21)	(6)
Total	329	317
Series Q bonds [Member] \| NotLaterThanThreeMonths [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	0
Current maturities	0	0
Series Q bonds [Member] \| LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYear [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	350	323
Current maturities	$ 350	$ 323

Financial instruments (Details 14) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 14) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Company	SQM S.A.
Notional amount	$ 39,031	$ 282,914
Borrowing costs	$ (2,250)	$ (2,336)
Bank Borrowings Chilean Tax [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID No.	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Tax ID No.	Foreign	Foreign
Financial institution	Scotiabank Cayman	Scotiabank Cayman
Country	USA	USA
Currency or adjustment index	USD	USD
Effective rate	1.98%	2.84%
Nominal rate	1.36%	3.01%
Non current bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 70,000	$ 70,000
Non-current maturities	70,000	70,000
Borrowing costs	(624)	(862)
Total	$ 69,376	$ 69,138
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Bank Borrowings Chilean Tax [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Financial institution	Scotiabank Cayman	Scotiabank Cayman
Notional amount	$ 70,000	$ 70,000
Non-current maturities	70,000	70,000
Borrowing costs	(624)	(862)
Total	69,376	69,138
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Between 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Between 1 year to 2 [member] \| Bank Borrowings Chilean Tax [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Between 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	70,000	0
Non-current maturities	70,000	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Between 2 years to 3 [member] \| Bank Borrowings Chilean Tax [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	70,000	0
Non-current maturities	70,000	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Between 3 Years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	70,000
Non-current maturities	0	70,000
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Between 3 Years to 4 [member] \| Bank Borrowings Chilean Tax [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	70,000
Non-current maturities	$ 0	$ 70,000

Financial instruments (Details 15) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 15) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Company	SQM S.A.
Notional Amount	$ 39,031	$ 282,914
Borrowing costs	$ (2,250)	$ (2,336)
Single series bond One [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	01/28/2021	04/21/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	1.95%	0.43%
Nominal rate	4.38%	5.50%
Notional Amount	$ 4,648	$ 252,674
Borrowing costs	$ (433)	$ (386)
Single series bond Two [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	04/03/2021	01/28/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	1.08%	2.35%
Nominal rate	3.63%	4.38%
Notional Amount	$ 2,658	$ 4,648
Borrowing costs	$ (614)	$ (433)
Single series bond Three [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	05/07/2021	04/03/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	3.59%	1.42%
Nominal rate	4.25%	3.63%
Notional Amount	$ 7,508	$ 2,658
Borrowing costs	$ (679)	$ (614)
Single series bond Four [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	01/22/2021	05/07/2020
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	4.17%	4.07%
Nominal rate	4.25%	4.25%
Notional Amount	$ 2,869	$ 2,869
Borrowing costs	$ (237)	$ (679)
Series H bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	564	564
Maturity date	01/05/2021	01/05/2020
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Semiannual	Semiannual
Effective rate	0.58%	1.36%
Nominal rate	4.90%	4.90%
Notional Amount	$ 18,212	$ 17,166
Borrowing costs	$ (172)	$ (139)
Series O bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	699	699
Maturity date	02/01/2021	02/01/2020
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	2.24%	2.41%
Nominal rate	3.80%	3.80%
Notional Amount	$ 962	$ 890
Borrowing costs	$ (82)	$ (67)
Series Q bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	700	700
Maturity date	06/01/2021	06/01/2020
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	2.92%	3.11%	3.45%
Nominal rate	3.45%	3.45%
Notional Amount	$ 350	$ 323
Borrowing costs	(21)	(6)
Non current bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	1,833,056	1,414,192
Non-current maturities	1,833,056	1,414,192
Borrowing costs	(16,430)	(11,084)
Total	1,816,626	1,403,108
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	13,749
Non-current maturities	0	13,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	300,000	13,749
Non-current maturities	300,000	13,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	313,749
Non-current maturities	0	313,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	250,000	13,749
Non-current maturities	250,000	13,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	1,283,056	1,059,196
Non-current maturities	$ 1,283,056	$ 1,059,196
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond One [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	01/28/2025	01/28/2025
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	4.08%	4.08%
Nominal rate	4.38%	4.38%
Notional Amount	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Non-current maturities	250,000	250,000
Borrowing costs	(1,336)	(1,514)
Total	248,664	248,486
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond One [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond One [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond One [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond One [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	250,000	0
Non-current maturities	250,000	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond One [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	250,000
Non-current maturities	$ 0	$ 250,000
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Two [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID		93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	04/03/2023	04/03/2023
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	3.43%	3.43%
Nominal rate	3.63%	3.63%
Notional Amount	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Non-current maturities	300,000	300,000
Borrowing costs	(781)	(1,393)
Total	299,219	298,607
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Two [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Two [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	300,000	0
Non-current maturities	300,000	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Two [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	300,000
Non-current maturities	0	300,000
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Two [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Two [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	$ 0	$ 0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Three [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID		93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-	-
Maturity date	05/07/2029	05/07/2029
Currency or adjustment index	US$	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	4.18%	4.19%
Nominal rate	4.25%	4.25%
Notional Amount	$ 450,000	$ 450,000
Non-current maturities	450,000	450,000
Borrowing costs	(5,020)	(5,923)
Total	444,980	444,077
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Three [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Three [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Three [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Three [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Three [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	450,000	450,000
Non-current maturities	$ 450,000	$ 450,000
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Four [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	-
Maturity date	01/22/2050
Currency or adjustment index	US$
Payment of interest	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity
Effective rate	4.22%
Nominal rate	4.25%
Notional Amount	$ 400,000
Non-current maturities	400,000
Borrowing costs	(6,582)
Total	393,418
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Four [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0
Non-current maturities	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Four [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0
Non-current maturities	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Four [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0
Non-current maturities	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Four [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0
Non-current maturities	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Single series bond Four [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	400,000
Non-current maturities	$ 400,000
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series H bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	564	564
Maturity date	01/05/2030	01/05/2030
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment		Semiannual
Effective rate	4.76%	4.78%
Nominal rate	4.90%	4.90%
Notional Amount	$ 126,386	$ 130,617
Non-current maturities	126,386	130,617
Borrowing costs	(1,378)	(1,253)
Total	125,008	129,364
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series H bonds [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	13,749
Non-current maturities	0	13,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series H bonds [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	13,749
Non-current maturities	0	13,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series H bonds [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	13,749
Non-current maturities	0	13,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series H bonds [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	13,749
Non-current maturities	0	13,749
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series H bonds [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	126,386	75,621
Non-current maturities	$ 126,386	$ 75,621
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series O bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	699	699
Maturity date	02/01/2033	02/01/2033
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	3.68%	3.70%
Nominal rate	3.80%	5.50%
Notional Amount	$ 61,334	$ 56,715
Non-current maturities	61,334	56,715
Borrowing costs	(904)	(811)
Total	60,430	55,904
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series O bonds [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series O bonds [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series O bonds [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series O bonds [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series O bonds [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	61,334	56,715
Non-current maturities	$ 61,334	$ 56,715
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series P Bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	563	563
Maturity date	01/15/2028	01/15/2028
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	3.24%	3.24%
Nominal rate	3.25%	3.25%
Notional Amount	$ 122,668	$ 113,430
Non-current maturities	122,668	113,430
Borrowing costs	(77)	(89)
Total	122,591	113,341
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series P Bonds [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series P Bonds [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series P Bonds [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series P Bonds [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series P Bonds [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	122,668	113,430
Non-current maturities	$ 122,668	$ 113,430
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series Q bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Tax ID	93.007.000-9	93.007.000-9
Company	SQM S.A.	SQM S.A.
Country	Chile	Chile
Number of registration or ID of the instrument	700	700
Maturity date	06/01/2038	06/01/2038
Currency or adjustment index	UF	UF
Payment of interest	Semiannual	Semiannual
Repayment	Upon maturity	Upon maturity
Effective rate	3.43%	3.45%
Nominal rate	3.45%	3.45%
Notional Amount	$ 122,668	$ 113,430
Non-current maturities	122,668	113,430
Borrowing costs	(352)	(101)
Total	122,316	113,329
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series Q bonds [Member] \| Over 1 year to 2 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series Q bonds [Member] \| Over 2 years to 3 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series Q bonds [Member] \| Over 3 years to 4 [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series Q bonds [Member] \| Over 4 Years to 5 [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Non-current maturities	0	0
Non current bonds issued [Member] \| Series Q bonds [Member] \| Over 5 Years [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional Amount	122,668	113,430
Non-current maturities	$ 122,668	$ 113,430

Financial instruments (Details 17) - Series H bonds [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Principal payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 6,601	$ 7,868	$ 8,325
CCS Coverage [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 2,575	$ 1,952	$ 495

Financial instruments (Details 18) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 18) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Single series bond Four [Member] \| Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 10,938	$ 10,938	$ 10,938

Financial instruments (Details 19) - Series O bonds [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 2,070	$ 2,308	$ 2,457
CCS Coverage [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 599	$ 354	$ 205

Financial instruments (Details 20) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 20) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Single series bond Three [Member] \| Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 10,875	$ 10,875	$ 10,875

Financial instruments (Details 21) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 21) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Single series bond Two [Member] \| Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 6,875	$ 13,750	$ 13,750

Financial instruments (Details 22) - Series P bonds [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 3,534	$ 3,960	$ 1,085
CCS Coverage [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 3,439	$ 2,995	$ 1,421

Financial instruments (Details 23) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details 23) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Series Q bonds [Member] \| Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 3,769	$ 3,791	$ 319
Series Q bonds [Member] \| CCS Coverage [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	1,021	0	0
Single Series Fifth Issue Bonds [Member] \| Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	19,125	9,563	0
Single Series Sixth Issue Bonds [Member] \| Interest payment [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Repayments of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 8,500	$ 0	$ 0

Financial instruments (Details 24) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 203,346	$ 205,414
Other accounts payable	587	376
Prepayments from customers	0	0
Total	203,933	205,790
Accounts payable	0	0
Other accounts payable	0	0
Prepayments from customers	4,027	0
Total	4,027	0
Accounts payable	203,346	205,414
Other accounts payable	587	376
Prepayments from customers	4,027	0
Total	$ 207,960	$ 205,790

Financial instruments (Details 28) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial assets at amortised cost	$ 1,282,368	$ 1,534,588
Current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	2,610	19,801
Non-current financial assets at amortised cost	11,245	1,785
Non-current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	51,845	8,703
Financial assets at amortised cost	1,293,613	1,536,373
Total, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	54,455	28,504
Cash and cash equivalent [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial assets at amortised cost	509,102	588,530
Non-current financial assets at amortised cost	0	0
Financial assets at amortised cost	509,102	588,530
Trade receivables due from related parties at amortized cost [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial assets at amortised cost	62,601	61,227
Non-current financial assets at amortised cost	0	0
Financial assets at amortised cost	62,601	61,227
Financial assets measured at amortized cost [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial assets at amortised cost	345,459	485,689
Non-current financial assets at amortised cost	80	75
Financial assets at amortised cost	345,539	485,764
Loans and receivables, category [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial assets at amortised cost	365,206	399,142
Non-current financial assets at amortised cost	11,165	1,710
Financial assets at amortised cost	376,371	400,852
Hedging assets [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	0	17,270
Non-current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	37,276	3,918
Total, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	37,276	21,188
Investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income [member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	0	0
Non-current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	14,569	4,785
Total, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	14,569	4,785
Financial liabilities held for trading [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	2,610	2,531
Non-current, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	0	0
Total, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	2,610	2,531
Total Financial Assets [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current, total financial assets	1,284,978	1,554,389
Non-current, total financial assets	63,090	10,488
Total, total financial assets	$ 1,348,068	$ 1,564,877

Financial instruments (Details 29) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	$ 246,930	$ 494,736
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	1,915,575	1,502,449
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	2,162,505	1,997,185
Total, total financial liabilities	3,088,270	2,516,460
Lease Liability [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	5,528	7,694
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	25,546	30,203
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	31,074	37,897
Trade payables due to related parties [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	606	475
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	0	0
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	606	475
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at amortised cost	32,092	10,351
Non-current financial liabilities at amortised cost	13,511	16,477
Financial liabilities at amortised cost	45,603	26,828
Bank borrowings [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	82	199
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	69,376	69,138
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	69,458	69,337
Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	36,781	280,578
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	1,816,626	1,403,108
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	1,853,407	1,683,686
Trade and other payables [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	203,933	205,790
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	4,027	0
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	207,960	205,790
Hedging liabilities [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	26,699	7,183
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	13,511	16,477
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	40,210	23,660
Financial Liabilities Held For Trading [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	5,393	3,168
Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	0	0
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	5,393	3,168
Total Financial Liabilities [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Current, total financial liabilities	279,022	505,087
Non-current, total financial liabilities	1,929,086	1,518,926
Total, total financial liabilities	$ 2,208,108	$ 2,024,013

Financial instruments (Details Textual)								1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Details Textual)	Jan. 22, 2020 USD ($)	May 07, 2019 USD ($)	Nov. 08, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 CLF ( )	Apr. 03, 2013 USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 23, 2014 USD ($)	Apr. 21, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Jul. 05, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 05, 2020 CLF ( )	Jan. 05, 2020 USD ($)	Jan. 05, 2020 CLF ( )	Jul. 05, 2019 USD ($)	Jul. 05, 2019 CLF ( )	Oct. 31, 2018 CLF ( )	Jan. 15, 2018	Apr. 04, 2012 CLF ( )	Jan. 13, 2009 CLF ( )
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount										$ 39,031,000	$ 282,914,000
Outstanding purchase commitments										55,516,000	89,391,000
Single series bond One [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount										$ 4,648,000	$ 252,674,000
Borrowings, interest rate										1.95%	0.43%
Borrowings, maturity										01/28/2021	04/21/2020
Single series bond One [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount									$ 250,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate									5.50%
Borrowings, maturity									10
Single series bond Three [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount										$ 7,508,000	$ 2,658,000
Borrowings, interest rate										3.59%	1.42%
Borrowings, maturity										05/07/2021	04/03/2020
Single series bond Three [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount					$ 300,000,000					$ 300,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate					3.625%
Borrowings, maturity					10
Single series bond Two [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount										$ 2,658,000	$ 4,648,000
Borrowings, interest rate										1.08%	2.35%
Borrowings, maturity										04/03/2021	01/28/2020
Single series bond Two [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount								$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate								4.375%
Borrowings, maturity								2025
Series H bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount										$ 18,212,000	$ 17,166,000
Borrowings, interest rate										0.58%	1.36%
Borrowings, maturity										01/05/2021	01/05/2020
Series H bonds [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount							$ 139,216,000					$ 6,509,000	181,818.18	$ 6,787,000	181,818.18	$ 7,494,000	181,818.18				4,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate							4.90%														4.90%
Borrowings, maturity							21
Series Q bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount										$ 350,000	$ 323,000
Borrowings, interest rate										2.92%	3.11%							3.45%
Borrowings, maturity										06/01/2021	06/01/2020
Proceeds from disposal or maturity of available-for-sale financial assets			$ 83,567,623,842
Bond Authorised to Issue \|																		3,000,000
Series P bonds [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount										$ 1,824,000	$ 1,686,000
Borrowings, interest rate										2.37%	2.71%
Borrowings, maturity										01/15/2021	01/15/2020
Series P bonds [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount \|				3,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate																			3.25%
Borrowings, maturity				10
Series M Bonds [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount						$ 69,901,000														1,500,000
Borrowings, interest rate						3.80%														3.80%
Borrowings, maturity						21
Unsecured Bonds [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 450,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate		4.25%
Borrowings, maturity		2029
Single Series Bond Six [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 400,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate	4.25%
Borrowings, maturity	2050
Cross currency swap contracts [Member] \| Series H bonds [Member] \| Bonds issued [Member]
Financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount												$ 546,000		$ 268,000		$ 439,000

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	$ 37,164	$ 0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		45,115
Additions	1,903
Depreciation expenses	(8,431)	(7,951)
Other increases / decreases	(612)
Total changes	(7,140)	(7,951)
Closing balance	30,024	37,164
Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		45,115
Closing balance
Land [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Land [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Buildings [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	25,742	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		29,289
Additions	1,782
Depreciation expenses	(3,535)	(3,547)
Other increases / decreases	(612)
Total changes	(2,365)	(3,547)
Closing balance	23,377	25,742
Buildings [member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		29,289
Closing balance
Other property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Other property, plant and equipment [member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Transport equipment [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	3,356	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		3,893
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	(877)	(537)
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	(877)	(537)
Closing balance	2,479	3,356
Transport equipment [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		3,893
Closing balance
Supplies and accessories [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Supplies and accessories [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Office Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Office Equipment [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Network and communication equipment [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Network and communication equipment [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Mining assets [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Mining assets [member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Computer equipment [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Computer equipment [member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Energy generating assets [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Energy generating assets [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Construction in Progress [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	0	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		0
Additions	0
Depreciation expenses	0	0
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	0	0
Closing balance	0	0
Construction in Progress [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		0
Closing balance
Machinery, plant and equipment [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance	8,066	0
Initial recognition of IFRS 16		11,933
Additions	121
Depreciation expenses	(4,019)	(3,867)
Other increases / decreases	0
Total changes	(3,898)	(3,867)
Closing balance	$ 4,168	8,066
Machinery, plant and equipment [Member] \| Previously stated [member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Opening Balance		$ 11,933
Closing balance

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Presentation of leases for lessee [abstract]
Current lease liabilities	$ 5,528	$ 7,694
Non-current lease liabilities	$ 25,546	$ 30,203

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2020
SQM Salar S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
SQM Salar S.A. [Member] \| Empresa Constructora Contex Ltda [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	UF
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Mar. 31, 2021
Effective rate	0.00%
SQM Salar S.A. [Member] \| Transportes Construccin y Servicios Cribach Ltda [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Peso
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Sep. 01, 2020
Effective rate	8.93%
SQM Salar S.A. [Member] \| SKM Industrial Ltda [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Peso
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Jun. 01, 2022
Effective rate	8.93%
SQM Salar S.A. [Member] \| Ameco Chile SA [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Peso
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Apr. 24, 2021
Effective rate	4.07%
SQM Industrial S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
SQM Industrial S.A. [Member] \| El Trovador SA [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	UF
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Feb. 08, 2030
Effective rate	3.10%
SQM Industrial S.A. [Member] \| Sociedad Comercial Grandleasing Chile Ltda [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	UF
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Aug. 26, 2024
Effective rate	2.72%
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member] \| SAAM Logistics SA [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	UF
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Aug. 01, 2022
Effective rate	0.81%
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member] \| Muelles de Penco SA [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	UF
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Jul. 06, 2023
Effective rate	1.30%
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member] \| Inmobiliaria Chincui SPA [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	UF
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	May 01, 2028
Effective rate	3.38%
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member] \| Compaa de Leasing Tattersall SA [Member] \| CHILE
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	UF
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	May 24, 2021
Effective rate	6.18%
SQM North America Corp. [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
SQM North America Corp. [Member] \| Paces West LL [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Dec. 31, 2027
Effective rate	3.36%
SQM North America Corp. [Member] \| Hawkins Nunmber One LLC [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Aug. 31, 2024
Effective rate	3.33%
SQM Comercial De Mexico S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
SQM Comercial De Mexico S.A. de C.V. [Member] \| Onni Ensenada SA de CV [Member] \| MEXICO
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Dec. 03, 2026
Effective rate	3.45%
SQM Comercial De Mexico S.A. de C.V. [Member] \| Madol Inmobiliaria SA de CV [Member] \| MEXICO
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Mexican Peso
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Oct. 31, 2023
Effective rate	7.84%
SQM Europe N.V. [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
SQM Europe N.V. [Member] \| Straatsburgdok NV [Member] \| BELGIUM
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Euro
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Mar. 31, 2027
Effective rate	1.30%
SQM Australia PTY [Member]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Dollar
SQM Australia PTY [Member] \| The trust Company Australia Pty Ltd [Member] \| AUSTRALIA
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Contract indexation unit	Australian dollar
Type Of Amortization	Monthly
Maturity date	Jan. 31, 2021
Effective rate	3.60%

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Presentation of leases for lessee [abstract]
Total lease expenses	$ 61,705	$ 56,051
Expense relating to variable lease payments not included in measurement of lease liabilities	1,133,000	1,096,000
Income from subleasing right-of-use assets	$ 176	$ 261

Intangible assets and goodwill (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 178,407	$ 188,358	$ 189,350
Goodwill	41,966	34,726	34,866
Total intangible assets and goodwill	$ 220,373	$ 223,084	224,216
Computer software [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life	Finite	Finite
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 4,826	$ 6,011
Total intangible assets and goodwill	4,826	6,011	4,568
Goodwill [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 41,966	$ 34,726
Goodwill [Member] \| Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life	Indefinite	Indefinite
Mining rights [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life	Unit-production method
Mining rights [Member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life	Finite	Finite
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 150,046	$ 157,570
Total intangible assets and goodwill	$ 150,046	$ 157,570	159,256
Water rights and rights of way [member] \| Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life	Indefinite	Indefinite
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 23,343	$ 23,342
Total intangible assets and goodwill	$ 23,343	$ 23,342	23,776
Customer-related intangible assets [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life	Finite	Finite
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 0	$ 1,273
Total intangible assets and goodwill	$ 0	$ 1,273	1,573
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life	Finite	Finite
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 192	$ 162
Total intangible assets and goodwill	$ 192	$ 162	$ 177

Intangible assets and goodwill (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	$ 223,084	$ 224,216
Additions	10,255	2,856
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	6	(6)
Decreases through sale	(136)	(1,314)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(1,798)	(1,053)
Other increases (decreases)	309	2,479
Amortization	(11,347)	(4,094)
Total increases (decreases)	(2,711)	(1,132)
Closing balance	220,373	223,084
Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	260,317	256,049
Additions	10,255	2,856
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	6	(9)
Decreases through sale	(136)	(1,314)
Other increases (decreases)	311	2,735
Total increases (decreases)	10,436	4,268
Closing balance	270,753	260,317
Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	(37,233)	(31,833)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	3
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(1,798)	(1,053)
Other increases (decreases)	(2)	(256)
Amortization	(11,347)	(4,094)
Total increases (decreases)	(13,147)	(5,400)
Closing balance	(50,380)	(37,233)
Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member] \| Goodwill [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	34,726	34,866
Additions	7,380	0
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Decreases through sale	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(140)	(140)
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	7,240	(140)
Closing balance	41,966	34,726
Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member] \| Goodwill [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	38,120	38,120
Additions	7,380	0
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	7,380	0
Closing balance	45,500	38,120
Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member] \| Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member] \| Goodwill [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	(3,394)	(3,254)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(140)	(140)
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	(140)	(140)
Closing balance	(3,534)	(3,394)
IT programs [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	6,011	4,568
Additions	508	2,606
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	5	(4)
Decreases through sale	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(14)	0
Other increases (decreases)	297	2,479
Amortization	(1,981)	(3,638)
Total increases (decreases)	(1,185)	1,443
Closing balance	4,826	6,011
IT programs [member] \| Gross carrying amount [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	34,471	29,137
Additions	508	2,606
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	5	(7)
Decreases through sale	0	0
Other increases (decreases)	297	2,735
Total increases (decreases)	810	5,334
Closing balance	35,281	34,471
IT programs [member] \| Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	(28,460)	(24,569)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	3
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(14)	0
Other increases (decreases)	0	(256)
Amortization	(1,981)	(3,638)
Total increases (decreases)	(1,995)	(3,891)
Closing balance	(30,455)	(28,460)
Mining rights [Member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	157,570	159,256
Additions	2,295	227
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Decreases through sale	(136)	(1,314)
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(654)	(481)
Other increases (decreases)	(2)	0
Amortization	(9,027)	(118)
Total increases (decreases)	(7,524)	(1,686)
Closing balance	150,046	157,570
Mining rights [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	158,337	159,424
Additions	2,295	227
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Decreases through sale	(136)	(1,314)
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	2,159	(1,087)
Closing balance	160,496	158,337
Mining rights [Member] \| Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	(767)	(168)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(654)	(481)
Other increases (decreases)	(2)	0
Amortization	(9,027)	(118)
Total increases (decreases)	(9,683)	(599)
Closing balance	(10,450)	(767)
Water rights and rights of way [member] \| Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	23,342	23,776
Additions	0	0
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	1	(2)
Decreases through sale	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	0	(432)
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	1	(434)
Closing balance	23,343	23,342
Water rights and rights of way [member] \| Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	25,423	25,425
Additions	0	0
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	1	(2)
Decreases through sale	0	0
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	1	(2)
Closing balance	25,424	25,423
Water rights and rights of way [member] \| Indeifinite Intangible assets [Member] \| Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	(2,081)	(1,649)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	0	(432)
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	0	(432)
Closing balance	(2,081)	(2,081)
Customer-related intangible assets [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	1,273	1,573
Additions	0	0
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Decreases through sale	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(990)	0
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Amortization	(283)	(300)
Total increases (decreases)	(1,273)	(300)
Closing balance	0	1,273
Customer-related intangible assets [member] \| Gross carrying amount [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	1,778	1,778
Additions	0	0
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Decreases through sale	0	0
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Total increases (decreases)	0	0
Closing balance	1,778	1,778
Customer-related intangible assets [member] \| Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	(505)	(205)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	(990)	0
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Amortization	(283)	(300)
Total increases (decreases)	(1,273)	(300)
Closing balance	(1,778)	(505)
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	162	177
Additions	72	23
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Decreases through sale	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	0	0
Other increases (decreases)	14	0
Amortization	(56)	(38)
Total increases (decreases)	30	(15)
Closing balance	192	162
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	2,188	2,165
Additions	72	23
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Decreases through sale	0	0
Other increases (decreases)	14	0
Total increases (decreases)	86	23
Closing balance	2,274	2,188
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member] \| Finite intangible assets [Member]
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening balance	(2,026)	(1,988)
Other increases / decreases for foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Impairment losses recognized in profit for the year	0	0
Other increases (decreases)	0	0
Amortization	(56)	(38)
Total increases (decreases)	(56)	(38)
Closing balance	$ (2,082)	$ (2,026)

Intangible assets and goodwill (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	$ 34,726	$ 34,866
Additional	7,380	0
Impairment losses	(140)	(140)
Total increase (decrease)	7,240	(140)
Goodwill Ending Balance	41,966	34,726
Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	38,120	38,120
Additional	7,380	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	7,380	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	45,500	38,120
Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	(3,394)	(3,254)
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	(140)	(140)
Total increase (decrease)	(140)	(140)
Goodwill Ending Balance	(3,534)	(3,394)
SQM Industrial S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0	0
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	0	0
SQM Industrial S.A. [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	3,214	3,214
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	3,214	3,214
SQM Industrial S.A. [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	(3,214)	(3,214)
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	(3,214)	(3,214)
SQM S.A [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	22,255	22,255
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	22,255	22,255
SQM S.A [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	22,255	22,255
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	22,255	22,255
SQM S.A [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0	0
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	0	0
SQM Iberian S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	148	148
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	148	148
SQM Iberian S.A. [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	148	148
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	148	148
SQM Iberian S.A. [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0	0
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	0	0
SQM Investment Corporation N.V. [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	86	86
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	86	86
SQM Investment Corporation N.V. [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	86	86
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	86	86
SQM Investment Corporation N.V. [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0	0
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	0	0
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	140	280
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	(140)	(140)
Total increase (decrease)	(140)	(140)
Goodwill Ending Balance	0	140
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	320	320
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	320	320
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	(180)	(40)
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	(140)	(140)
Total increase (decrease)	(140)	(140)
Goodwill Ending Balance	(320)	(180)
Soquimich European Holding B.V. [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	11,373	11,373
Additional	10	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	10	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	11,383	11,373
Soquimich European Holding B.V. [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	11,373	11,373
Additional	10	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	10	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	11,383	11,373
Soquimich European Holding B.V. [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0	0
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	0	0
Sqm Holland Bv [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0
Additional	7,370
Impairment losses	0
Total increase (decrease)	7,370
Goodwill Ending Balance	7,370	0
Sqm Holland Bv [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0
Additional	7,370
Impairment losses	0
Total increase (decrease)	7,370
Goodwill Ending Balance	7,370	0
Sqm Holland Bv [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0
Additional	0
Impairment losses	0
Total increase (decrease)	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	0	0
SQM Potasio S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	724	724
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	724	724
SQM Potasio S.A. [Member] \| Gross carrying amount [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	724	724
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	724	724
SQM Potasio S.A. [Member] \| Accumulated impairment [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in goodwill [line items]
Goodwill Begining Balance	0	0
Additional	0	0
Impairment losses	0	0
Total increase (decrease)	0	0
Goodwill Ending Balance	$ 0	$ 0

Property, plant and equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, plant and equipments [Abstract]
Land	$ 23,579	$ 23,620
Buildings	239,666	227,173
Other property, plant and equipment	35,418	32,645
Transport equipment	2,880	2,686
Suppliers and accessories	4,183	4,579
Office equipment	459	420
Network and communication equipment	1,272	663
Mining assets	47,052	23,174
IT equipment	4,083	4,359
Energy generating assets	4,878	5,998
Construction in progress	486,345	375,316
Machinery, plant and equipment	887,504	869,273
Total	1,737,319	1,569,906	$ 1,454,823
Description of classes of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Pumps	28,184	32,525
Conveyor belt	20,117	21,911
Crystallizer	22,145	24,102
Plant equipment	173,335	170,263
Water tanks	15,367	14,159
Filter	35,553	27,080
Facilities or electrical equipment	93,937	92,090
Other machinery, plant and equipment	49,930	53,409
Site Closure	36,828	12,056
Piping	102,578	96,402
Pond	41,906	41,319
Well	226,347	238,670
Parts	41,277	45,287
Total	887,504	869,273
Gross carrying amount [member]
Property, plant and equipments [Abstract]
Land	23,579	23,620
Buildings	705,089	666,027
Other property, plant and equipment	234,238	257,247
Transport equipment	13,030	12,143
Suppliers and accessories	26,101	25,531
Office equipment	11,607	11,441
Network and communication equipment	8,951	8,009
Mining assets	194,562	161,619
IT equipment	29,629	28,693
Energy generating assets	38,540	38,495
Construction in progress	486,345	375,316
Machinery, plant and equipment	3,304,061	3,142,461
Total	5,075,732	4,750,602	4,450,037
Description of classes of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total	3,304,061	3,142,461
Accumulated depreciation and amortisation [member]
Property, plant and equipments [Abstract]
Buildings	(465,423)	(438,854)
Other property, plant and equipment	(198,820)	(224,602)
Transport equipment	(10,150)	(9,457)
Suppliers and accessories	(21,918)	(20,952)
Office equipment	(11,148)	(11,021)
Network and communication equipment	(7,679)	(7,346)
Mining assets	(147,510)	(138,445)
IT equipment	(25,546)	(24,334)
Energy generating assets	(33,662)	(32,497)
Machinery, plant and equipment	(2,416,557)	(2,273,188)
Total	(3,338,413)	(3,180,696)	$ (2,995,214)
Description of classes of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total	$ (2,416,557)	$ (2,273,188)

Property, plant and equipment (Parenthetical) (Details) - Spare Parts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Opening balance	$ 39,265	$ 32,414
Increase in provisions	3,616	6,851
Ending balance	$ 42,881	$ 39,265

Property, plant and equipment (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Borrowing costs [abstract]
Capitalization interest rate	4.00%	4.00%
Amount of costs for interest capitalized in ThUS$	$ 8,462	$ 7,841

Property, plant and equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property Plant And Equipment [line items]
Impairment loss recognised in profit or loss, property, plant and equipment	$ 9,563	$ 49

Other current and non-current non-financial assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	$ 57,399	$ 50,552
Other non-current non-financial assets	22,042	19,729
Domestic Value Added Tax [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	18,107	17,807
Foreign Value Added Tax [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	7,785	8,566
Prepaid mining licenses [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	1,025	1,244
Prepaid insurance [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	10,307	7,135
Other prepayment [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	946	1,423
Refund of Value Added Tax to exporters [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	14,316	10,560
Other taxes [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	4,499	3,213
Other assets [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other current non-financial assets	414	604
Other non-current non-financial assets	3,428	524
Exploration and evaluation expenses [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other non-current non-financial assets	17,883	18,654
Guarantee deposits [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Other non-current non-financial assets	$ 731	$ 551

Other current and non-current non-financial assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of other non-financials asset [Abstract]
Opening balance	$ 18,654	$ 26,189	$ 17,721
Change in assets for exploration and evaluation of mineral resources
Additions	0	0	11,298
Short-term reclassifications	(526)	(1,311)	1,987
Increase (decrease) due to transfers and other charges	(245)	(6,224)	(4,817)
Total changes	(771)	(7,535)	8,468
Total	$ 17,883	$ 18,654	$ 26,189

Other current and non-current non-financial assets (Details Textual)) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Construction in progress	$ 486,345	$ 375,316
Metallic exploration [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Useful life measured as period of time, property, plant and equipment	10 years
Expense arising from exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources	$ 0	165
Mt Holland [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Assets arising from exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources	50,127	30,475
Exploration and evaluation assets [member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Construction in progress	14,265	12,841
Non-current assets [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Assets arising from exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources	6,576	6,576
Non-current assets [Member] \| Other Non Current Non Financial Assets One [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Assets arising from exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources	7,011	8,645
Other non current financial assets [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Assets arising from exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources	4,296	3,433
Current Inventories [Member]
Disclosure of other non-financial assets [Line Items]
Assets arising from exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources	$ 1,318	$ 1,367

Employee benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current
Profit sharing and bonuses	$ 7,770	$ 0
Performance bonds and operational targets	1,326	16,387
Total	9,096	16,387
Non-current
Profit sharing and bonuses	0	8,026
Severance indemnity payments	32,199	27,814
Total	$ 32,199	$ 35,840

Employee benefits (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee benefits (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$ 9,586	$ 8,657	$ 8,755
Service cost	0	0	0
Interest cost	280	336	319
Actuarial loss	506	984	63
Benefits paid	(508)	(391)	(480)
Benefit obligation at the end of the year	$ 9,864	$ 9,586	$ 8,657

Employee benefits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee benefits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$ 8,754	$ 8,404	$ 8,751
Actual return (loss) in plan assets	4,642	741	133
Benefits paid	(508)	(391)	(480)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	12,888	8,754	8,404
Financing status	3,025	(832)	(253)
Net actuarial loss at the beginning of the year	(3,634)	(3,022)	(2,614)
Amortization during the year	326	242	160
Net estimated gain or loss occurred during the year	3,500	(854)	(568)
Adjustment to recognize the minimum pension obligation	$ 192	$ (3,634)	$ (3,022)

Employee benefits (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee benefits (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee benefits [Abstract]
Service cost or benefits received during the year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Interest cost in benefit obligation	280	336	319
Actual return in plan assets	4,642	741	133
Amortization of prior year losses	326	242	160
Net gain during the year	3,500	(854)	(568)
Net periodic pension expense	$ (31)	$ (33)	$ (159)

Employee benefits (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee benefits (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Current cost of Service	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Interest cost	280	336	319
Actuarial gain/loss	506	984	63
Benefits paid during the year	508	391	480
Staff severance indemnities [Member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Opening balance	(27,814)	(28,233)	(27,445)
Current cost of Service	(3,804)	(2,880)	(1,529)
Interest cost	(1,486)	(1,661)	(1,658)
Actuarial gain/loss	(2,826)	(2,514)	(1,617)
Exchange rate difference	(1,513)	2,475	2,710
Benefits paid during the year	5,244	4,999	1,306
Balance	$ (32,199)	$ (27,814)	$ (28,233)

Employee benefits (Details 6)	12 Months Ended
Employee benefits (Details 6)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Actuarial assumption of discount rates	3.65%	3.68%	4.64%
Voluntary retirement rate [Abstract]
Actuarial assumption of expected rates of salary increases	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Retirement age [Abstract]
Mortality rate	RV - 2014	RV - 2014	RV - 2014
Men [Member]
Voluntary retirement rate [Abstract]
Actuarial assumption voluntary retirement rate	6.49%	6.49%	6.49%
Retirement age [Abstract]
Actuarial assumption of retirement age	65 years	65 years	65 years
Women [Member]
Voluntary retirement rate [Abstract]
Actuarial assumption voluntary retirement rate	6.49%	6.49%	6.49%
Retirement age [Abstract]
Actuarial assumption of retirement age	60 years	60 years	60 years

Employee benefits (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Actuarial assumption of discount rates [member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to reasonably possible increase in actuarial assumption	$ (1,985)	$ (1,796)
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to reasonably possible decrease in actuarial assumption	2,234	2,021
Actuarial assumption of employee turnover rate [Member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to reasonably possible increase in actuarial assumption	(261)	(236)
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to reasonably possible decrease in actuarial assumption	$ 291	$ 263

Employee benefits (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation		$ 22,858	$ 22,598	$ 27,907
Number of shares effected		47,687
Weighted average share price		$ 41.93
Executive Compensation Plan [Member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation		$ 117	$ 875
Number of shares effected		177,905	427,652
Executive Compensation Plan [Member] \| Two Thousand And Twenty Bonus [Member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Key management personnel compensation	$ 8,500
Men [Member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Actuarial assumption of retirement age		65 years	65 years	65 years
Men [Member] \| Top of range [member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Actuarial assumption of retirement age		65 years
Women [Member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Actuarial assumption of retirement age		60 years	60 years	60 years
Women [Member] \| Top of range [member]
Employee benefits [Line Items]
Actuarial assumption of retirement age		60 years

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Current provisions	$ 104,166	$ 110,565
Non-current provisions	62,617	34,690
Provisions	166,783	145,255
Provision for legal complaints [member]
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Current provisions	8,905	13,472
Non-current provisions	1,260	1,452
Provisions	10,165	14,924
Provision for decommissioning, restoration and rehabilitation costs [member]
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Current provisions	0	0
Non-current provisions	61,265	33,238
Provisions	61,265	33,238
Other provisions [member]
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Current provisions	95,261	97,093
Non-current provisions	92	0
Provisions	$ 95,353	$ 97,093

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total	$ 104,166	$ 110,565
Miscellaneous other provisions [member]
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Rent under Lease contract	85,167	90,320
Provision for additional tax related to foreign loans	740	543
End of agreement bonus	8,159	3,641
Directors' per diem allowance	698	1,802
Miscellaneous provisions	497	787
Total	$ 95,261	$ 97,093

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of other provisions [abstract]
Tax withholdings	$ 1,208	$ 3,345
VAT payable	1,642	3,465
Guarantees received	2,636	2,641
Accrual for dividend	8,027	68,890
Monthly tax provisional payments	8,407	16,659
Deferred income	6,435	3,033
Withholdings from employees and salaries payable	5,017	4,575
Accrued vacations	24,003	21,686
Other current liabilities	3,580	2,605
Total	$ 60,955	$ 126,899

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total provisions, initial balance	$ 145,255	$ 138,019	$ 93,446
Changes in provisions:
Additional provisions	154,581	154,425	184,064
Provision used	(127,624)	(151,581)	(139,506)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange	(2,482)	(24)	0
Others	(2,947)	4,416	15
Total Increase (decreases)	21,528	7,236	44,573
Total provisions, final balance	166,783	145,255	138,019
Legal proceedings provision [member]
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total provisions, initial balance	14,924	14,862	19,419
Changes in provisions:
Additional provisions	62,922	4,111	1,000
Provision used	(67,685)	(4,049)	(5,557)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange	4	0	0
Others	0	0	0
Total Increase (decreases)	(4,759)	62	(4,557)
Total provisions, final balance	10,165	14,924	14,862
Provision for decommissioning, restoration and rehabilitation costs [member]
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total provisions, initial balance	33,238	28,822	26,954
Changes in provisions:
Additional provisions	30,974	0	1,820
Provision used	0	0	0
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange	0	0	0
Others	(2,947)	4,416	48
Total Increase (decreases)	28,027	4,416	1,868
Total provisions, final balance	61,265	33,238	28,822
Miscellaneous other provisions [member]
Disclosure of Provisions and other non-financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total provisions, initial balance	97,093	94,335	47,073
Changes in provisions:
Additional provisions	60,685	150,314	181,244
Provision used	(59,939)	(147,532)	(133,949)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange	(2,486)	(24)	0
Others	0	0	(33)
Total Increase (decreases)	(1,740)	2,758	47,262
Total provisions, final balance	$ 95,353	$ 97,093	$ 94,335

Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Research and development expense	$ 10.0
Top of range [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Research and development expense	$ 15.0
SQM member [Member]
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Percentage of entity's revenue	1.70%
SQM member [Member] \| Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Research and development expense	$ 10.8
SQM member [Member] \| Top of range [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Research and development expense	$ 18.9

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Net Financial Debt	$ (1,105,095)	$ (719,810)
Capital Management [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Net Financial Debt	$ 1,074,020	$ 681,912
Liquidity	5.40	3.45
Return on equity	7.79	13.15
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 579,765	$ 644,223
EBITDA	$ 524,650	$ 668,912
ROA	9.83	12.76
Indebtedness	0.50	0.32
Description Net Financial Debt	Financial Debt – Financial Resources
Description Liquidity	Current Assets divided by Current Liabilities
Description ROE	Profit for the year divided by Total Equity
Description adjusted EBITDA	Adjusted EBITDA
Description EBITDA	EBITDA
Description ROA	Adjusted EBITDA – Depreciation divided by Total Assets net of financial resources less related parties’ investments
Description Indebtedness	Total Liabilities on Equity
Calculation Net Financial Debt	Other current Financial Liabilities + Other Non-Current Financial Liabilities– Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Hedging Assets, non-current
Calculation Liquidity	Total Current Assets / Total Current Liabilities
Calculation ROE	LTM(2) Profit for the year / Equity
Calculation Adjusted EBITDA	Profit for the year + Depreciation and Amortization Expenses + Finance Costs + Income Tax – Other income and Share of profit of associates and joint ventures + Other expenses – Finance income – Currency differences
Calculation EBITDA	Profit for the year + Depreciation and Amortization Expenses + Finance Costs + Income Tax
Calculation ROA	(LTM Gross Profit – Administrative Expenses)/ (Total Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Other Non-Current Financial Assets – Equity-accounted Investments)
Calculation Indebtedness	Total Liabilities / Total Equity

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details 1) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details 1) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Capital amount in shares	$ 477,386,000	$ 477,386,000
Amount of reserves	$ 7,432,000	$ (14,223,000)	$ (14,999,000)	$ (14,349,000)
Series A preferred shares [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Number of authorized shares	142,819,552	142,819,552
Number of fully subscribed and paid shares	142,819,552	142,819,552	142,819,552
Number of subscribed, partially paid shares	0	0
Par value of shares in ThUS$	$ 0.9435	$ 0.9435
Increase (decrease) in the number of current shares	0	0
Number of current shares	142,819,552	142,819,552
Number of shares owned by the entity or its subsidiaries or associates	0	0
Number of shares whose issuance is reserved due to the existence of options or agreements to dispose shares	0	0
Capital amount in shares	$ 134,750	$ 134,750
Amount of premium issuance	0	0
Amount of reserves	$ 0	$ 0
Total number of subscribed shares, total	142,819,552	142,819,552
Series B preferred shares [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Number of authorized shares	120,376,972	120,376,972
Number of fully subscribed and paid shares	120,376,972	120,376,972	120,376,972
Number of subscribed, partially paid shares	0	0
Par value of shares in ThUS$	$ 2.8464	$ 2.8464
Increase (decrease) in the number of current shares	0	0
Number of current shares	120,376,972	120,376,972
Number of shares owned by the entity or its subsidiaries or associates	0	0
Number of shares whose issuance is reserved due to the existence of options or agreements to dispose shares	0	0
Capital amount in shares	$ 342,636	$ 342,636
Amount of premium issuance	0	0
Amount of reserves	$ 0	$ 0
Total number of subscribed shares, total	120,376,972	120,376,972

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about controls capital management [Abstract]
Reserve for currency exchange conversion	$ (11,569)	$ (25,745)	$ (26,307)
Reserve for cash flow hedges	4,491	7,196	7,971
Reserve for gains and losses from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income	6,872	(270)	(1,111)
Reserve for actuarial gains or losses in defined benefit plans	(8,680)	(9,490)	(6,884)
Other reserves	16,318	14,086	11,332
Total other reserves	$ 7,432	$ (14,223)	$ (14,999)	$ (14,349)

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	$ (14,223)	$ (14,999)	$ (14,349)
Increase in reserves	30,846	12,008	22,092
Decrease in Reserve	(9,191)	(11,232)	(22,742)
Closing balance	7,432	(14,223)	(14,999)
Reserve of change in value of foreign currency basis spreads [member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	(25,745)	(26,307)	(24,913)
Increase in reserves	15,732	1,824	6,542
Decrease in Reserve	(1,556)	(1,262)	(7,936)
Closing balance	(11,569)	(25,745)	(26,307)
Gains from cash flow hedge before tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	9,879	7,971	2,248
Increase in reserves	0	8,628	14,794
Decrease in Reserve	(3,706)	(6,720)	(9,071)
Closing balance	6,173	9,879	7,971
Gains from cash flow hedge tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	(2,683)	0	0
Increase in reserves	0	(2,683)	0
Decrease in Reserve	1,001	0	0
Closing balance	(1,682)	(2,683)	0
Losses from measurement of defined benefit plans before tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	(11,482)	(8,176)	(6,847)
Increase in reserves	3,858	0	674
Decrease in Reserve	(2,903)	(3,306)	(2,003)
Closing balance	(10,527)	(11,482)	(8,176)
Losses from measurement of defined benefit plans tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	1,992	1,292	894
Increase in reserves	430	0	(133)
Decrease in Reserve	(575)	700	531
Closing balance	1,847	1,992	1,292
Gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income before tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	392	(760)	4,787
Increase in reserves	11,885	1,570	294
Decrease in Reserve	(2,101)	(418)	(5,841)
Closing balance	10,176	392	(760)
Gains (losses) from financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	(662)	(351)	(1,850)
Increase in reserves	(3,180)	(424)	(79)
Decrease in Reserve	538	113	1,578
Closing balance	(3,304)	(662)	(351)
Miscellaneous other reserves before tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	14,086	11,332	11,332
Increase in reserves	2,121	3,093	0
Decrease in Reserve	111	(339)	0
Closing balance	16,318	14,086	11,332
Total reserves, reserves before tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	(12,870)	(15,940)	(13,393)
Increase in reserves	33,596	15,115	22,304
Decrease in Reserve	(10,155)	(12,045)	(24,851)
Closing balance	10,571	(12,870)	(15,940)
Total reserves, reserves defered tax [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Opening balance	(1,353)	941	(956)
Increase in reserves	(2,750)	(3,107)	(212)
Decrease in Reserve	964	813	2,109
Closing balance	$ (3,139)	$ (1,353)	$ 941

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Equity before adjustments	$ 15,874	$ 15,763	$ 13,009
Total Other reserves	16,318	14,086	11,332
SQM Iberian S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Equity before adjustments	9,464	9,464	9,464
Adjustments to equity	(1,677)	(1,677)	(1,677)
SQM Europe N.V. [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Equity before adjustments	1,957	1,957	1,957
Soquimich European Holding B.V. [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Equity before adjustments	828	828	828
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Equity before adjustments	455	455	455
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Equity before adjustments	0	305	305
Kore Potash PLC [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Equity before adjustments	3,170	2,754	0
Orcoma Estudios SPA [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Adjustments to equity	$ 2,121	$ 0	$ 0

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details 5) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]

Dividends discounted from equity for the period

$ 10,118

$ 6,817

$ 9,733

Interim Dividend

44,986

211,224

331,199

Potential Dividend

100,000

Dividends payable

4,369

66,891

108,631

Owners of the Parent

149,355

278,115

539,830

^[1]

159,473

284,932

549,563

Ajay SQM Chile S.A. Dividends [member]

Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]

Ajay SQM Chile S.A Payable Dividend [member]

556

882

823

Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]

Soquimich Comercial S.A. Interim Dividend [member]

682

Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]

Soquimich Comercial S.A. Payable Dividend [member]

5,904

3,936

7,872

Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]

$ 2,976

$ 1,999

$ 1,038

[1]	See Note 20.6

Disclosures on reserves in Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2020	May 19, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Apr. 23, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Dividend payable per share					$ 1.05668
interim dividend per share		$ 0.17092
Provisional dividend paid, Per share				$ 0.80254
Maximum Threshold Percentage Of Issued Capital For Issuance Of Series B shares				50.00%
Minimum Percentage Required TO Call Ordinary Or Extraordinary Meeting			5.00%
Number Of Consecutive Limitation Period Of Series B shares			50 years
Contractual capital commitments			$ 0
Special dividend per share	0.37994
Series A preferred shares [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Number of shares issued and fully paid			142,819,552	142,819,552		142,819,552
Series B preferred shares [Member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Number of shares issued and fully paid			120,376,972	120,376,972		120,376,972
Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of Disclosures on equity [Line Items]
Cash dividend rate			30.00%

Contingencies and restrictions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Grantor obligations		$ 10,114	$ 9,611
Ferosor Agricola S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Ferosor Agrícola S.A.
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 5,626	5,372
Tattersall Agroinsumos S.A. [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Tattersall Agroinsumos S.A.
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 2,000	2,000
Covepa SPA [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Covepa SPA
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 703	671
Johannes Epple Davanzo [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Johannes Epple Davanzo
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 314	300
Hortofruticola La Serena [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Hortofrutícola La Serena
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 303	282
Com Serv Johannes Epple Davanz [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Com. Serv Johannes Epple Davanz
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 408	269
Juan Luis Gaete Chesta [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Juan Luis Gaete Chesta
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 190	182
Arena Fertilizantes y Semillas [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Arena Fertilizantes y Semillas
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 211	201
Vicente Oyarce Castro [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Vicente Oyarce Castro
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 229	213
Bernardo Guzman Schmidt [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Name of grantor	Bernardo Guzmán Schmidt
Relationship with grantor		Unrelated Third party
Grantor obligations		$ 130	$ 121

Contingencies and restrictions (Details)	12 Months Ended
Contingencies and restrictions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [abstract]
Leverage	0.50	0.32

Contingencies and restrictions (Details Textual) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 18, 2020	Nov. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 24, 2017	Aug. 26, 2016	Dec. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2004	Aug. 31, 1996
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of defendant		SQM Salar and SQM Industrial
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		May 2016
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		19th Civil Court of Santiago
Lawsuits, allegations		for the alleged extracontractual liability derived from the accident occurring in July 2014 in the town of María Elena
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 515,000
Tax contingency, amount claimed							$ 14,400,000	$ 17,800,000
Tax contingency, amount under dispute correspond to excess charge levied		7,000,000
Expected claim for differences in specific tax on mining activities		43,000,000
Guarantee obligations		731,000
Environmental Loss Contingencies Component Amount	$ 9,000,000
Provision for taxes other than income tax [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Tax Contingency Excess Charge Amount Returned		5,800,000
Tax Contingency Amount Related To First Category Tax Rate Plus Interests And Fines		1,200,000
Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Receivables from taxes other than income taxes		90,300,000	$ 32,200,000
Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Excess Collection [Member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Receivables from taxes other than income taxes		19,500,000	7,000,000
Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Recoverable Taxes [Member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Receivables from taxes other than income taxes		5,800,000
Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Villella [Member] \| Class Action Law Suit [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Law suits fines penalties and damages payable					$ 62,500,000
Soquimich Comercial S.A. [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, damages owed, value		1,200,000
Collateral Security Carrying Value		$ 10,114,000	9,611,000
SQM Salar [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member] \| Liquidation Number Sixty Five [Member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Tax other than income payable						$ 19,500,000
SQM Salar [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Two Thousand And Eighteen [Member] \| Liquidation Number Sixty Six [Member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Tax other than income payable						22,100,000
SQM Salar [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Two Thousand Seventeen And Eighteen [Member] \| Interest Payable [Member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Interest and penalties on tax other than income tax payable						$ 22,300,000
SQM Salar [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Two Thousand Seventeen And Eighteen [Member] \| Mining Taxes Including Interest Paid [Member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Payment of taxes other than income taxes			63,900,000
SQM Salar [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Two Thousand Seventeen And Eighteen [Member] \| Over Payment [Member] \| Mining Tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Excess payment of mining taxes			$ 18,000,000
Lawsuit two [Member] \| North America Corp [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Appeal Pending [Member] \| City Of Pomona [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Law suits fines penalties and damages payable									$ 36,000,000
Lawsuit three [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		city of Pomona in the state of California, United States
Lawsuits, name of defendant		SQM NA
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		December 2010
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		US District Court for the Central District of California
Lawsuits, allegations		payment of expenses and other values related to treatment of groundwater to make it apt for consumption, which involved the extraction of perchlorate in this water, which allegedly came from Chilean fertilizers
Lawsuits, litigation status		On May 17, 2018, district judge Gary Klausner ruled in favor of SQM NA following the jury verdict. On February 6, 2020, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit demanded a retrial before the District Court
Lawsuit four [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		the city of Lindsay in California, United States
Lawsuits, name of defendant		SQM NA
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		December 2010
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		US District Court for the Central District of California
Lawsuits, allegations		payment of expenses and other values related to treatment of groundwater to make it apt for consumption, which involved the extraction of perchlorate in this water, which allegedly came from Chilean fertilizers
Lawsuit five [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of defendant		SQM Nitratos
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		May 2014
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		18th Civil Court of Santiago
Lawsuits, allegations		for its alleged extracontractual liability derived from an explosion occurring in 2010 in the vicinity of the town of Baquedano, which caused the death of six workers.
Lawsuits, litigation status		On May 7, 2019, the 18th Civil Court of Santiago dismissed the claim. The case currently is in the Santiago Court of Appeals, which will make a determination on the motion for appeal and cassation brought about on behalf of the plaintiff.
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 1,200,000
Lawsuit six [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		Tyne and Wear Pension Fund represented by the Council of the Borough of South Tyneside acting as lead plaintiff
Lawsuits, name of defendant		the Company
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		On October 2015
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		US Federal Court of the Southern District of New York
Lawsuits, allegations		potential damages to ADS Holders in the Company due to alleged noncompliance with the securities regulation in the United States
Lawsuit seven [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		13th Civil Court of Santiago
Lawsuits, litigation status		On March 6, 2019, the 13th Civil Court of Santiago dismissed the claim. The case is currently in the Santiago Court of Appeals, which will decide on the motion for appeal brought about by the plaintiffs.
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 7,000,000
Lawsuit eight [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		Transportes Buen Destino S.A.
Lawsuits, name of defendant		SQM Salar
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		January 2018
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		arbitration claim under CAM (arbitration and mediation center) rules
Lawsuits, allegations		controversies resulting from the execution of transport contracts for lithium brine and transport of salts
Lawsuits, litigation status		currently in the evidence stage
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 3,000,000
Lawsuit nine [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		representatives Claudia Nathalie Mix Jiménez, Gael Fernanda Yeomans Araya, Camila Ruslay Rojas Valderrama
Lawsuits, name of defendant		Corfo
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		September 2018
Lawsuits, allegations		Salar de Atacama Project Contract signed between Corfo and SQM Salar.
Lawsuits, litigation status		discussion stage
Lawsuit ten [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		The Company and FPC Ingeniería y Construcción SpA
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		May 2019
Lawsuits, allegations		alleged extracontractual liability derived from the traffic accident occurring
Lawsuits, litigation status		on March 5, 2018, involving the overturn of a truck owned by FPC and the subsequent death of its two occupants, both employees of FPC. The four children of one of the deceased workers are the plaintiffs in this case and are seeking compensation for moral damages.
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 1,200,000
Lawsuit eleven [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		Servicios Logísticos Integrales Inversol SpA
Lawsuits, name of defendant		arbitration claim under CAM rules against SQM Salar for controversies
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		June 24, 2019
Lawsuits, litigation status		evidence stage
Lawsuit twelve [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		Fennix Industrial SpA
Lawsuits, name of defendant		SQM Salar
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		April 2019
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		First Civil Court of Concepción
Lawsuits, allegations		controversies resulting from the execution of a civil works and electromechanical assembly contract.
Lawsuits, litigation status		discussion stage
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 770,000
Lawsuit thirteen [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		Arrigoni Ingeniería y Construcción S.A.
Lawsuits, name of defendant		SQM Salar
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		November 2019
Lawsuits, domicile of litigation		arbitration court under CAM rules
Lawsuits, allegations		requesting the conclusion of the Works Contract known as “Expansion of Lithium Carbonate Plant Phase II
Lawsuits, litigation status		evidence stage
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 14,600,000
Lawsuit fourteen [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		Sierra Gorda S.C.M.
Lawsuits, name of defendant		the Company
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		December 16, 2011
Lawsuits, litigation status		discussion stage
Lawsuit fifteen [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Lawsuits, name of plaintiff		arbitration court under CAM rules
Lawsuits, name of defendant		Rotto S.A.
Lawsuits, lawsuit filing date		September 2020
Lawsuits, nominal value		$ 713,000		$ 436,000,000
Law Suit One A [Member] \| Nitratos Naturais Do Chile Ltda. [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Appeal Pending [Member] \| Fazoanda Do Estado De Sao Paulo [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Law suits fines penalties and damages payable											$ 492
Law Suit One B [Member] \| Nitratos Naturais Do Chile Ltda. [Member] \| Provision for taxes other than income tax [member] \| Appeal Pending [Member] \| Fazoanda Do Estado De Sao Paulo [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Law suits fines penalties and damages payable										$ 265

Lawsuits and complaints (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Lawsuits and complaints (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 18, 2020
Disclosure of lawsuits and complaints [Line Items]
Term at which Department of Justice agreed not to prosecute those charges against Company	3 years
External monitor, term	24 months
Lawsuits, nominal value	$ 515,000
Lawsuit fifteen [Member]
Disclosure of lawsuits and complaints [Line Items]
Lawsuits, nominal value	713,000	$ 436,000,000
Department of Justice [Member]
Disclosure of lawsuits and complaints [Line Items]
Legal proceedings, amount agreed to pay	$ 15,487,500

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,817,191	$ 1,943,655	$ 2,265,803
Specialty plant nutrition [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	701,688	723,920	781,751
Iodine and derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	334,657	371,020	324,972
Lithium and Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	383,373	505,714	734,801
Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	209,294	212,151	267,474
Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	160,608	94,875	108,267
Others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	27,571	35,975	48,538
Chile [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	153,745	211,857	189,349
Chile [Member] \| Specialty plant nutrition [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	100,353	109,975	111,595
Chile [Member] \| Iodine and derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,234	1,064	1,052
Chile [Member] \| Lithium and Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	399	599	700
Chile [Member] \| Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	23,963	27,371	25,593
Chile [Member] \| Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	4,059	39,512	4,575
Chile [Member] \| Others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	23,737	33,336	45,834
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	159,990	161,928	180,191
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] \| Specialty plant nutrition [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	69,535	78,872	77,737
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] \| Iodine and derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	10,843	7,972	6,389
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] \| Lithium and Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,597	3,593	3,598
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] \| Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	72,697	64,868	80,192
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] \| Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	4,951	6,354	12,098
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] \| Others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	367	269	177
Europe
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	380,125	393,764	479,664
Europe \| Specialty plant nutrition [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	145,896	149,992	200,229
Europe \| Iodine and derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	142,161	123,525	112,080
Europe \| Lithium and Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	49,719	76,250	103,430
Europe \| Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	30,029	27,973	46,068
Europe \| Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	11,585	15,289	17,384
Europe \| Others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	735	735	473
North America
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	427,570	451,272	471,515
North America \| Specialty plant nutrition [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	246,737	243,399	240,995
North America \| Iodine and derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	90,292	90,070	83,587
North America \| Lithium and Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	25,558	45,810	68,254
North America \| Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	39,432	43,312	50,685
North America \| Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	23,963	27,798	27,347
North America \| Others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,588	883	647
Asia and others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	695,761	724,834	945,084
Asia and others [Member] \| Specialty plant nutrition [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	139,167	141,682	151,195
Asia and others [Member] \| Iodine and derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	90,127	148,389	121,864
Asia and others [Member] \| Lithium and Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	306,100	379,462	558,819
Asia and others [Member] \| Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	43,173	48,627	64,936
Asia and others [Member] \| Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	116,050	5,922	46,863
Asia and others [Member] \| Others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,144	$ 752	$ 1,407

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,817,191	$ 1,943,655	$ 2,265,803
Specialty plant nutrition [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	701,688	723,920	781,751
Sodium Nitrates [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	18,291	20,679	17,688
Potassium Nitrate And Sodium Potassium Nitrate [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	424,041	457,477	527,945
Specialty Blends [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	163,033	153,739	145,511
Other Specialty Fertilizers [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	96,323	92,025	90,607
Iodine And Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	334,657	371,020	324,972
Lithium and Derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	383,373	505,714	734,801
Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	209,294	212,151	267,474
Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	160,608	94,875	108,267
Other Products [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	27,571	35,975	48,538
Income From Services [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	3,241	3,410	4,017
Income From leasing Of Properties [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,457	1,438	1,474
Income from subleases on right-of-use assets [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	176	261	0
Commodities [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	11,938	16,176	18,581
Other Ordinary Income Commercial Offices [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 10,759	$ 14,690	$ 24,466

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)	$ (8,431)	$ (7,951)
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (IFRS 16)	(1,133,000)	(1,096,000)
Total	(1,334,321)	(1,383,603)	$ (1,485,631)
Cost Of Sales [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Remuneration and benefits to employees	(287,877)	(271,912)	(260,869)
Raw material and supplies	(178,956)	(178,493)	(203,571)
Depreciation expense	(182,410)	(188,157)	(212,641)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)	(5,814)	(5,450)	0
Amortization expense	(12,655)	(5,102)	(6,376)
Investment plan expenses	(14,286)	(18,367)	(11,860)
Provision for site closure	(911)	(911)	(2,045)
Provision for materials, spare parts and supplies	640	(7,500)	1,721
Contractors	(142,001)	(120,793)	(120,923)
Operating leases	(57,461)	(47,708)	(37,245)
Mining concessions	(6,645)	(7,856)	(8,168)
Operations transport	(68,730)	(56,376)	(64,352)
Freight and product transport costs	(52,156)	(46,264)	(51,387)
Purchase of products from third parties	(224,115)	(210,583)	(182,695)
Insurance	(17,657)	(16,968)	(11,923)
CORFO right	(74,418)	(143,861)	(182,954)
Export costs	(71,718)	(75,908)	(107,418)
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (IFRS 16)	(1,133)	(1,037)	0
Variation in inventory	97,467	52,557	20,597
Variation in inventory provision	7,244	17,107	(8,997)
Other expenses, by nature	(40,729)	(50,021)	(34,525)
Total	$ (1,334,321)	$ (1,383,603)	$ (1,485,631)

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Amounts recovered from insurance	$ 347	$ 320
Total	26,893	18,218	$ 32,048
Other Incomes [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Discounts obtained from suppliers	665	676	705
Fines charged to suppliers	267	483	698
Taxes recovered	346	457	996
Amounts recovered from insurance	14,719	492	443
Overestimate of provisions for third-party obligations	118	983	375
Sale of assets classified as properties, plant and equipment	3,222	2,422	1,536
Options on mining claims	5,852	5,298	16,095
Easements, pipelines and roads	1,619	7,204	10,806
Mining licenses and notary costs reimbursed	85	203	394
Total	$ 26,893	$ 18,218	$ 32,048

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)	$ 8,431	$ 7,951
Total	(107,017)	(117,180)	$ (118,126)
Administrative expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Remuneration and benefits to employees	(55,152)	(60,255)	(63,880)
Marketing costs	(2,377)	(3,911)	(3,078)
Amortization expense	(91)	(5)	(15)
Entertainment expenses	(4,858)	(5,783)	(4,805)
Advisory services	(13,880)	(13,862)	(12,848)
Leases	(3,111)	(3,653)	(4,556)
Insurance	(3,478)	(2,553)	(1,758)
Office expenses	(6,204)	(7,327)	(8,165)
Contractors	(5,079)	(4,874)	(5,730)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (contracts under IFRS 16)	(2,617)	(2,501)	0
Other expenses, by nature	(10,170)	(12,456)	(13,291)
Total	$ (107,017)	$ (117,180)	$ (118,126)

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Depreciation and amortization expense
Sub total	$ (203,912)	$ (201,351)	$ (220,827)
Impairment losses (reversals of impairment losses) recognized in profit (loss) for the year
Properties plant and equipment	(9,563)	(49)
Intangible assets other than goodwill	1,798	1,053
Goodwill	(140)	(140)
Other expenses, by nature
Total	(99,612)	(25,995)	(36,907)
Other expenses by function [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation of assets not in use	(42)	(136)	(59)
Sub total	(42)	(136)	(59)
Impairment losses (reversals of impairment losses) recognized in profit (loss) for the year
Properties plant and equipment	(9,563)	(49)	(1,390)
Intangible assets other than goodwill	(1,658)	(913)	(1,736)
Goodwill	(140)	(140)	(3,254)
Amortization of intangible assets	(283)	0	0
Sub total	(11,644)	(1,102)	(6,380)
Other expenses, by nature
Legal expenses	(69,965)	(9,277)	(15,139)
VAT and other unrecoverable taxes	(626)	(613)	(1,187)
Fines paid	(314)	(145)	(965)
Investment plan expenses	(864)	(1,693)	(7,555)
Non-metallic exploration expenses	(5,262)	(5,537)	(5,864)
Donations not accepted as tax credit	(8,793)	(5,026)	(4,502)
Reorganization of related businesses	0	0	6,000
Other operating expenses	(2,102)	(2,466)	(1,256)
Sub total	(87,926)	(24,757)	(30,468)
Total	$ (99,612)	$ (25,995)	$ (36,907)

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Total	$ (5,313)	$ (383)	$ 6,404
Other income expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Adjustment relating to previous year application of equity method to investments	(49)	(985)	(664)
Losses in the sale of investments in associates	(11,830)	0	(759)
Impairment of interests in associates	7,235	631	(8,802)
Losses in the sale of investments in joint Ventures	(481)	0	14,507
Others	(188)	(29)	2,122
Total	$ (5,313)	$ (383)	$ 6,404

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Net impairment (losses) gains on reversal of financial assets	$ 4,684	$ (1,057)	$ 2,967
Investments In Associates [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Net impairment (losses) gains on reversal of financial assets	$ 4,684	$ (1,057)	$ 2,967

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets	$ 8,431	$ 7,951
Properties plant and equipment	(9,563)	(49)
Goodwill	(140)	(140)
Operation leases	1,133	1,535	$ 0
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (IFRS 16)	(1,133,000)	(1,096,000)
Other expenses by nature [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Raw materials and consumables	(287,877)	(271,912)	(260,869)
Classes of Employee Benefit Expenses
Personnel expenses	(234,108)	(238,748)	(267,451)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation expense	(182,452)	(188,293)	(212,700)
Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets	(8,431)	(7,951)	0
Impairment of Value	(1,658)	(913)	(1,390)
Properties plant and equipment	(9,563)	(49)	(3,254)
Goodwill	(140)	(140)	0
Amortization expense	(13,029)	(5,107)	(8,127)
Operation leases	(60,572)	(51,361)	(41,801)
Legal expenses	(69,965)	(9,277)	(15,139)
Investment plan expenses	(15,150)	(20,060)	(19,415)
Exploration expenses	(5,262)	(5,537)	(5,864)
Provision for site closure	(911)	(911)	(2,045)
Provision for materials, spare parts and supplies	640	(7,500)	1,721
Contractors	(147,080)	(125,667)	(126,653)
Mining concessions	(6,645)	(7,856)	(8,168)
Operation transport	(68,730)	(56,376)	(64,352)
Freight and product transport costs	(52,156)	(46,264)	(51,387)
Purchase of products from third parties	(224,115)	(210,583)	(182,695)
CORFO rights	(74,418)	(143,861)	(182,954)
Export costs	(71,718)	(75,908)	(107,418)
Expenses related to Variable Parts Leases (IFRS 16)	(1,133)	(1,037)	0
Insurance	(21,135)	(19,521)	(13,681)
Restructuring of joint ventures			6,000
Consultant and advisor services	(13,880)	(13,862)	(12,848)
Variation in inventory	97,467	52,557	20,597
Variation in provision on product inventory	7,244	17,107	(8,997)
Other expenses, by nature	(76,173)	(87,748)	(71,774)
Total	$ (1,540,950)	$ (1,526,778)	$ (1,640,664)

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement [Line Items]
Interest expense from bank borrowings and overdrafts		$ (2,133)	$ (1,707)	$ (2,797)
Interest expense from bonds		(72,984)	(55,887)	(87,030)
Interest expense from loans		(2,682)	(3,093)	(1,598)
Capitalized interest expenses		7,841	5,021	8,462
Financial expenses related to rehabilitation provisions		(4,417)	(960)	2,947
Interest on lease agreement	$ (1,133)	(1,535)	0
Other finance costs		(1,029)	(1,181)	(1,050)
Total		$ (76,939)	$ (57,807)	$ (82,199)

Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income, included according to their nature (Details 10) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Gains losses from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature [Abstract]
Interest from term deposits	$ 10,260	$ 15,345	$ 13,758
Interest from marketable securities	2,147	6,765	6,253
Interest from maintenance of minimum bank balance in current account	18	0	262
Other finance income	1,031	4,130	2,195
Other finance interest	259	49	65
Total	$ 13,715	$ 26,289	$ 22,533

Reportable segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Reportable segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,817,191	$ 1,943,655	$ 2,265,803
Cost of sales	(1,334,321)	(1,383,603)	(1,485,631)
Administrative expenses	(107,017)	(117,180)	(118,126)
Finance expense	(82,199)	(76,939)	(57,807)
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(203,912)	(201,351)	(220,827)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	8,940	9,786	6,351
Income tax expense	(70,179)	(110,019)	(178,975)
Income (loss) before taxes	238,538	390,622	621,038
Net Income (Loss)	168,359	280,603	442,063
Assets	4,818,463	4,684,151	4,268,094
Equity-accounted investees	85,993	109,435	111,549
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts	358,009	110,021	(15,028)
Liabilities	2,655,885	2,549,679	2,130,292
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss	4,684	(1,057)	2,967
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	(11,644)	(1,102)	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	182,234	426,971	524,839
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	(167,091)	(485,471)	(187,004)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	(94,132)	105,896	(387,313)
Operating Segments [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,817,191	1,943,655	2,265,803
Cost of sales	(1,334,321)	(1,383,603)	(1,485,631)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(203,912)	(201,351)	(220,827)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	482,870	560,052	780,172
Net Income (Loss)	482,870	560,052	780,172
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Unallocated amounts [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cost of sales	0	0	0
Administrative expenses	(107,017)	(117,180)	(118,126)
Finance expense	(82,199)	(76,939)	(57,807)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	8,940	9,786	6,351
Income tax expense	(70,179)	(110,019)	(178,975)
Income (loss) before taxes	(244,332)	(169,430)	(159,134)
Net Income (Loss)	(314,511)	(279,449)	(338,109)
Assets	4,818,463	4,684,151	4,268,094
Equity-accounted investees	85,993	109,435	111,549
Incorporation of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, net defined benefit assets and rights arising from insurance contracts	358,009	110,021	(15,028)
Liabilities	2,655,885	2,549,679	2,130,292
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss	4,684	(1,057)	2,967
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	(11,644)	(1,102)	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	182,234	426,971	524,839
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	(167,091)	(485,471)	(187,004)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	(94,132)	105,896	(387,313)
Specialty plant nutrients [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	701,688	723,920	781,751
Cost of sales	(537,801)	(573,808)	(613,267)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(55,335)	(67,700)	(79,061)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	163,887	150,112	168,484
Net Income (Loss)	163,887	150,112	168,484
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Iodine and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	334,657	371,020	324,972
Cost of sales	(168,499)	(230,468)	(217,464)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(40,687)	(43,336)	(42,438)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	166,158	140,552	107,508
Net Income (Loss)	166,158	140,552	107,508
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Lithium and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	383,373	505,714	734,801
Cost of sales	(297,048)	(306,250)	(316,875)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(56,092)	(45,238)	(42,283)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	86,325	199,464	417,926
Net Income (Loss)	86,325	199,464	417,926
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	160,608	94,875	108,267
Cost of sales	(119,092)	(63,590)	(72,964)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(14,136)	(6,854)	(8,454)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	41,516	31,285	35,303
Net Income (Loss)	41,516	31,285	35,303
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	209,294	212,151	267,474
Cost of sales	(187,019)	(176,199)	(217,386)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(34,570)	(37,691)	(47,940)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	22,275	35,952	50,088
Net Income (Loss)	22,275	35,952	50,088
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Other products and services [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	27,571	35,975	48,538
Cost of sales	(24,862)	(33,288)	(47,675)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(3,092)	(532)	(651)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	2,709	2,687	863
Net Income (Loss)	2,709	2,687	863
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Reportable segments [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,817,191	1,943,655	2,265,803
Cost of sales	(1,334,321)	(1,383,603)	(1,485,631)
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Finance expense	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortisation expense	(203,912)	(201,351)	(220,827)
The entity's interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	482,870	560,052	780,172
Net Income (Loss)	482,870	560,052	780,172
Assets		0	0
Equity-accounted investees		0	0
Liabilities		0	0
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss		0	0
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Parent [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Assets	4,173,308	4,069,649
Liabilities	2,050,223	1,983,382
Parent [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,817,191	1,943,655	2,265,803
Parent [Member] \| Unallocated amounts [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Parent [Member] \| Specialty plant nutrients [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	701,688	723,920	781,751
Parent [Member] \| Iodine and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	334,657	371,020	324,972
Parent [Member] \| Lithium and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	383,373	505,714	734,801
Parent [Member] \| Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	160,608	94,875	108,267
Parent [Member] \| Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	209,294	212,151	267,474
Parent [Member] \| Other products and services [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	27,571	35,975	48,538
Parent [Member] \| Reportable segments [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	1,817,191	1,943,655	2,265,803
Other Operating Segment [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Unallocated amounts [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Specialty plant nutrients [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Iodine and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Lithium and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Other products and services [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Other Operating Segment [Member] \| Reportable segments [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Reportable segments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Reportable segments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,817,191	$ 1,943,655	$ 2,265,803
Cost of sales	(1,334,321)	(1,383,603)	(1,485,631)
Gross profit	482,870	560,052	780,172
Other incomes by function	26,893	18,218	32,048
Administrative expenses	(107,017)	(117,180)	(118,126)
Other expenses by function	(99,612)	(25,995)	(36,907)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	4,684	(1,057)	2,967
Other gains (losses)	(5,313)	(383)	6,404
Financial income	13,715	26,289	22,533
Finance costs	(82,199)	(76,939)	(57,807)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	8,940	9,786	6,351
Exchange differences	(4,423)	(2,169)	(16,597)
Profit (loss) before taxes	238,538	390,622	621,038
Income tax expense	(70,179)	(110,019)	(178,975)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	168,359	280,603	442,063
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	168,359	280,603	442,063
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	164,518	278,115	439,830
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	3,841	2,488	2,233
Profit (loss)	168,359	280,603	442,063
Specialty plant nutrients [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	701,688	723,920	781,751
Cost of sales	(537,801)	(573,808)	(613,267)
Gross profit	163,887	150,112	168,484
Other incomes by function	0	0	0
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Other expenses by function	0	0	0
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	0	0	0
Other gains (losses)	0	0	0
Financial income	0	0	0
Finance costs	0	0	0
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Exchange differences	0	0	0
Profit (loss) before taxes	163,887	150,112	168,484
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	163,887	150,112	168,484
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	163,887	150,112	168,484
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	0	0	0
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	163,887	150,112	168,484
Iodine and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	334,657	371,020	324,972
Cost of sales	(168,499)	(230,468)	(217,464)
Gross profit	166,158	140,552	107,508
Other incomes by function	0	0	0
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Other expenses by function	0	0	0
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	0	0	0
Other gains (losses)	0	0	0
Financial income	0	0	0
Finance costs	0	0	0
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Exchange differences	0	0	0
Profit (loss) before taxes	166,158	140,552	107,508
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	166,158	140,552	107,508
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	166,158	140,552	107,508
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	0	0	0
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	166,158	140,552	107,508
Lithium and its derivatives [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	383,373	505,714	734,801
Cost of sales	(297,048)	(306,250)	(316,875)
Gross profit	86,325	199,464	417,926
Other incomes by function	0	0	0
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Other expenses by function	0	0	0
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	0	0	0
Other gains (losses)	0	0	0
Financial income	0	0	0
Finance costs	0	0	0
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Exchange differences	0	0	0
Profit (loss) before taxes	86,325	199,464	417,926
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	86,325	199,464	417,926
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	86,325	199,464	417,926
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	0	0	0
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	86,325	199,464	417,926
Industrial chemicals [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	160,608	94,875	108,267
Cost of sales	(119,092)	(63,590)	(72,964)
Gross profit	41,516	31,285	35,303
Other incomes by function	0	0	0
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Other expenses by function	0	0	0
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	0	0	0
Other gains (losses)	0	0	0
Financial income	0	0	0
Finance costs	0	0	0
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Exchange differences	0	0	0
Profit (loss) before taxes	41,516	31,285	35,303
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	41,516	31,285	35,303
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	41,516	31,285	35,303
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	0	0	0
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	41,516	31,285	35,303
Potassium [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	209,294	212,151	267,474
Cost of sales	(187,019)	(176,199)	(217,386)
Gross profit	22,275	35,952	50,088
Other incomes by function	0	0	0
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Other expenses by function	0	0	0
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	0	0	0
Other gains (losses)	0	0	0
Financial income	0	0	0
Finance costs	0	0	0
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Exchange differences	0	0	0
Profit (loss) before taxes	22,275	35,952	50,088
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	22,275	35,952	50,088
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	22,275	35,952	50,088
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	0	0	0
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	22,275	35,952	50,088
Other products and services [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	27,571	35,975	48,538
Cost of sales	(24,862)	(33,288)	(47,675)
Gross profit	2,709	2,687	863
Other incomes by function	0	0	0
Administrative expenses	0	0	0
Other expenses by function	0	0	0
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	0	0	0
Other gains (losses)	0	0	0
Financial income	0	0	0
Finance costs	0	0	0
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	0	0	0
Exchange differences	0	0	0
Profit (loss) before taxes	2,709	2,687	863
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	2,709	2,687	863
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	2,709	2,687	863
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	0	0	0
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	2,709	2,687	863
Corporate unit [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Cost of sales	0	0	0
Gross profit	0	0	0
Other incomes by function	26,893	18,218	32,048
Administrative expenses	(107,017)	(117,180)	(118,126)
Other expenses by function	(99,612)	(25,995)	(36,907)
Impairment of gains and review of impairment losses (impairment losses) determined in accordance with IFRS 9	4,684	(1,057)	2,967
Other gains (losses)	(5,313)	(383)	6,404
Financial income	13,715	26,289	22,533
Finance costs	(82,199)	(76,939)	(57,807)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method	8,940	9,786	6,351
Exchange differences	(4,423)	(2,169)	(16,597)
Profit (loss) before taxes	(244,332)	(169,430)	(159,134)
Income tax expense	(70,179)	(110,019)	(178,975)
Profit (loss) from continuing operations	(314,511)	(279,449)	(338,109)
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0
Profit (loss)	(314,511)	(279,449)	(338,109)
Profit (loss), attributable to [abstract]
Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners	164,518	278,115	439,830
Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers	3,841	2,488	2,233
Profit (loss)	$ (314,511)	$ (279,449)	$ (338,109)

Reportable segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Reportable segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,817,191	$ 1,943,655	$ 2,265,803
Investments accounted for using equity method	85,993	109,435	111,549
Intangible assets other than goodwill	178,407	188,358	189,350
Goodwill	41,966	34,726	34,866
Property, plant and equipment	1,737,319	1,569,906	1,454,823
Right-of-use assets	30,024	37,164	0
Other non-current assets	22,042	19,729	27,539
Non-current assets that are not financial instruments	2,095,751	1,959,318	1,818,127
Chile [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	153,745	211,857	189,349
Investments accounted for using equity method	0	0	6,588
Intangible assets other than goodwill	95,934	106,910	110,544
Goodwill	23,065	23,205	22,535
Property, plant and equipment	1,667,824	1,526,919	1,445,349
Right-of-use assets	23,461	29,427
Other non-current assets	19,377	20,321	17,111
Non-current assets that are not financial instruments	1,829,661	1,706,782	1,588,951
Latin America and the Caribbean [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	159,990	161,928	180,189
Investments accounted for using equity method	0	0	0
Intangible assets other than goodwill	565	420	1,215
Goodwill	0	0	86
Property, plant and equipment	642	513	347
Right-of-use assets	2,298	2,734
Other non-current assets	17	28	23
Non-current assets that are not financial instruments	3,522	(3,695)	1,671
Europe [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	380,126	393,764	479,664
Investments accounted for using equity method	41,273	42,243	61,256
Intangible assets other than goodwill	825	1,397	238
Goodwill	18,901	11,521	11,521
Property, plant and equipment	12,592	3,424	4,451
Right-of-use assets	2,428	2,817
Other non-current assets	7	4	0
Non-current assets that are not financial instruments	76,026	61,406	77,466
North America [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	427,572	451,272	471,515
Investments accounted for using equity method	14,468	14,669	16,115
Intangible assets other than goodwill	2,274	2,683	152
Goodwill	0	0	724
Property, plant and equipment	3,494	6,250	3,098
Right-of-use assets	1,776	2,083
Other non-current assets	2,641	624	892
Non-current assets that are not financial instruments	24,653	25,061	19,197
Asia and others [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue	695,758	724,834	945,086
Investments accounted for using equity method	30,252	52,523	40,766
Intangible assets other than goodwill	78,809	76,948	77,201
Goodwill	0	0	0
Property, plant and equipment	52,767	32,800	1,578
Right-of-use assets	61	103
Other non-current assets	0	0	11,297
Non-current assets that are not financial instruments	$ 161,889	$ 162,374	$ 130,842

Effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Conversion foreign exchange gains (losses) recognized in the result of the year.	$ (4,423)	$ (2,169)	$ (16,597)
Gains (losses) on exchange differences on translation, before tax	14,000	787	(1,220)
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on exchange differences on translation, before tax	14,176	562	(1,394)
Non-controlling interests [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on exchange differences on translation, before tax	$ (176)	$ 225	$ 174

Effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	$ (11,569)	$ (25,745)	$ (26,307)
Comercial Hydro S.A. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	1,004	1,004	1,004
SQMC Internacional Ltda. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(9)	(9)	(17)
Proinsa Ltda. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(10)	(10)	(11)
Comercial Agrorama Ltda. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(19)	33	(21)
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(14)	(44)	(1)
Almacenes y Depositos Ltda. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	211	142	113
Sacal S.A. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(3)	(3)	(3)
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(13)	(19)	(10)
Agrorama S.A. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	92	231	132
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	(13,811)	(13,811)
SQM Vitas Fzco. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(3,736)	(2,267)	(2,682)
Ajay Europe [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(693)	(1,449)	(1,270)
SQM Eastmed Turkey [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	(155)	(113)
Doctochem Tarim Sanayi LTD [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	7	0
Coromandel SQM India [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	(431)	(393)
SQM Italia SRL [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	(236)	(213)
SQM Oceania Pty Limited [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(579)	(634)	(634)
SQM Indonesia S.A. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(124)	(124)	(124)
Abu Dhabi Fertilizers Industries WWL [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	372	372	(435)
SQM Vitas BV [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	99	(197)	(170)
SQM Thailand Limited [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(68)	(68)	(68)
SQM Europe N.V. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(1,983)	(1,983)	(1,983)
SQM Australia Pty Ltd [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(4,052)	(4,035)	(4,222)
Pavoni C Spa [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	164	(185)	70
Terra Tarsa B.V.. [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	116	(82)
Plantacote N.V [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	(16)	(34)
Doktolab Tarim Arastima San [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	0	(54)	(29)
Kore Potash PLC [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	(1,128)	(1,754)	(1,206)
SQM Colombia SAS [Member]
Other reserves [abstract]
Reserve of exchange differences on translation	$ (80)	$ (166)	$ (94)

Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Effect Of Exchange Rate Changes On The Statement Of Income [Abstract]
Profit (loss) in foreign currency	$ (4,423)	$ (2,169)	$ (16,597)
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve	14,176	562	(1,394)
Total	$ 9,753	$ (1,607)	$ (17,991)

Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (Parenthetical) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Reserve for currency exchange conversion	$ (11,569)	$ (25,745)	$ (26,307)
Grupo Tarsa [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Reserve for currency exchange conversion	$ 14,580,000

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Current tax assets, non-current

$ 132,224

$ 91,433

90,364

32,179

Monthly provisional income tax payments, Chilean companies [Member]

Current tax assets, non-current

37,123

47,283

6,398

Monthly provisional income tax payments, foreign companies [Member]

Corporate tax credits [Member]

1,265

124

1st category tax absorbed by tax loss [Member]

^[1]

1,566

1,262

Taxes in recovery process [Member]

^[2]

2,322

916

Specific tax on mining activities paid (on consignment) [Member]

89,948

41,848

Current tax assets, non-current

$ 83,966

$ 25,781

[1]	These credits are available for Companies and are related to corporate tax payments in April of the following year, These credits include, among others, credits for training expenses (SENCE), credits for acquisition of fixed assets, donations and credits in Chile for taxes paid abroad.
[2]	This concept corresponds to the absorption of the tax losses determined by the company at the end of the year, which must be attributed to the dividends received during the year.

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Current tax liabilities, current	$ 22,643	$ 17,874
1st Category income tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current tax liabilities, current	14,736	7,863
Foreign company income tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current tax liabilities, current	7,838	9,944
Article 21 single tax [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Current tax liabilities, current	$ 69	$ 67

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate	27.00%	27.00%	27.00%
Spain [member]
Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate	25.00%	25.00%
Belgium [member]
Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate	25.00%	29.58%
Mexico [member]
Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate	30.00%	30.00%
United States [member] \| Top of range [member]
Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate	336.00%	325.00%
United States [member] \| Bottom of range [member]
Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate	21.00%	21.00%
South Africa [member]
Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate	28.00%	28.00%

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 161,340	$ 138,230
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(317,441)	(321,641)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(156,101)	(183,411)	$ (175,361)
Unrealized loss [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	90,585	82,075
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	90,585	82,075	75,832
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(187,168)	(197,167)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(187,168)	(197,167)	(196,843)
Restoration and rehabilitation provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	6,598	7,313
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Manufacturing expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(107,215)	(106,420)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(107,215)	(106,420)	(103,760)
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(6,669)	(6,000)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(6,669)	(6,000)	(5,679)
Vacation accrual [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	6,138	5,591
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	6,138	5,591	5,155
Inventory provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	22,200	23,885
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	22,200	23,885	28,155
Materials provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	8,812	7,982
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	8,812	7,982	6,239
Forwards [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	0	0	2,169
Employee benefits [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	2,689
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	0	2,689	3,309
Research and development expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(3,580)	(3,533)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(3,580)	(3,533)	(2,216)
bad debt provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	5,072	3,542
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	5,072	3,542	4,188
Provision for legal complaints and expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	19,637	2,546
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	19,637	2,546	4,013
Loan approval expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(5,212)	(3,856)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(5,212)	(3,856)	(2,337)
Junior mining companies valued based on stock price [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(3,929)	(1,287)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(3,929)	(1,287)	(976)
Royality [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(3,014)	(1,357)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(3,014)	(1,357)	(3,278)
Tax loss benefit [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	844	2,296
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	844	2,296	1,124
Other deferred tax assets [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	1,454	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0	(2,021)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	1,454	(2,021)	5,005
Foreign items other [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	0	311
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(654)	0
Deferred tax liability (asset)	$ (654)	$ 311	$ 259

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	$ 183,411	$ 175,361
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(29,096)	5,758
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	1,786	2,292
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(27,310)	8,050
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	156,101	183,411
Unrealized loss [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(82,075)	(75,832)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(8,509)	(6,243)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(8,509)	(6,243)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(90,585)	(82,075)
Property, plant and equipment and capitalized interest [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	197,167	196,843
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(9,999)	324
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(9,999)	324
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	187,168	197,167
Facility closure provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(7,313)	(4,280)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	714	(3,033)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	714	(3,033)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(6,598)	(7,313)
Manufacturing expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	106,420	103,760
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	795	2,660
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	795	2,660
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	107,215	106,420
Staff severance indemnities, unemployment insurance [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	6,000	5,679
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	514	1,007
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	155	(686)
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	669	321
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	6,669	6,000
Vacation accrual [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(5,591)	(5,155)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(547)	(436)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(547)	(436)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(6,138)	(5,591)
Inventory provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(23,885)	(28,155)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	1,685	4,270
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	1,685	4,270
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(22,200)	(23,885)
Materials provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(7,982)	(6,239)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(830)	(1,743)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(830)	(1,743)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(8,812)	(7,982)
Forwards [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	0	(2,169)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	1,001	(514)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	(1,001)	2,683
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	0	2,169
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	0	0
Employee benefits [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(2,689)	(3,309)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	2,689	620
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	2,689	620
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	0	(2,689)
Research and development expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	3,533	2,216
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	46	1,317
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	46	1,317
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	3,580	3,533
bad debt provision [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(3,542)	(4,188)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(1,530)	646
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(1,530)	646
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(5,072)	(3,542)
Provision for legal complaints and expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(2,546)	(4,013)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(17,091)	1,467
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(17,091)	1,467
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(19,637)	(2,546)
Loan approval expenses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	3,856	2,337
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	1,356	1,519
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	1,356	1,519
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	5,212	3,856
Junior mining companies valued based on stock price [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	1,287	976
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	0	0
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	2,642	311
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	2,642	311
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	3,929	1,287
Royalties [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	1,357	3,278
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	1,668	(1,905)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	(10)	(16)
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	1,658	(1,921)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	3,014	1,357
Tax loss benefit [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(2,296)	(1,124)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	1,452	(1,172)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	1,452	(1,172)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(844)	(2,296)
Other deferred tax assets [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	2,021	(5,005)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	(3,475)	7,026
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(3,475)	7,026
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	(1,454)	2,021
Foreign items other [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	(311)	(259)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) recognized in profit (loss) for the year	965	(52)
Deferred taxes related to items credited (charged) directly to equity	0	0
Total increases (decreases) in deferred tax liabilities (assets)	965	(52)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	$ 654	$ (311)

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 844	$ 2,296
Chile [Member]
Disclosure of Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	818	2,296
Foreign [Member]
Disclosure of Income tax and deferred taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 26	$ 0

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income tax and deferred taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance	$ (183,411)	$ (175,361)
Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes in profit or loss	29,096	(5,758)
Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes in equity	(1,786)	(2,292)
Deferred tax liability (asset) at end of period	$ (156,101)	$ (183,411)

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current income tax expense
Current income tax expense	$ (97,374)	$ (116,483)	$ (207,959)
Adjustments to prior year current income tax	(1,901)	12,222	1,577
Current income tax expense, net, total	(99,275)	(104,261)	(206,382)
Deferred tax expense
Deferred tax expense (income) relating to the creation and reversal of temporary differences	26,219	2,551	26,434
Tax adjustments related to the creation and reversal of temporary differences from the previous year	2,877	8,309	973
Deferred tax expense, net, total	29,096	(5,758)	27,407
Tax expense (benefit)	$ (70,179)	$ (110,019)	$ (178,975)

The aggregate amount included in the determination of profit (loss) for the period in respect of current tax and deferred tax. [Refer: Current tax expense (income); Deferred tax expense (income)]

Income tax and deferred taxes (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current income tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net
Current income tax expense	$ (99,275)	$ (104,261)	$ (206,382)
Deferred tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net
Deferred tax expense	29,096	(5,758)	27,407
Tax expense using the effective rate	(70,179)	(110,019)	(178,975)
Foreign countries [member]
Current income tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net
Current income tax expense	(9,782)	(7,394)	(7,516)
Deferred tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net
Deferred tax expense	10,284	2,370	(1,885)
Country of domicile [member]
Current income tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net
Current income tax expense	(89,493)	(96,867)	(198,866)
Deferred tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net
Deferred tax expense	$ 18,812	$ (8,128)	$ 29,292

The aggregate amount included in the determination of profit (loss) for the period in respect of current tax and deferred tax. [Refer: Current tax expense (income); Deferred tax expense (income)]