During two sessions held at Plaza de Armas in Mejillones, local residents had the opportunity to learn about the main aspects of the project and speak directly with the team responsible for its development.
With the participation of nearly 200 residents of Mejillones, the NorQuim team held two Open House sessions at the municipality’s Plaza de Armas. During these community engagement events, held on January 7 and 8, the team explained the main aspects of the project, which combines modern chemistry and technology to produce key supplies for the energy transition.
Using infographics, educational materials, and product samples, the team presented how the NorQuim Technological Complex will operate. The Complex comprises two plants with specific purposes, whose respective Environmental Impact Studies were expected to be submitted for environmental assessment during the first quarter of 2026.
The project comprises a Strategic Supplies Plant, which will produce soda ash, calcium chloride, lime, and other supplies for lithium and copper mining, and an e-Methanol Plant, which will produce this fuel to contribute to the decarbonization of mining, transportation, and other industries.
The organizers noted that the project’s total investment amounts to US$1.92 billion. They also explained that the construction phase is expected to generate approximately 1,400 jobs, while the operational phase is projected to create between 300 and 450 permanent direct and indirect jobs.
Among the aspects highlighted by the NorQuim team was that the Technological Complex, through its design and engineering, is aligned with green and circular industry principles, incorporating criteria for efficient resource use and the reintegration of flows into the production process.
In this context, the team explained that the project will exclusively use treated seawater, without discharging brine back into the ocean, and that all effluents will be incorporated into the production process.
It was also noted that the Complex will use renewable energy for all its processes and that its production is intended to contribute to decarbonization, an important objective for the development of Mejillones.
“For us, it is essential to create opportunities for early dialogue, where the community can learn about the project and raise their concerns directly with us. We greatly value the interest shown by local residents in learning more about the Technological Complex,” said Ana Krause, Sustainability Manager of NorQuim.
