{"id":377,"date":"2025-09-28T02:39:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T05:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/norquim.cl\/?page_id=377"},"modified":"2026-09-29T13:51:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T16:51:46","slug":"inicio","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/norquim.cl\/en\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to"},"content":{"rendered":"
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About Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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NorQuim is a new Technological Complex<\/strong> located in Mejillones, Antofagasta Region, Chile, designed according to principles of sustainability<\/strong> and circular economy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its purpose is the local production of essential inputs \u2013such as soda ash, calcium chloride and lime<\/strong>\u2014 for greener and more sustainable processes in the lithium and copper industries, as well as e-Methanol<\/strong>, a clean fuel that contributes to reducing emissions globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At NorQuim, we are convinced that modern chemistry, applied with innovation, responsibility, and a strong local commitment, is a tool for building the future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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TECHNOLOGICAL COMPLEX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

NORQUIM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NorQuim Technological Complex <\/strong>comprises two plants, each with a specific purpose and both designed under the principles of the green and circular economy: the Strategic Inputs Plant<\/strong> and the e-Methanol Plant<\/strong>.\n\nEach plant has its own Environmental Impact Study (EIA), both of which were submitted to Chile\u2019s Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PRODUCTS<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n Na2<\/sub>CO3<\/sub><\/span>\n SODA
ASH<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n

Also known as sodium carbonate, soda ash is a key supply for producing lithium from brines.\n\nWhen added to these solutions, it causes lithium to precipitate as lithium carbonate, an essential compound for manufacturing rechargeable batteries.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

\n CaO<\/span>\n LIME<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n

Obtained from limestone, lime is a reagent widely used in mining. It is used to neutralize acids, control pH, and remove heavy metals. In copper mining, it enables ore concentration, while in lithium production it is used to purify the material that is later converted into lithium hydroxide, a component used in batteries.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

\n CaCl2<\/sub><\/span>\n CALCIUM
CHLORIDE<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n

A white, crystalline salt with a wide range of industrial applications.\n\nIn mining, it plays a key role in chloride leaching of copper, a method that makes it possible to process low-grade ores. It also reduces the amount of acid required, making the process more efficient.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

\n CH3<\/sub>OH<\/span>\n E-METHANOL<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n

A low-carbon intensity fuel produced by combining green hydrogen and biogenic CO\u2082.\n\nIt can be used as an alternative fuel in shipping and as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuels, helping reduce emissions. It can also serve as a precursor for other low-carbon fuels, broadening the options available for the energy transition.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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DEVELOPMENT PHASES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The development of the Complex begins with the Strategic Imputs Plant<\/strong> , followed by the e-Methanol Plant<\/strong>. This sequence responds to technical, engineering, and market-maturity considerations, enabling orderly progress while preserving the unity of the Complex and its long-term vision. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

PHASE 1<\/h3><\/div>

STRATEGIC INPUTS
PLANT<\/h2><\/div>

In the first phase, NorQuim produces Strategic Inputs for the lithium and copper mining industries at this Plant, generating employment and economic activity at the local and regional levels. <\/p><\/div>

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PHASE 2<\/h3><\/div>

E-METHANOL
PLANT<\/h2><\/div>

The Complex then incorporates the e-Methanol Plant to produce this clean fuel, which will help reduce emissions in sectors such as maritime and air transport.<\/p><\/div>

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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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NorQuim understands that the value of its project must be felt in people\u2019s everyday lives.

For this reason, NorQuim is committed to strengthening education, employment and local development, in partnership with educational institutions and local stakeholders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Employment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction of the project will generate up to 3,200 jobs, while its operation will create 400 direct and indirect positions.

The goal is for a large share of this workforce to come from Mejillones and surrounding areas, with the preparation needed to join the new green industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education and Skills Development<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this context, NorQuim is developing the Education and Skills Development Program for Young People in Mejillones (PEC, Spanish acronym) <\/strong>, aimed at preparing young people from Mejillones to join the new industries of the future.\n\nThe program includes career guidance talks, along with other training activities designed to provide concrete development tools within the local area.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PEC<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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ENVIRONMENT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Technological Complex has been designed with concrete environmental commitments:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Water<\/p>\n\n\n\n