Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile SA said Aug. 11 that it believes scheduled shipments will not be impacted by a disruption in rail service due to recent storms. SQM said it performed an inspection of the railway line that runs between Coya Sur and Tocopilla, following the storms that affected the area over the weekend. Preliminary findings indicate that some areas have been damaged, which is why the train is not currently operating. SQM said detailed studies will be carried out to determine the next steps. SQM operations in María Elena, the Salar de Atacama, and the Salar del Carmen were temporarily suspended as a preventative measure, for safety purposes due to the weekend storm. These facilities are currently operating normally. There was no damage to the Port of Tocopilla, though operations were initially suspended until improved weather conditions enable operations to be carried out safely. SQM said it provided support to its workers and their families who have been affected by the storms. It also offered to help local authorities with clean-up and reconstruction efforts, especially in the city of Tocopilla.
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