Our Story
The SQM International Lithium (SQMi) business unit was established in 2024 to lead the development of international lithium projects through innovative, competitive, and sustainable practices.
With a clear focus on delivering long-term value for stakeholders, SQMi aspiration is to be a future global leader in lithium production.
SQMi is a division of SQM, a global mining company headquartered in Chile with decades of experience in lithium production. SQM’s lithium journey began in 1996, when the company identified the strategic potential of lithium while extracting potassium chloride from the Salar de Atacama. This led to the development of the Salar del Carmen operation— one of the first facilities to process brines into lithium carbonate—marking SQM’s pioneering role in the lithium industry.
Since then, SQM has been a key contributor to the advancement of energy storage and electromobility technologies, building a reputation for innovation and leadership in lithium production. SQMi continues this legacy, expanding SQM’s lithium footprint across international markets.
Our History
2017
- Incorporation of SQM Australia Pty Ltd.
- Acquire 50% of Mt Holland, Western Australia.
2019
- SQM and Wesfarmers 50:50 JV established for ownership of Mt Holland Lithium Project.
2021
- Mt Holland project construction begins.
- Earn-in agreement with Kalamazoo Resources for Dom’s Hill and Marble Bar projects, Western Australia.
2022
- Earn-in agreement with Dart Mining for Dorchap project, Victoria, Australia.
- SQM Lithium Ventures is launched.
- Mt Holland first ore mined.
2023
- Acquire 20% stake in Azure Minerals, Western Australia.
- Mt Holland crushing commenced.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Electric Era (US), EV fast-charging technology.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Altilium (UK), battery recycling.
- Acquired a 40% stake in Pirra Lithium, Western Australia.
- Mt Holland spodumene concentrate production begins.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Adionics (France), direct lithium extraction technology.
- Harding Battery Metals JV with Novo Resources established, Western Australia.
2024
- First spodumene concentrate shipment to China.
- Mt Holland lithium mine and concentrator officially open.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Salinity Solutions (UK), water treatment technology.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Movener (Chile), combustion-engine trucks to hybrid-electric conversion.
- Acquired 50% stake in Azure Resources and formed a 50:50 JV with Hancock Prospecting.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Terraline (US), long-haul electric truck development.
- SQM Lithium International (SQMi) established.
- Enters into an earn-in agreement with Andrada Partners, Namibia.
2025
- Executed farm-in agreement with iTech Minerals Ltd for Reynolds Range Lithium Project, Northern Territory, Australia.
- Acquired the remaining 40% stake in Pirra Lithium, Western Australia.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Kite Magnetics (Australia), electric motor and generator efficiency.
- Lithium Ventures invests in Vok Bikes (Estonia), next-generation e-transport.
- Mt Holland, Kwinana lithium refinery construction complete, commissioning commenced, first lithium hydroxide product achieved.
