A Conversation About Responsible Lithium Mining and Community Engagement with Javier Silva, SQM

Euractiv Talks

In this Euractiv Thought Leadership Interview, journalist Dave Keating sits down with Javier Silva, Head of Sustainability and Community Relations at SQM, one of the world’s largest lithium producers. Javier discusses Chile's pivotal role in the global lithium supply, the unique challenges of operating in the Atacama Desert, and SQM’s evolving approach to sustainability and social responsibility.

The conversation dives deep into:
- How lithium is extracted sustainably from the Salar de Atacama
- SQM’s community outreach efforts and long-term partnerships with indigenous communities
- Addressing water use and environmental concerns in one of the driest places on Earth
- Empowering indigenous women through the AMA project
- Building trust, transparency, and international cooperation with the EU
- Planning for a future beyond mining for local communities

Javier emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships, co-created programs, and respectful engagement, offering a compelling look at how the future of clean energy must also be socially and ethically responsible.