SANTIAGO, Chile, March 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) reported that all of its production centers, including port operations at Tocopilla, have not suffered any damages as a result of the earthquake that hit central and south Chile the morning of February 27.

The epicenter was approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) south of SQM's facilities, and consequently had no effect in the first and second regions of Chile.

SQM and its employees profoundly regret the severe effects of the earthquake. Our thoughts are with those who have suffered personal and material losses in this catastrophe.

SQM is an integrated producer and distributor of specialty plant nutrients, iodine and lithium. Its products are based on the development of high quality natural resources that allow the Company to be leader in costs, supported by a specialized international network with sales in over 100 countries. SQM's development strategy aims to maintain and strengthen the Company's world leadership in its three core businesses: Specialty Plant Nutrition, Iodine and Lithium.

For further information, contact: Patricio Vargas, +56-2-4252485 / patricio.vargas@sqm.com Mary Laverty, +56-2-4252074 / mary.laverty@sqm.com For media inquiries, contact: Fernanda Guerra, +56-2-4252027 / fernanda.guerra@sqm.com

Statements in this press release concerning the Company's business outlook, future economic performances, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses, or other financial items, anticipated cost synergies and product or service line growth, together with other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements as that term is defined under Federal Securities Laws.

Any forward-looking statements are estimates, reflecting the best judgment of SQM based on currently available information and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Risks, uncertainties, and factors that could affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements are identified in the public filing made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and forward-looking statements should be considered in light of those factors.

SOURCE: SQM

CONTACT: Patricio Vargas, +56-2-425-2485, patricio.vargas@sqm.com; MaryLaverty, +56-2-425-2074, mary.laverty@sqm.com; Fernanda Guerra,+562-425-2027, fernanda.guerra@sqm.com, all of SQM