Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16
OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Includes financial statements and their related notes for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007, filed by Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. before the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros de Chile on October 30, 2007.
 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

CHEMICAL AND MINING COMPANY OF CHILE INC.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

El Trovador 4285, Santiago, Chile (562) 425-2000
(Address and phone number of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 
Form 20-F x
 
Form 40-F o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 
Yes o
 
No x

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82_________
 


On October 30, 2007, the Registrant filed with the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros of Chile (the "SVS") a report that included information as to the Registrant's consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007. Attached is a summary of such consolidated financial information included in the summary and in the report filed with the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros of Chile. This financial information was prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in Chile and does not include a reconciliation of such information to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 
THIS REPORT IS AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF, AND A CHILEAN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES PRESENTATION OF, THE NINE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 REPORT FILED WITH THE SUPERINTENDENCIA DE VALORES Y SEGUROS (SVS) IN CHILE, AND UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, FIGURES ARE IN US DOLLARS.


 

Consolidated Financial Statements

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.


Santiago, Chile
September 30, 2007 and 2006

 


Consolidated Financial Statements


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.


As of September 30, 2007 and 2006
and for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 

Contents
 

 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
4
Consolidated Statements of Income
6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
8

Ch$
-
Chilean pesos
ThCh$
-
Thousands of Chilean pesos
US$
-
United States dollars
ThUS$
-
Thousands of United States dollars
-
Thousands of Euros
UF
-
The UF is an inflation-indexed, Chilean peso-denominated monetary unit. The UF rate is set daily in advance, based on the change in the Consumer Price Index of the previous month.



SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
       
As of September 30,
 
   
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ASSETS
                   
                     
Current Assets
                   
Cash
         
13,076
   
16,731
 
Time deposits
         
25,985
   
6,156
 
Marketable securities
   
  4
   
74,733
   
61,904
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
  5
   
266,488
   
228,526
 
Other accounts receivable, net
   
  5
   
9,712
   
7,226
 
Accounts receivable from related companies
   
  6
   
70,732
   
52,050
 
Inventories, net
   
  7
   
385,930
   
387,466
 
Recoverable taxes
         
27,748
   
25,734
 
Prepaid expenses
         
7,151
   
5,870
 
Deferred income taxes
   
15
   
-
   
8,869
 
Other current assets
         
22,686
   
13,813
 
Total Current Assets
         
904,241
   
814,345
 
                     
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
   
  8
   
967,705
   
902,198
 
                     
Other Assets
                   
Investments in related companies
   
  9
   
21,866
   
18,230
 
Goodwill, net
   
10
   
34,733
   
41,044
 
Negative goodwill, net
   
10
   
(1,650
)
 
-
 
Intangible assets, net
         
3,988
   
4,814
 
Long-term accounts receivable, net
   
  5
   
139
   
312
 
Long-term accounts receivable from related companies
   
  6
   
2,118
   
2,000
 
Other long-term assets
   
11
   
38,745
   
50,838
 
Total Other Assets
         
99,939
   
117,238
 
Total Assets
         
1,971,885
   
1,833,781
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
4


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
       
As of September 30,
 
   
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   
                     
Current Liabilities
                   
Short-term bank debt
   
12
   
1,253
   
92,052
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
12
   
2,014
   
384
 
Current portion of bonds payable
   
13
   
12,687
   
9,593
 
Dividends payable
         
432
   
325
 
Accounts payable
         
115,169
   
90,171
 
Other accounts payable
         
335
   
251
 
Notes and accounts payable to related companies
   
  6
   
1,733
   
1,097
 
Accrued liabilities
   
14
   
36,923
   
25,000
 
Withholdings
         
7,378
   
7,599
 
Income taxes
         
11,802
   
12,187
 
Deferred income
         
42,050
   
29,239
 
Deferred income taxes
   
15
   
4,113
   
-
 
Other current liabilities
         
865
   
2,080
 
Total Current Liabilities
         
236,754
   
269,978
 
                     
Long-Term Liabilities
                   
Long-term bank debt
   
12
   
180,000
   
100,000
 
Long-term obligations with the public (Bonds)
   
13
   
304,101
   
300,219
 
Other accounts payable
         
753
   
896
 
Deferred income taxes
   
15
   
51,964
   
49,138
 
Staff severance indemnities
   
16
   
20,812
   
19,372
 
Total Long-Term Liabilities
         
557,630
   
469,625
 
                     
Minority interest
   
17
   
42,486
   
36,899
 
                     
Shareholders' Equity
                   
Paid-in capital
   
18
   
477,386
   
477,386
 
Other reserves
   
18
   
160,608
   
156,175
 
Retained earnings
   
18
   
497,021
   
423,718
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
         
1,135,015
   
1,057,279
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
         
1,971,885
   
1,833,781
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
       
For the nine months ended
 
       
September 30,
 
   
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Operating Results
                   
                     
Sales
         
881,286
   
775,845
 
Cost of sales
         
(631,970
)
 
(554,572
)
Gross margin
         
249,316
   
221,273
 
Selling and administrative expenses
         
(49,907
)
 
(50,769
)
Operating Income
         
199,409
   
170,504
 
                     
Non-operating Results
                   
Non-operating income
   
20
   
17,773
   
14,458
 
Non-operating expenses
   
20
   
(41,162
)
 
(39,832
)
Non-operating Loss
         
(23,389
)
 
(25,374
)
Income before income taxes
         
176,020
   
145,130
 
Income tax expense
   
15
   
(38,256
)
 
(31,057
)
Income Before Minority Interest
         
137,764
   
114,073
 
Minority interest
   
17
   
(2,330
)
 
(2,519
)
Income Before Negative Goodwill
         
135,434
   
111,554
 
Amortization of negative goodwill
   
10
   
-
   
68
 
Net income
         
135,434
   
111,622
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

6


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

       
For the nine months ended
 
       
September 30
 
       
2007
 
2006
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                   
Net income
         
135,434
   
111,622
 
Charges (credits) to income not representing cash flows
                   
Depreciation expense
   
8
   
71,800
   
66,136
 
Amortization of intangible assets
         
531
   
739
 
Write-offs and accruals
         
20,625
   
11,475
 
Gain on equity investments in related companies
         
(3,558
)
 
(1,450
)
Loss on equity investments in related companies
         
58
   
189
 
Amortization of goodwill
   
10
   
1,698
   
1,858
 
Amortization of negative goodwill
   
10
   
-
   
(68
)
(Gain) loss on sales of assets
         
(24
)
 
(634
)
Loss on sale of investments
         
-
   
197
 
Other credits to income not representing cash flows
         
(590
)
 
(8,586
)
Other charges to income not representing cash flows
         
92,835
   
63,502
 
Foreign currency translation, net
         
2,312
   
5,403
 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities (Increase) decrease:
                   
Trade accounts receivable
         
(53,752
)
 
(11,595
)
Inventories
         
(25,273
)
 
(58,848
)
Other assets
         
(14,120
)
 
3,287
 
Accounts payable
         
9,806
   
(12,342
)
Interest payable
         
5,343
   
2,295
 
Net income taxes payable
         
(18,320
)
 
(43,559
)
Other accounts payable
         
(5,589
)
 
(7,533
)
VAT and taxes payable
         
(6,221
)
 
7,576
 
Minority interest
   
17
   
2,330
   
2,519
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
         
215,325
   
132,183
 
                     
Cash flows from financing activities
                   
Proceeds from short term bank financing
         
-
   
176,281
 
Bonds payable
         
-
   
299,833
 
Payment of dividends
         
(94,999
)
 
(74,477
)
Repayment of bank financing
         
(57,090
)
 
(371,281
)
Payment of obligations with the public (Bonds payable)
         
(2,566
)
 
-
 
Payment of expenses for the issuance and placement of bonds payable
         
-
   
(6,629
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
         
(154,655
)
 
23,727
 
                     
Cash flows from investing activities
                   
Sales of property, plant and equipment
         
2,611
   
8,706
 
Sales of investments in related companies
         
-
   
902
 
Other investing income
   
24
   
361
   
24,481
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
         
(123,015
)
 
(136,813
)
Capitalized interest
         
(9,400
)
 
-
 
Purchase of investments in related companies
         
-
   
(115,124
)
Other disbursements
         
(785
)
 
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
         
(130,228
)
 
(217,848
)
                     
Effect of inflation on cash and cash equivalents
         
1,125
   
2,034
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
         
(68,433
)
 
59,904
 
Beginning balance of cash and cash equivalents
         
183,943
   
147,956
 
Ending balance of cash and cash equivalents
         
115,510
   
88,052
 
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

7


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 1 Company Background

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (the “Company”) was registered with the Chilean Superintendency of Securities and Insurance (“SVS”) on March 18, 1983.
 
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
a)  Basis of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in U.S. dollars in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Chile (“Chilean GAAP”) and the regulations of the SVS. Certain accounting practices applied by the Company that conform to Chilean GAAP may not conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”) or International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). For the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements and their accompanying notes have been translated from Spanish into English.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (the “Parent Company”) and subsidiaries (companies in which the Parent Company holds a controlling participation, generally equal to direct or indirect ownership of more than 50%). The Parent Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the “Company”.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
In accordance with SVS Circular No. 1,697 and Technical Bulletins Nos. 64 and 72 of the Chilean Association of Accountants, the consolidated financial statements include the following subsidiaries:

8


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

a)  Basis of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

   
Direct or indirect ownership
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Foreign subsidiaries:
   
%
% 
 
Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. (Brazil)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Nitrate Corp. of Chile Limited (United Kingdom)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM North America Corp. (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Europe N.V. (Belgium)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Soquimich S.R.L. Argentina
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Soquimich European Holding B.V. (Holland)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Corporation N.V. (Dutch Antilles)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
S.Q.I. Corporation N.V. (Dutch Antilles)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
North American Trading Company (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Peru S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Ecuador S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Cape Fear Bulk L.L.C. (USA)
   
51.00
   
51.00
 
PTM SQM Ibérica S.A. (Spain)
   
0.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V. (México)
   
51.00
   
51.00
 
SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Investment Corporation N.V. (Dutch Antilles)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Brasil Ltda.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM France S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Japon Co. Ltd.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. (Aruba)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Oceanía PTY Limited (Australia)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
RS Agro-Chemical Trading A.V.V. (Aruba)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Indonesia
   
80.00
   
80.00
 
SQM Virginia L.L.C. (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Agricolima S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Venezuela S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Italia S.R.L. (Italy)
   
100.00
   
95.00
 
Comercial Caiman Internacional S.A. (Cayman Islands)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Mineag SQM Africa Limited (South Africa)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Fertilizantes Olmeca y SQM S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
   
0.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Lithium Specialties L.L.C. (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Dubai FZCO.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Fertilizantes Naturales S.A.
   
66.67
   
66.67
 
Iodine Minera B.V.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
 
9

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

a)
Basis of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

   
Direct or indirect ownership
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
 
 %
 
%
 
Domestic subsidiaries:
           
Comercial Hydro S.A.
   
60.64
 
60,64
 
SQM Potasio S.A.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
SQM Nitratos S.A.
   
99.99
 
99.99
 
Ajay SQM Chile S.A.
   
51.00
 
51.00
 
SQMC International Limitada.
   
60.64
 
60.64
 
SQM Industrial S.A.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
Soquimich Comercial S.A.
   
60.64
 
60.64
 
SQM Salar S.A.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
Proinsa Ltda.
   
60.58
 
60.58
 
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
Exploraciones Mineras S.A.
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
 
All significant inter-company balances, transactions and unrealized gains and losses arising from transactions between these companies have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
10


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

b)
Accounting period

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 and for the nine-month periods then ended.

c)
Reporting currency and monetary correction

The financial statements of the Company are prepared in U.S. dollars. As a significant portion of the Company’s operations are transacted in U.S. dollars, the U.S. dollar is considered the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.

The Parent Company and those subsidiaries which maintain their accounting records in U.S. dollars are not required, or permitted, to restate the historical dollar amounts for the effects of inflation.

The financial statements of domestic subsidiaries that maintain their accounting records in Chilean pesos have been restated to reflect the effects of variations in the purchasing power of the Chilean peso during the period. For this purpose, and in accordance with Chilean regulations, non-monetary assets and liabilities, equity and income statement accounts have been restated in terms of year-end constant pesos based on the change in the consumer price index during the year (5.1% and 2.5% in 2007 and 2006, respectively). The resulting net charge or credit to income arises as a result of the gain or loss in purchasing power from the holding of non-U.S. dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities exposed to the effects of inflation.

Prior period financial statements presented for comparative purposes have not been restated to reflect the change in the purchasing power of the Chilean pesos during the most recent year-end. In accordance with Chilean GAAP, amounts expressed in U.S. dollars, including amounts included in the consolidated financial statements as determined in prior years from the translation of financial statements of those Chilean subsidiaries which maintain their accounting records in Chilean pesos, are not adjusted for price-level changes.
 
11


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

d)
Foreign currency

 
i)
Foreign currency transactions

 
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in Chilean pesos and other currencies have been translated to U.S. dollars at the observed exchange rates determined by the Central Bank of Chile in effect at each year-end of Ch$ 511.23 per US$1 at September 30, 2007 and Ch$ 537.03 per US$1 at September 30, 2006.

 
ii)
Translation of non-U.S. dollar financial statements

   
In accordance with Chilean GAAP, the financial statements of foreign and domestic subsidiaries that do not maintain their accounting records in U.S. dollars are translated from the respective local currencies to U.S. dollars in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 64 and No. 72 of the Chilean Association of Accountants (“BT 64-BT 72”) as follows:

a)
For those subsidiaries and affiliates located in Chile which keep their accounting records in price-level adjusted Chilean pesos:

-
Balance sheet accounts are translated to U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rate without eliminating the effects of price-level restatement.
-
Income statement accounts are translated to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate each month. The monetary correction line on the income statement, which is generated by the inclusion of price-level restatement of non-monetary assets and liabilities and shareholders’ equity, is translated to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for each month.
-
Translation gains and losses, as well as the price-level restatement of the balance sheet mentioned above, are included as an adjustment in shareholders’ equity, in conformity with Circular No. 1,697 of the SVS.

b)
The financial statements of those foreign subsidiaries that keep their accounting records in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated at historical exchange rates as follows:
 
-
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates between the US dollar and the local currency.
 
-
All non-monetary assets and liabilities and shareholders’ equity are translated at historical exchange rates between the US dollar and the local currency.
 
-
Income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates between the US dollar and the local currency.
 
-
Any exchange differences are included in the results of operations for the period.

12

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

d)
Foreign currency

iii) Foreign currency translation

Foreign currency translation for the period ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 generated net earnings (loss) of ThUS$ (2,311) and ThUS$ (5,403) respectively, which have been charged to the consolidated statements of income in each respective period.
The monetary assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries were translated into US dollars at the exchange rates per US dollar prevailing as of September 30, as follows:
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
   
US$
 
US$
 
Brazilian Real
   
1.96
   
2.18
 
New Peruvian Sol
   
3.10
   
3.25
 
Argentine Peso
   
3.15
   
3.10
 
Japanese Yen
   
115.43
   
117.90
 
Euro
   
0.71
   
0.79
 
Mexican Peso
   
10.92
   
11.05
 
Indonesian Rupee
   
9,830.04
   
9,290.00
 
Australian Dollar
   
1.13
   
1.34
 
Pound Sterling
   
0.51
   
0.54
 
Ecuadorian Sucre
   
1.00
   
1.00
 
South African Rand
   
7.01
   
7.68
 

The Company uses the “observed exchange rate”, which is the rate determined daily by the Chilean Central Bank based on the average exchange rates at which bankers conduct authorized transactions.

e)
Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of less than 90 days as of the closing date of the financial statements to be cash equivalents.

f)
Time deposits

Time deposits are recorded at cost plus accrued interest.

g)
Marketable securities

Marketable securities are recorded at the lower of cost plus accrued interest or market value.

13


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

h)
Allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on estimated probable losses.

i)
Inventories and materials

Inventories of finished products and products in process are stated at average production cost, which is presented net of provisions. Provisions have been made on the basis of a technical study which covers the different variables that affect our products (density, humidity, and others).

Materials and supplies received are stated at average acquisition cost and inventories in transit are stated at cost incurred as of the end of the period.

The cost of inventories does not exceed their net realizable value.

j)
Income taxes and deferred taxes

 
In conformity with current Chilean tax regulations, the Company recognizes the provision for corporate income tax expense and the income tax for the mining activity on an accrual basis.

Prior to 2000, income taxes were charged to results in the same period in which the income and expenses were recorded and were calculated in accordance with the enacted tax laws in Chile and the other jurisdictions in which the Company operated.  

 
Under Chilean law, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are required to file separate tax declarations.

Beginning January 1, 2000, the Company records deferred taxes in accordance with Technical Bulletin Nos. 60, 69, 71 and 73 of the Chilean Association of Accountants, and with SVS Circular No. 1466 issued on January 27, 2000, recognizing the deferred tax effects of temporary differences between the financial and tax values of assets and liabilities, using the liability method. The effect of the temporary differences at March 31, 1999 was recorded in complementary asset and liability accounts, which are recognized in the statement of operations over the estimated period in which they reverse.

14


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

k)
Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant, equipment and property rights are recorded at acquisition cost, considering in general an average residual value of 5%, except for certain assets that were restated in accordance with a technical appraisal in 1989. Depreciation for the period is calculated according to the straight-line method based on the remaining technical useful lives of assets, estimated by management.

Property, plant and equipment acquired through capital lease agreements are accounted for at the present value of the minimum lease payments plus the purchase option based on the interest rate included in each contract. The Company does not legally own these assets and therefore cannot freely dispose of them.

In conformity with Technical Bulletin No. 31 and 33 of the Chilean Association of Accountants, the Company capitalizes interest cost associated with the financing of new assets during the construction period of such assets.

Maintenance costs of plant and equipment are charged to expenses as incurred.

The Company obtains property rights and mining concessions from the Chilean state. Other than minor filing fees, the property rights are usually obtained without initial cost, and once obtained, are retained by the Company as long as the annual fees are paid. Such fees, which are paid annually in March, are recorded as prepaid assets to be amortized over the following twelve months. Values attributable to these original mining concessions are recorded in property, plant and equipment.

l)
Investments in related companies

Investments in related companies over which the Company has significant influence are included in other assets and are recorded using the equity method of accounting, in accordance with SVS Circulars Nos. 368 and 1,697 and Technical Bulletins Nos. 64 and 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants. Accordingly, the Company’s proportional share in the net income or loss of each investee is recognized in the non-operating income and expense classification in the consolidated statements of income on an accrual basis, after eliminating any unrealized profits from transactions with the related companies.

The translation adjustment to U.S. dollars of investments in domestic subsidiaries that maintain their accounting records and are controlled in Chilean pesos is recognized in other reserves within shareholders’ equity. Direct and indirect investments in foreign subsidiaries or affiliates are controlled in U.S. dollars.

Investments in which the Company has less than 20% participation and the capacity to exert significant influence or control over the investment, because SQM forms part of its Board of Directors, have been valued using the equity method.

15

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

m)
Goodwill and negative goodwill

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price of companies acquired over their net book value, whereas negative goodwill occurs when the net book value exceeds the purchase price of companies acquired. Goodwill and negative goodwill resulting from equity method investments are maintained in the same currency in which the investment was made and are amortized based on the estimated period of investment return, generally 20 years for goodwill and 10 years for negative goodwill.

Beginning on January 1, 2004, goodwill and negative goodwill represents the difference between the acquisition cost of the investment in a related company and the fair value of this investment at the acquisition date, which is amortized with a charge or credit to income in the expected period of return of the investment, which does not exceed 20 years.

n)
Intangible assets

Intangible assets are stated at cost plus acquisition expenses and are amortized over a period not longer than 40 years, in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 55 of the Chilean Association of Accountants.

o)
Mining development cost

Mining development costs are recorded in other long-term assets and are amortized utilizing the unit of production basis.

p)
Staff severance indemnities

The Company calculates the liability for staff severance indemnities based on the present value of the accrued benefits for the actual years of service worked assuming average employee tenure of 24 years and a real annual discount rate of 8%.

q)
Vacations

The cost of employee vacations is recognized in the financial statements on an accrual basis.

r)
Operations with resale agreements

Operations with resale agreements are recorded in Other Current Assets at the amount of the purchase. Starting at the purchase date, the respective interest is recorded on an accrual basis, in accordance with SVS Circular 768.

16


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

s)
Dividends

Dividends are generally declared in U.S. dollars but are paid in Chilean pesos.

t)
Derivative contracts

The Company maintains derivative contracts to hedge against movements in foreign currencies, which are recorded in conformity with Technical Bulletin No. 57 of the Chilean Association of Accountants. Such contracts are recorded at fair value with net losses recognized on the accrual basis and gains recognized when realized.

u)
Reclassifications

For comparison purposes, certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 financial statements.

v)
Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized on the date goods are physically delivered or when they are considered delivered according to the terms of the contract.

w)
Computer software

Computer systems developed internally using the Company’s personnel and materials are charged to income during the period in which the expenses are incurred. In accordance with Circular No. 1.819 dated November 14, 2006 of the SVS, computer systems acquired by the Company are recorded at acquisition cost plus additional associated costs.

x)
Research and development expenses

Research and development cost are charged to the income statement in the period in which they are incurred. Property, plant and equipment that are acquired for use in research and development activities and determined to provide additional benefits to the Company are recorded in property, plant and equipment.

y)
Obligations with the public (Bonds payable)

Bonds are stated at the principal amount plus interest accrued. The difference between the carrying value and the placement value is capitalized and amortized over the life of the bonds.

17


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

z)
Provisions for mine closure costs

The Company has made a provision to cover those costs associated with the closure of mines and mining facilities, as well as the mitigation of environmental damage. This provision has been recorded at its present value. The amount determined is presented under accrued liabilities in long-term liabilities.

aa)
Deferred income

Deferred income relates to the recognition of documented sales whose delivery occurs subsequent to the closing date of the financial statements.
 
Note 3 - Changes in Accounting Principles

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007, there were no changes in the application of generally accepted accounting principles in Chile compared to the prior year that could significantly affect the interpretation of these financial statements.
 
Note 4 - Marketable Securities

As of September 30, marketable securities are detailed as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
               
Mutual funds
   
74,733
   
61,904
 
Total
   
74,733
   
61,904
 

Mutual funds consist of investments with Citibank in highly liquid funds invested in fixed-rate debt in the United States.
 
18


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 5 - Short- and Long-Term Accounts Receivable

a)
Short- and long-term accounts receivable and other accounts receivable as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 are detailed as follows:

       
Between 90 days
     
   
Up to 90 days
 
and 1 year
 
Total
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Short-term
                                     
Trade accounts receivable
   
129,207
   
176,844
   
97,021
   
16,135
   
226,228
   
192,980
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                           
(8,045
)
 
(7,600
)
Notes receivable
   
12,280
   
46,388
   
39,505
   
1,293
   
51,785
   
47,680
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                           
(3,480
)
 
(4,534
)
Accounts receivable, net
                           
266,488
   
228,526
 
                                       
Other accounts receivable
   
10,257
   
3,253
   
651
   
4,654
   
10,908
   
7,907
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                           
(1,196
)
 
(681
)
Other accounts receivable, net
                           
9,712
   
7,226
 
                                       
Long-term receivables
                           
139
   
312
 
 
19



 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 5 - Short-term and Long-term Accounts Receivable (continued)
 
Consolidated Short-term and Long-term Receivables – by Geographic Location
 
               
Asia, Africa, Oceania
 
USA, México
 
Latin America
         
   
Chile
 
Europe
 
And the Middle East
 
and Canada
 
and the Caribbean
 
Total
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                                               
Net short-term trade accounts receivable
                                             
Balance
   
143,518
   
74,336
   
50,274
   
37,890
   
3,358
   
20,128
   
19,292
   
33,746
   
1,741
   
19,280
   
218,183
   
185,380
 
% of total
   
65.78
%
 
40.10
%
 
23.04
%
 
20.44
%
 
1.54
%
 
10.86
%
 
8.84
%
 
18.20
%
 
0.80
%
 
10.40
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                           
Net short-term notes receivable
                                                                         
Balance
   
45,834
   
28,787
   
-
   
7,717
   
-
   
629
   
-
   
2,092
   
2,471
   
3,921
   
48,305
   
43,146
 
% of total
   
94.88
%
 
66.72
%
 
-
   
17.88
%
 
-
   
1.46
%
 
-
   
4.85
%
 
5.12
%
 
9.09
%
 
100,00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                           
Net short-term other accounts receivable
                                                                 
Balance
   
8,655
   
4,319
   
384
   
809
   
155
   
152
   
434
   
1,570
   
84
   
376
   
9,712
   
7,226
 
% of total
   
89.12
%
 
59.77
%
 
3.95
%
 
11.20
%
 
1.60
%
 
2.10
%
 
4.47
%
 
21.73
%
 
0.86
%
 
5.20
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                   
Subtotal short-term accounts receivable, net
                                                                 
Balance
   
198,007
   
107,442
   
50,658
   
46,416
   
3,513
   
20,909
   
19,726
   
37,408
   
4,296
   
23,577
   
276,200
   
235,752
 
% of total
   
71.69
%
 
45.57
%
 
18.34
%
 
19.69
%
 
1,27
%
 
8.87
%
 
7.14
%
 
15.87
%
 
1.56
%
 
10.00
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                           
Long-term accounts receivable, net
                                                                         
Balance
   
139
   
298
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
14
   
139
   
312
 
% of total
   
100.00
%
 
95.51
%
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
4.49
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                             
Total short- and long-term accounts receivable, net
                                                           
Balance
   
198,146
   
107,740
   
50,658
   
46,416
   
3,513
   
20,909
   
19,726
   
37,408
   
4,296
   
23,591
   
276,339
   
236,064
 
% of total
   
71.70
%
 
45.64
%
 
18.33
%
 
19.66
%
 
1.27
%
 
8.86
%
 
7.15
%
 
15.85
%
 
1.55
%
 
9.99
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
 
20

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 6 - Balances and Transactions with Related Parties

Balances with related companies are generated by commercial transactions which accrue no interest. These transactions are carried out at market prices, and the terms are standard for these operations. Expiration conditions for each case vary depending on the transaction involved. All significant transactions with related parties for an amount exceeding 1% of net income for the year are disclosed.
 
a)
Accounts receivable from related parties as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
   
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
Accounts receivable
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Doktor Tarsa -SQM Turkey
   
6,810
   
9,762
   
-
   
-
 
Nutrisi Holding N.V.
   
1,721
   
1,547
   
-
   
-
 
Generale de Nutrition Vegetale S.A.
   
-
   
132
   
-
   
-
 
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.
   
7,439
   
5,183
   
-
   
-
 
Ajay North America LLC
   
3,743
   
3,146
   
-
   
-
 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Ind. WLL
   
3,265
   
2,990
   
2,000
   
2,000
 
NU3 B.V.
   
710
   
846
   
-
   
-
 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
   
85
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
SQM Agro India
   
322
   
46
   
-
   
-
 
Misr Specialty Fertilizers
   
501
   
9
   
118
   
-
 
Soc.Inv.Pampa Calichera S.A.
   
8
   
8
   
-
   
-
 
Kowa (Japan)
   
11,135
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
SQM East Med Turkey
   
115
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
PCS Sales Inc
   
40
   
40
   
-
   
-
 
Yara AB
   
44
   
12
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Benelux B.V
   
453
   
309
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Hellas S.A.
   
337
   
254
   
-
   
-
 
Yara International Australia PTY.
   
744
   
1.108
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Poland SP
   
164
   
478
   
-
   
-
 
Yara UK Ltd.
   
300
   
330
   
-
   
-
 
Yara GMBH & CO KG
   
433
   
206
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Iberian S.A.
   
2,554
   
1,884
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Argentina S.A.
   
383
   
17
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Colombia Ltda..
   
2,898
   
962
   
-
   
-
 
Adubo Trevo S.A. (Yara)
   
252
   
252
   
-
   
-
 
Yara North America LLC
   
6,163
   
6,039
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Italia SPA.
   
2,022
   
1,810
   
-
   
-
 
Yara France BU Africa
   
2,593
   
989
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Internacional ASA
   
-
   
7,405
   
-
   
-
 
Yara International Asia Trade Pte Ltd
   
378
   
3,055
   
-
   
-
 
Yara East Africa Limited
   
1
   
1,028
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Fertilizers (Philippines)
   
-
   
10
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Fertilizers (New Zealand)
   
200
   
296
   
-
   
-
 
Yara International Asia Trade Pte (Singapore)
   
2,295
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Int. Asia Trade Pte Vietnam
   
-
   
137
   
-
   
-
 
Yara France BU Latin America
   
1,702
   
1,454
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Danmark A/S
   
47
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Inversiones PCS Chile Ltda.
   
17
   
17
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Fertilizantes Ltda (Brasil)
   
-
   
217
   
-
   
-
 
Yara S.A. PTY LTD Sudafrica
   
8,721
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Western Cape Sudafrica
   
578
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Yara Phosyn Ltd
   
-
   
36
   
-
   
-
 
Yara France S.A.
   
1,559
   
36
   
-
   
-
 
Total
   
70,732
   
52,050
   
2,118
   
2,000
 
 
21

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 6 - Balances and Transactions with Related Parties (continued)

b)
Accounts payable to related parties as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

   
Short-term
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Accounts payable
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
NU3 N.V.
   
3
   
954
 
Charlee SQM Thailand Co
   
106
   
91
 
SQM East Turkey
   
-
   
18
 
Yara internacional ASA
   
58
   
-
 
Fos
   
278
   
-
 
Yara Fertilizantes LTD
   
888
   
-
 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda..
   
-
   
34
 
Yara Nederland B.V.
   
400
   
-
 
Total
   
1,733
   
1,097
 
 
 
There were no outstanding long-term accounts payable with related parties as of September 30, 2007 and 2006.
 
22

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 6 - Balances and Transactions with Related Parties (continued)

c)
During the first nine months of 2007 and 2006, principal transactions with related parties were as follows:
 
           
Amount of
 
Effect on income
 
Company
 
Relationship
 
Type of transaction
 
Transaction
 
(charge) credit
 
                           
           
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
           
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                           
NU3 N.V. (Belgium)
  Indirect  
Sales of products
   
4,860
   
5,151
   
1,447
   
1,781
 
Doktor Tarsa
  Indirect   Sales of products    
6,629
   
8,679
   
1,781
   
2,351
 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer WLL
  Indirect   Sales of products    
4,117
   
2,339
   
461
   
639
 
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.
  Indirect   Sales of products    
18,964
   
11,787
   
7,139
   
4,747
 
NU3 B.V.
  Indirect   Sales of products    
6,302
   
5,481
   
1,988
   
2,012
 
Ajay North America LLC
  Indirect   Sales of products    
12,626
   
11,853
   
6,507
   
5,982
 
Yara Benelux B.V.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
5,903
   
6,436
   
1,121
   
1,446
 
Yara UK Ltd.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
1,118
   
1,112
   
305
   
334
 
Yara International Asia Trade Pte Ltd.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
8,764
   
6,185
   
1,974
   
1,778
 
Yara France BU Africa
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
4,356
   
1,810
   
988
   
443
 
Yara Business Support
  Shareholder  
Services
   
3,273
   
3,500
   
-3,273
   
-3,500
 
Yara International Australia Pty Ltd.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
2,059
   
1,917
   
567
   
571
 
Yara Iberian S.A.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
7,026
   
6,461
   
1,788
   
2,240
 
Yara Colombia Ltda..
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
5,594
   
2,861
   
1,618
   
862
 
Yara Poland SP
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
2,055
   
1,697
   
632
   
602
 
Yara GMBH & Co Kg
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
1,768
   
1,621
   
470
   
541
 
Yara France
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
6,785
   
7,336
   
1,554
   
2,149
 
Yara China Ltd.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
1,358
   
0
   
260
   
0
 
Yara Hellas S.A.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
1,613
   
1,578
   
350
   
465
 
Yara France S.A.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
9,850
   
0
   
2,289
   
0
 
Yara Argentina S.A.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
1,071
   
10,587
   
262
   
3,094
 
Adubo Trevo S.A.
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
0
   
1,573
   
0
   
547
 
Yara Fertilizer Brazil
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
9,864
   
5,911
   
3,411
   
2,365
 
Yara Internacional ASA
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
27,490
   
20,466
   
7,208
   
5,570
 
Yara North America
 
Shareholder
  Sales of products    
43,001
   
35,125
   
9,841
   
10,183
 
Yara Italia
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
3,343
   
4,149
   
754
   
1,362
 
Kowa (Japan)
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
65,190
   
0
   
39,073
   
0
 
Fertilizantes Olmeca
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
2,574
   
0
   
570
   
0
 
Yara East Africa LP
  Shareholder   Sales of products    
516
   
1,255
   
159
   
358
 
 
23

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 7 - Inventories

Net inventories as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Finished products
   
230,634
   
242,391
 
Work in process
   
130,359
   
125,837
 
Supplies
   
24,937
   
19,238
 
Total
   
385,930
   
387,466
 
 
24

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Land
         
Land
   
82,598
   
67,518
 
Mining Concessions
   
30,086
   
30,080
 
Total
   
112,684
   
97,598
 
               
Buildings and infrastructure
             
Buildings
   
163,806
   
168,405
 
Installations
   
274,477
   
208,936
 
Construction-in-progress
   
251,841
   
236,021
 
Other
   
193,738
   
177,625
 
Total
   
883,862
   
790,987
 
               
Machinery and Equipment
             
Machinery
   
487,735
   
459,841
 
Equipment
   
128,541
   
123,952
 
Project-in-progress
   
20,531
   
7,719
 
Other
   
19,524
   
18,552
 
Total
   
656,331
   
610,064
 
               
Other property, plant and equipment
             
Tools
   
8,968
   
11,231
 
Furniture and office equipment
   
15,115
   
14,539
 
Project-in-progress
   
11,756
   
21,629
 
Other
   
16,670
   
8,857
 
Total
   
52,509
   
56,256
 
 
25

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Amounts relating to technical revaluation of property, plant and equipment
         
Land
   
7,839
   
7,839
 
Buildings and infrastructure
   
41,439
   
41,439
 
Machinery and equipment
   
12,048
   
12,091
 
Other assets
   
53
   
53
 
     
61,379
   
61,422
 
Total property, plant and equipment
   
1,766,765
   
1,616,327
 
               
Less: Accumulated depreciation
             
Buildings and infrastructure
   
(340,095
)
 
(302,047
)
Machinery and equipment
   
(388,971
)
 
(348,512
)
Other property, plant and equipment
   
(32,164
)
 
(26,920
)
Technical appraisal
   
(37,830
)
 
(36,650
)
Total accumulated depreciation
   
(799,060
)
 
(714,129
)
Net property, plant and equipment
   
967,705
   
902,198
 
 
     
2007
   
2006
 
Depreciation for the nine months ended September 30:
   
ThUS$
   
ThUS$
 
               
Buildings and infrastructure
   
(35,225
)
 
(31,090
)
Machinery and equipment
   
(31,159
)
 
(30,861
)
Other property, plant and equipment
   
(4,562
)
 
(3,077
)
Technical revaluation
   
(854
)
 
(1,108
)
Total depreciation
   
(71,800
)
 
(66,136
)

26

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)

The Company has capitalized assets obtained through leasing, which are included in other property, plant and equipment and are detailed as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Administrative office buildings
   
1,988
   
1,988
 
Vehicles
   
-
   
98
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(513
)
 
(579
)
Total leased assets
   
1,475
   
1,507
 

The administrative office buildings were acquired for 230 installments of UF 663.75 each and an annual, contractually established interest rate of 8.5%.

The vehicles were acquired for 36 installments of ThUS$ 98 each.

Note 9 - Investments in and Receivables from Related Companies

a)
Information on foreign investments
 
There are no plans for the foreign subsidiaries to pay dividends, as it is the Company’s policy to reinvest those earnings.

The Company has not assumed liabilities such as hedging instruments for foreign investments.
 
27

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 9 - Investments in and Receivables from Related Companies (continued)

b)
Transactions executed in 2007

On January 12, 2007, the subsidiary PTM SQM Ibérica S.A. was liquidated and extinguished. This operation gave rise to a loss of ThUS$ 41 in the subsidiary Soquimich European Holding B.V.

On March 2, 2007, the subsidiary SQM Industrial S.A. made a capital increase of ThUS$ 130 in its subsidiary SQM Brasil Ltda. In accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants and SVS Circular No. 1,697, the Company performed the valuation in consideration of the carrying value of the equity of SQM Brasil Ltda. as of March 31, 2006, which does not significantly differ from its fair value determined at that date.

On April 11, 2007, the subsidiary SQM S.A and the subsidiary Soquimich European Holding B.V. made a capital increase of ThUS$ 6,599 in their subsidiary SQM Europe N.V. In accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants and SVS Circular No. 1,697, the valuation was conducted considering the carrying value of the equity of SQM Europe N.V. as of September 30, 2006, which does not significantly differ from its fair value determined at that date.

c)
Transactions executed in 2006

At the First General Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of SQM Industrial S.A. held on January 9, 2006, the shareholders approved the merger of SQM Procesos S.A. (dissolved) with the successor company SQM Industrial S.A., which acquires all the rights, shares, exceptions, assets, liabilities, obligations, shareholders’ equity, shareholders and remaining assets and expectations of SQM Procesos S.A. This merger generates each and every of its effects beginning on January 1, 2006.

On January 19, 2006, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and SQM Potasio S.A. acquired 7,021,169 and 70,921 shares, respectively, of DSM Minera S.A. and its subsidiary Exploraciones Minera S.A. for the sum of ThUS$100,067 in cash (equivalent to ownership of 99% and 1%, respectively).

This investment has been stated using the equity method under the acquisition method in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants and the standards established in SVS Circular No. 1,697. Accordingly, the Company conducted a preliminary evaluation of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements of DSM Minera S.A. as of December 31, 2005. This generated negative goodwill of ThUS$1,928, which, as it is directly associated with mineral rights, is amortized in accordance with their exploitation.

The Company will continue to review the valuation at fair value using the term allowed to refine the adjustment as provided in paragraph No. 66 in Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.
 
28

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 9 - Investments in and Receivables from Related Companies (continued)

c)
Transactions executed in 2006 (continued)

The assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity included in consolidation at their respective fair values as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
 
   
Minera Nueva
 
Exploraciones
 
   
Victoria S.A.
 
Mineras S.A.
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Current assets
   
66,951
   
400
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
23,327
   
31,567
 
Other assets
   
7,220
   
-
 
Current liabilities
   
4,516
   
7,126
 
Long-term liabilities
   
5,718
   
-
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
112,105
   
-
 

On January 19, 2006, Soquimich European Holding B.V. acquired 100% of the 20,403 shares of DSM Minera BV. for a sum of ThUS$13,840 in cash.

This investment has been stated using the equity method under the acquisition method in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants and SVS Circular No. 1,697. Accordingly, the Company conducted a preliminary evaluation of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements of DSM Minera B.V. as of December 31, 2005. This generated goodwill of ThUS$11,373, which will be amortized over the estimated period of investment return, which does not exceed 20 years.

The Company will continue to review the valuation at fair value using the term allowed to refine the adjustment as provided in paragraph No. 66 in Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.

Assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity included in consolidation at their respective fair values as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
 
 
 
ThUS$
 
       
Current assets
   
4,581
 
   
1,153
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
3,428
 
 
On January 31, 2006, DSM Minera S.A. changed its name to Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.
 
29

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 9 - Investments in and Receivables from Related Companies (continued)

c)
Transactions executed in 2006 (continued)

On January 24, 2006, Soquimich European Holding B.V. and Nutrisi Holding N.V. acquired 334 and 666 shares, respectively, of Fenasa S.A. for a sum of ThEuro 75,100, thereby increasing their ownership to 33.35% and 66.65%, respectively.

During February 2006, DSM Minera B.V. changed its name to Iodine Minera BV.

On May 9, 2006, SQM Industrial S.A. and SQM Potasio S.A. formed Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.

This company’s capital amounts to Ch$50,000,000 divided into 5,000 single shares with no par value, no privileges or preferences, which are paid in full upon subscription of shares and through subscription and payment by SQM Industrial S.A. of 4,950 shares for a sum of Ch$49,500,000 paid upon subscription in cash and the subscription and payment by SQM Potasio S.A. of 50 shares for a sum of Ch$500,000 paid upon subscription in cash. The Company’s share capital and the total number of shares in which capital is divided is subscribed and paid in full in the company’s social fund.

On September 14, 2006, Soquimich European Holding B.V. (SQH) sold all the rights it held in Impronta SRL to Yara Italia SPA for a sum of ThUS$902, thereby generating a loss on sale of investments of ThUS$308.

On October 27, 2006, SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. and SQM Industrial S.A. sold all the shares they had in SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. to Yara Nederland B.V. and Yara Holdings Netherlands B.V. for a sum of ThUS$4,888 and obtained a gain from this sale of ThUS$1,040.

On December 19, 2006, SQM Salar S.A. distributed dividends for a sum of ThUS$68,000 to its shareholders SQM Potasio S.A. (81.82%) and SQM S.A. (18.18%).

On December 19, 2006, SQM Potasio S.A. distributed dividends for a sum of ThUS$60,000 to its shareholders SQM S.A.(99.9974%) and Inversiones Pascuala S.A.(0.0026%)

d)
Investments with less than 20% participation

Investments in which the Company has less than 20% participation and the capacity to exert significant influence or control over the investment, because SQM forms part of its Board of Directors, have been valued using the equity method.

30

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 9 - Investments in and Receivables from Related Companies (continued)

e)
Detail of investments in related companies

Tax Registration
     
Country of
 
Controlling
 
Number of
 
Ownership interest
 
Equity of companies
 
Book value of investment
 
Net income (loss)
 
Equity participation in net
income (loss)
Number
 
Company
 
origin
 
currency
 
Shares
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
                   
%
 
%
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
                                                         
0-E
 
Nutrisi Holding N.V.
 
Belgium
 
Euros
 
-
 
50.00
 
50.00
 
11,718
 
7,899
 
5,726
 
3,809
 
2,839
 
735
 
1,409
 
367
0-E
 
Ajay North America LLC
 
USA
 
US$
 
-
 
49.00
 
49.00
 
11,157
 
11,414
 
4,095
 
4,806
 
475
 
442
 
233
 
217
0-E
 
Doktor Tarsa
 
Turkey
 
Euros
 
-
 
50.00
 
50.00
 
7,885
 
5,271
 
3,943
 
2,636
 
2,219
 
856
 
1,109
 
428
0-E
 
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.
 
France
 
Euros
 
36,700
 
50.00
 
50.00
 
8,154
 
5,473
 
2,209
 
1,288
 
907
 
-
 
453
 
-
0-E
 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer
                                                   
   
Industries WLL
 
UAE
 
US$
 
1,961
 
50.00
 
37.00
 
4,399
 
3,853
 
2,199
 
1,926
 
481
 
333
 
241
 
166
0-E
 
Misr Specialty Fertilizers
 
Egypt
 
US$
 
-
 
47.00
 
47.00
 
4,555
 
4,381
 
2,163
 
2,080
 
(110
(398
(52
(131)
0-E
 
SQM Thailand Co. Ltd.
 
Thailand
 
US$
 
-
 
-
 
40.00
 
2,355
 
2,136
 
942
 
854
 
31
 
136
 
12
 
54
77557430-5
 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
 
Chile
 
Pesos
 
-
 
50.00
 
50.00
 
921
 
994
 
458
 
497
 
200
 
188
 
100
 
94
0-E
 
SQM Eastmed Turkey
 
Turkey
 
Euros
 
-
 
50.00
 
50.00
 
188
 
499
 
94
 
249
 
(7)
 
-
 
(3)
 
-
81767200-0
 
Asoc. Garantizadora Pensiones
 
Chile
 
Pesos
 
-
 
3.00
 
3.00
 
707
 
866
 
29
 
29
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
0-E
 
Agro India Limitada
 
India
 
US$
 
-
 
49.00
 
-
 
15
 
115
 
8
 
56
 
(4)
 
-
 
(2)
 
-
Total
                                 
21,866
 
18,230
               
 
31

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 10 - Goodwill and Negative Goodwill

Goodwill, negative goodwill and the related amortization are summarized as follows:

a)
Goodwill
 
   
September 30, 2007
 
September 30, 2006
 
Tax Registration
 
Amount amortized
 
Goodwill
 
Amount amortized
 
Goodwill
 
Number
Company
during the period
 
Balance
 
during the period
 
balance
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                   
96864750-4
SQM Potassium S.A.
108
 
1,337
 
108
 
1,482
 
96801610-5
Comercial Hydro S.A.
194
 
1,060
 
171
 
1,206
 
79947100-0
SQM Industrial S.A.
835
 
19,195
 
876
 
20,307
 
78602530-3
Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.
-
 
-
 
97
 
3,058
 
0-E
SQMC México S.A. de C.V.
42
 
794
 
42
 
850
 
0-E
Comercial Caiman Internacional S.A.
17
 
114
 
17
 
137
 
0-E
SQM Dubai- Fzco
76
 
1,807
 
76
 
1,909
 
0-E
Iodine Minera B.V.
426
 
10,426
 
471
 
12,095
 
Total
 
1,698
 
34,733
 
1,858
 
41,044
 
 
b)
Negative Goodwill

   
September 30, 2007
 
September 30, 2006
 
       
Negative
     
Negative
 
Tax Registration
 
Amount amortized
 
Goodwill
 
Amount amortized
 
goodwill
 
Number
Company
during the period
 
Balance
 
during the period
 
Balance
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                   
96575300-1
Minera Mapocho S.A.
-
 
-
 
68
 
-
 
78602530-3
Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.
-
 
1,650
 
-
 
-
 
Total
 
-
 
1,650
 
68
 
-
 
 
32

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 11 - Other Long-Term Assets
 
Other long-term assets are summarized as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
Engine and equipment spare-parts, net (1)
5,046
 
16,026
Termination of agreement bonus
1,176
 
133
Mine development costs
24,585
 
24,929
Income taxes recoverable
340
 
285
Healthcare institution guarantee in the National Healthcare Service Fonasa
268
 
253
Pension plan
-
 
1,124
Construction of Salar-Baquedano road
1,200
 
1,320
Deferred loan issuance costs (2)
387
 
246
Cost of issuance and placement of bonds (3)
5,019
 
5,860
Other
724
 
662
Total
38,745
 
50,838
 
(1) According to analyses conducted, at each year-end, this item includes non-current warehouse spare-parts and materials. In addition, an allowance for obsolescence has been made and included in this item.
 
(2) Relates to the portion to be accrued of negotiation costs of long-term loans.
 
(3) Refer to the explanation of these expenses in Note 23.

Note 12 - Bank Debt

a)
Short-term bank debt as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 is detailed as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
Bank or financial institution
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
       
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
-
 
40,030
Citibank N.A.
-
 
15,067
Corpbanca
-
 
15,011
Banco Boston
-
 
10,007
BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
-
 
10,003
Other
1,253
 
1,934
Total
1,253
 
92,052
       
Annual average interest rate
4.35%
 
5.35%

33

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 12 - Bank Debt (continued)

b)
Long-term bank debt is detailed as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
Bank or financial institution
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
         
BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (1)
100,433
 
100,384
 
ING Capital LLC (2)
81,581
 
-
 
Total
182,014
 
100,384
 
         
Less: Current portion
(2,014
(384
         
Long-term portion
180,000
 
100,000
 
 
 
(1)
U.S. dollar-denominated loan without guarantee, interest rate of Libor + 0.375% per annum, quarterly payment. The principal is due February 25, 2010.
 
(2)
U.S. dollar-denominated loan without guarantee, interest rate of Libor + 0.300% per annum, semi-annually payment. The principal is due on November 28, 2011.

c)
The maturity of long-term debt is as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
Years to maturity
     
Current portion
2,014
 
384
2 to 3 years
100,000
 
-
3 to 5 years
80,000
 
100,000
Total
182,014
 
100,384
 
34

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 13 - Short and Long-term Obligations with the Public (Promissory Notes and Bonds Payable)
 
Additional Information
 
On January 25, 2006, the Company made a placement of Series C bonds for an amount of UF 3,000,000 at an annual rate of 4.18%. This placement achieved collection equivalent to 100% of par value.

On April 5, 2006, the Company made a placement of single-series bonds for an amount of ThUS$200,000 at an annual rate of 6.125%, under the regulations contained in Rule 144 and regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.
 
On June 1, 2007, the first capital payment for the Series C bond was made, for an amount equivalent to UF 75,000.
 
As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, the short-term portion of obligations with the public includes a balance of ThUS$12,687 and ThUS$9,593, respectively, which corresponds to the current portion of the principal plus interest accrued at that date. The long-term portion includes an amount of ThUS$304,101 and ThUS$300,219 respectively, related to principal installments for Series C and single-series bonds. 

The detail of these amounts is as follows:
 
Instrument
Regist. No.
Series
Nominal
Amount
Adjustment
Unit
Interest
Rate
Final
Period
Payment of
Interest
Payment of
Amortization
06/30/07
ThUS$
06/30/06
ThUS$
  Placement
  in Chile
  or abroad
                     
Current portion of long-term bonds payable
             
446
C
150,000
UF
4.00%
06/01/2008
Semi-annual
Semi-annual
7,064
3,910
  In Chile
184
Single
-
US$
6.125%
10/15/2007
Semi-annual
Semi-annual
5,623
5,683
  Abroad
Total Current Portion
       
12,687
9,593
 
                     
Long-term bonds payable
             
446
C
2,775,000
UF
4.00%
12/01/2026
Semi-annual
Semi-annual
104,101
100,219
  In Chile
184
Single
200,000,000
US$
6.125%
04/15/2016
Semi-annual
Semi-annual
200,000
200,000
  Abroad
Total Long-term
       
304,101
300,219
 
 
35

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 14 - Accrued Liabilities

As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, accrued liabilities are summarized as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
       
Provision for royalties Corfo
3,291
 
2,407
Provision for employee compensation and legal costs
2,653
 
501
Taxes and monthly income tax installment payments
3,130
 
3,316
Expenses incurred for long-term loans (additional tax)
234
 
557
External auditors’ fees
701
 
400
Employee benefits
10,695
 
4,077
Vacation accrual
9,608
 
8,169
Marketing expenses
3,273
 
3,500
Other accruals
3,338
 
2,073
Total current accrued liabilities
36,923
 
25,000
 
Note 15 - Income Taxes and Deferred Taxes

a)
As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company has the following consolidated balances for retained tax earnings, income not subject to taxes, tax loss carry-forwards and credit for shareholders:

 
2007
 
2006
 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
 
       
Accumulated tax basis retained earnings with tax credit
347,330
 
251,949
 
Accumulated tax basis retained earnings without tax credit
56,329
 
90,330
 
Tax loss carry-forwards (1)
138,725
 
171,241
 
Credit for shareholders
70,963
 
51,391
 

 
(1)
Income tax losses in Chile can be carried forward indefinitely.

The Company has recognized deferred taxes for tax losses and the related valuation allowance, where applicable, in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 60 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.

36

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 15 - Income Taxes and Deferred Taxes (continued)

b)
The deferred taxes as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 represented a net liability of ThUS$56,077 and ThUS$40,269 respectively, and consisted of:

2007
Deferred tax asset
 
Deferred tax liability
 
 
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Temporary differences
               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
2,006
 
605
 
-
 
-
 
Vacation accrual
1,506
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Unrealized gain on sale of products
13,837
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Provision for obsolescence
-
 
2,957
 
-
 
-
 
Production expenses
-
 
-
 
16,241
 
-
 
Accelerated depreciation
-
 
-
 
-
 
60,162
 
Exploration expenses
-
 
-
 
-
 
4,555
 
Capitalized interest
-
 
-
 
-
 
8,135
 
Staff severance indemnities
-
 
-
 
-
 
1,884
 
Fair value recognition
-
 
1,199
 
-
 
-
 
Capitalized expenses
-
 
-
 
-
 
957
 
Tax loss carry-forwards
-
 
26,909
 
-
 
-
 
Accrued gain from exchange insurance
-
 
-
 
1,553
 
-
 
Leased assets
-
 
-
 
-
 
10
 
Provision for energy tariff difference
2,700
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Accrued interest
273
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Other
2,006
 
5,571
 
2,136
 
469
 
Total gross deferred taxes
22,328
 
37,241
 
19,930
 
76,172
 
Total complementary accounts
-
 
-
 
(147
)
(18,262
) 
Valuation allowance
(6,658
(31,295
-
 
-
 
Total deferred taxes
15,670
 
5,946
 
19,783
 
57,910
 
 
37

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 15 - Income Taxes and Deferred Taxes (continued)

2006
Deferred tax asset
 
Deferred tax liability
 
 
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Temporary differences
               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
1,518
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Vacation accrual
1,287
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Unrealized gain on sale of products
19,966
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Provision for obsolescence
-
 
952
 
-
 
-
 
Production expenses
-
 
-
 
17,812
 
-
 
Accelerated depreciation
-
 
-
 
-
 
59,512
 
Exploration expenses
-
 
-
 
-
 
5,394
 
Capitalized interest
-
 
-
 
-
 
6,983
 
Staff severance indemnities
-
 
-
 
-
 
2,432
 
Claims expense provision
-
 
88
 
-
 
-
 
Capitalized expenses
-
 
-
 
-
 
1,076
 
Tax loss carry-forwards
-
 
30,088
 
-
 
-
 
Accrued interest
221
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Other
2,827
 
1,436
 
-
 
334
 
Total gross deferred taxes
25,819
 
32,564
 
17,812
 
75,731
 
Total complementary accounts
-
 
(216)
 
(862)
 
(21,499)
 
Valuation allowance
-
 
(27,254)
 
-
 
-
 
Total deferred taxes
25,819
 
5,094
 
16,950
 
54,232
 
 
38

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 15 - Income and Deferred Taxes (continued)

c)
Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is summarized as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
         
Current tax expense (income tax accrual)
(33,422)
 
(26,338)
 
Tax expense adjustment (prior period)
116
 
(655)
 
Effect of deferred tax assets and liabilities
2,278
 
3,939
 
Tax benefit from tax losses
(5,449)
 
(10,733)
 
Effect of amortization of complementary accounts
(2,730)
 
(4,298)
 
Effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities due to changes in valuation allowance
935
 
7,658
 
Other tax charges and credits
16
 
(630)
 
Total income tax expense
(38,256)
 
(31,057)
 
 
Note 16 – Staff Severance Indemnities

Staff severance indemnities are summarized as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
         
Opening balance
17,091
 
16,415
 
Increases in obligation
2,780
 
2,970
 
Payments
(1,755)
 
(1,224)
 
Foreign currency translation
751
 
(781)
 
Other differences
(47)
 
-
 
Balance as of September 30
18,820
 
17,380
 
 
39


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 17 - Minority Interest

Minority interest is summarized as follows:

   
Equity
 
Net Income/(Loss)
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                   
Soquimich Comercial S.A.
   
38,533
   
33,037
   
(1,961
)
 
(1,546
)
Ajay SQM Chile S.A.
   
3,653
   
3,674
   
(264
)
 
(841
)
Cape Fear Bulk L.L.C.
   
199
   
167
   
(146
)
 
(197
)
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V.
   
(9
)
 
(106
)
 
53
   
66
 
Fertilizantes Naturales S.A.
   
133
   
141
   
(10
)
 
(18
)
SQM Indonesia S.A.
   
(30
)
 
(20
)
 
-
   
18
 
SQM Potasio S.A.
   
7
   
6
   
(2
)
 
(1
)
Total
   
42,486
   
36,899
   
(2,330
)
 
(2,519
)
 
40

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 18 - Shareholders’ Equity

a)
Changes to shareholders’ equity consisted of:

               
Accumulated deficit
             
               
of subsidiaries
in
             
       
Paid-in
 
Other
 
development
 
Retained
 
Net
     
   
Number
 
capital
 
reserves
 
stage
 
earnings
 
Income
 
Total
 
   
of shares
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Balance as of January 1, 2006
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
157,287
   
(8,370
)
 
280,607
   
113,506
   
1,020,416
 
Transfer 2005 net income to retained earnings
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
113,506
   
(113,506
)
 
-
 
Declared dividends 2006
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(73,647
)
 
-
   
(73,647
)
Accumulated deficit from subsidiaries in development stage
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
8,370
   
(8,370
)
 
-
   
-
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
   
-
   
(1,112
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(1,112
)
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
111,622
   
111,622
 
Balance as of September 30, 2006
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
156,175
   
-
   
312,096
   
111,622
   
1,057,279
 
Balance January 1,2007
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
155,190
   
(8,370
)
 
320,466
   
141,277
   
1,085,949
 
Transfer 2006 net income to retained earnings
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
141,277
   
(141,277
)
 
-
 
Declared dividends 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(91,786
)
 
-
   
(91,786
)
Accumulated deficit from subsidiaries in development stage
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
8,370
   
(8,370
)
 
-
   
-
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
   
-
   
5,418
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5,418
 
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
135,434
   
135,434
 
Balance as of September 30, 2007
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
160,608
   
-
   
361,587
   
135,434
   
1,135,015
 
 
In compliance with SVS Form 1819, we have netted the balance of the Development Period Deficit Account (ThUS$8,370 as of December 31) against the balance of the Retained Earnings account. For comparative purposes, the balance in the Development Period Deficit Account of ThUS$8,370 as of September 30, 2006 was netted against the Retained Earnings account.
 
41

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 18 - Shareholders’ Equity (continued)

b)
The composition of other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2007 is as follows:

       
For the nine months ended September 30, 
2007
 
Total as of
September 30,
2007
 
Detail
     
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
               
               
Technical appraisal
         
-
   
151,345
 
Changes to other comprehensive income from equity method investments:
                   
Soquimich Comercial S.A.
   
(1)
 
 
4,986
   
10,385
 
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.
   
(1)
 
 
25
   
(59
)
Inversiones Augusta S.A.
   
(1)
 
 
-
   
(761
)
SQM Ecuador S.A.
   
(2)
 
 
-
   
(270
)
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.
   
(1)
 
 
40
   
62
 
Asociación Garantizadora de Pensiones
   
(1)
 
 
-
   
(12
)
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
   
(1)
 
 
22
   
74
 
Sociedad de servicios de Salud
   
(1)
 
 
14
   
14
 
SQM North America Corp.
   
(3)
 
 
-
   
(1,218
)
SQM Dubai – Fzco
   
(1)
 
 
(12
)
 
(12
)
Ajay Europe SARL
   
(1)
 
 
343
   
343
 
Other Companies
   
(1)
 
 
-
   
717
 
Total other comprehensive income
 
5,418
   
160,608
 

 
(1)
Corresponds to translation adjustments and monetary correction
 
(2)
Corresponds to the translation adjustment produced by the application of a new law implemented by the Ecuadorian Government
 
(3)
Relates to valuation differences generated in the pension plans of the subsidiary SQM North America Corp.
 
42


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 18 - Shareholders’ Equity (continued)

c)
Capital consists of 263,196,524 fully authorized, subscribed and paid shares with no par value, divided into 142,819,552 Series A shares and 120,376,972 Series B shares.

The preferential voting rights of each series are as follows:
 
Series A :
 
If the election of the president of the Company results in a tied vote, the Company's directors may vote once again, without the vote of the director elected by the Series B shareholders.
     
Series B:
1)
A general or extraordinary shareholders' meeting may be called at the request of shareholders representing 5% of the Company's Series B shares.
 
2)
An extraordinary meeting of the Board of Directors may be called with or without the agreement of the Company's president, at the request of a director elected by Series B shareholders.

Under the current ownership structure, the Company has a controlling shareholder group that comprises the company Pampa Calichera S.A. and the Kowa Group. These entities signed a Joint Action Agreement on December 21, 2006.
 
Note 19 – Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are recorded at their fair value at period-end. Changes in fair value are recognized in income with the liability recorded in other current liabilities. Losses from options relate to fees paid by the Company to enter into such contracts. As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s derivative instruments are as follows:
 
2007
Type of
derivative
 
Notional or covered
amount
ThUS$
 
Expiration
 
Description of the contract type
 
Position purchase/sale
 
(Liability)Asset amount
ThUS$
   
Income
(loss) recorded ThUS$
 
Income
(not) recorded ThUS$
US dollar PUT
 
22,421
 
4th quarter of 2007
 
Exchange rate
 
P
 
(253)
   
-
 
(253)
US dollar Forward
 
449
 
4th quarter of 2007
 
Exchange rate
 
P
 
(9)
   
-
 
(9)
US dollar Forward
 
6,926
 
4th quarter of 2007
 
Exchange rate
 
P
 
(206)
   
-
 
(206)
Swap
 
102,630
 
4th quarter of 2007
 
Interest rate
 
P
 
9,136
   
-
 
9,136
US dollar PUT
 
269
 
4th quarter of 2007
 
Exchange rate
 
P
 
(268)
   
-
 
(268)
   
132,695
             
8,400
       
8,400
 
43

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 20 - Non-operating Income and Expenses

Amounts included in non-operating income and expenses are summarized as follows:

a)         Non-operating income

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Interest income
   
6,532
   
9,498
 
Reversal of third-party obligations
   
181
   
208
 
Cross currency swap
   
4,000
   
-
 
Rights of use of trademark
   
21
   
23
 
Insurance recoveries
   
217
   
117
 
Provision of services
   
573
   
-
 
Rental of property, plant and equipment
   
800
   
730
 
Fines collected from third parties
   
146
   
295
 
Equity participation in net income of unconsolidated
subsidiaries
   
3,558
   
1,450
 
Discounts obtained
   
359
   
527
 
Sale of Antucoya
   
-
   
753
 
Overestimate of allowance for doubtful accounts
   
413
   
94
 
Sale of mining concessions
   
361
   
202
 
Sale of scrap metal
   
137
   
-
 
Other income
   
475
   
561
 
Total
   
17,773
   
14,458
 
 
44


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 20 - Non-operating Income and Expenses (continued)

b)         Non-operating expenses

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Write-off of investments
   
312
   
302
 
Interest expense
   
15,192
   
21,955
 
Equity participation in net losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
58
   
189
 
Amortization of goodwill
   
1,698
   
1,858
 
Net foreign exchange
   
2,311
   
5,403
 
Consulting services
   
20
   
332
 
Training expenses and grants
   
322
   
343
 
Investment plan expenses and adjustment to the net realizable value of PP&E
   
8,748
   
4,845
 
Energy tariff difference
   
4,800
   
-
 
Work disruption expenses
   
627
   
1,716
 
Non-recoverable taxes
   
257
   
756
 
Accrual for legal expenses and third-party indemnities
   
518
   
16
 
Sale of Impronta SRL
   
-
   
197
 
Provider indemnities
   
1,600
   
9
 
Provision and sale of materials, spare parts and supplies and property, plant and equipment
   
3,402
   
217
 
Other expenses
   
1,297
   
1,694
 
Total
   
41,162
   
39,832
 

45

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 21 – Price-level Restatement

Amounts charged or credited to income relating to price-level restatement are summarized as follows:

   
(Charge) credit to income
from operations
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
350
   
172
 
Other assets and liabilities
   
384
   
326
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
(4,788
)
 
(2,076
)
Net price-level restatement
   
(4,054
)
 
(1,578
)
 
46

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 22 – Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 are detailed as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
 
   
ThUS$
   
ThUS$
 
Assets 
             
Chilean pesos
   
171,696
   
112,688
 
US dollars
   
1,619,972
   
1,567,807
 
Euros
   
47,466
   
37,903
 
Japanese Yen
   
919
   
1,217
 
Brazilian Real
   
401
   
309
 
Mexican pesos
   
2,278
   
4,373
 
UF
   
91,042
   
74,847
 
South African Rand
   
15,232
   
11,829
 
Dirhams
   
13,846
   
14,281
 
Other currencies
   
9,033
   
8,527
 
               
Current liabilities
             
Chilean pesos
   
135,315
   
103,904
 
US dollars
   
78,121
   
142,806
 
Euros
   
9,647
   
9,951
 
Japanese Yen
   
24
   
90
 
Brazilian Real
   
1,894
   
1,558
 
Mexican pesos
   
2,953
   
4,420
 
UF
   
7,291
   
5,186
 
South African Rand
   
338
   
1,348
 
Dirhams
   
715
   
456
 
Other currencies
   
456
   
259
 
               
Long-term liabilities
             
Chilean pesos
   
18,679
   
17,343
 
US dollars
   
433,930
   
351,032
 
Japanese Yen
   
157
   
126
 
UF
   
104,854
   
101,115
 
Other currencies
   
10
   
9
 
 
47

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 23 – Expenses Incurred in the Issuance of Shares and Debt Titles

Expenses incurred in the issuance and placement of bonds are presented under Other Long-Term Assets, and the portion to be amortized within one year is presented within Other Current Assets. These expenses are amortized using the straight-line method, according to the term of the documents. This amortization is presented as interest expense.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, issuance expenses net of amortization amount to ThUS$6,665. Issuance expenses include disbursements related to reports issued by rating agencies, legal and financial consulting services, taxes, printing and placement fees. Amortization for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 amounted to ThUS$615.
 
Note 24 - Cash Flow Statement

Amounts included in other investing income are summarized as follows:
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Cash included in cash equivalents
   
-
   
24,279
 
Proceeds from sale of mining concessions
   
361
   
202
 
Total
   
361
   
24,481
 
 
48

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 25 – Commitments and Contingencies

I.    Contingencies:

(a)  Material lawsuits or other legal actions to which the Company is party:
 
1.
Plaintiff
: Compañía de Salitre y Yodo Soledad S.A.
 
Defendant
: Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: December 1994
 
Court
: Civil Court of Pozo Almonte
 
Cause
: Partial annulment of mining property, Cesard 1 to 29
 
Instance
: Evidence provided
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 211
     
     
2.
Plaintiff
: Compañía Productora de Yodo y Sales S.A.
 
Defendant
: SQM Químicos S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: November 1999
 
Court
: Civil Court of Pozo Almonte
 
Cause
: Partial annulment of mining property, Paz II 1 to 25
 
Instance
: Evidence provided
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 162
     
     
3.
Plaintiff
: Compañía Productora de Yodo y Sales S.A.
 
Defendant
: SQM Químicos S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: November 1999
 
Court
: Civil Court of Pozo Almonte
 
Cause
: Partial annulment of mining property, Paz III 1 to 25
 
Instance
: Evidence provided
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 204
     
     
4.
Plaintiff
: Mario Miles Andrade
 
Defendants
: Constructora Fe Grande S.A. and jointly and severally,
 
 
  SQM S.A. and its insurers
 
Date of lawsuit
: June 2005
 
Court
: Labor Court of Antofagasta
 
Cause
: Work accident
 
Instance
: Evidence provided
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 270
 
49


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 25 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

I.
Contingencies (continued):

5.
Plaintiff
: Gabriela Véliz Huanchicay
 
Defendants
: Gilberto Mercado Barreda and jointly and severally
 
 
  SQM Nitratos S.A. and its insurers 
 
Date of lawsuit
: August 2005
 
Court
: 4th Civil Court of Santiago
 
Cause
: Work accident
 
Instance
: At the first instance verdict the defendants were sentenced
 
 
  to pay the amount of ThUS$250. The defendants filed an
 
 
  appeal against this verdict.
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 481
     
6.
Plaintiff
: Electroandina S.A.
 
Defendant
: Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: September 2005
 
Court
: Court of arbitration
 
Cause
: Early termination or partial modification or temporary
  suspension of the Electrical Supply Agreement entered on
   
  February 12, 1999 by virtue of supposedly unforeseen events
   
  that would have resulted in an increase in the cost of, or
  restricted the supply of, natural gas from Argentina
   
 
 
Instance
: Evidentiary stage
 
Nominal amount
: The amount has not yet been determined.
     
7.
Plaintiff
: Juana Muraña Quispe
 
Defendants
: Intro Ingenieria Limitada and jointly and severally
 
 
  SQM S.A. and its insurers 
 
Date of lawsuit
: October 2005
 
Court
: 25th Civil Court of Santiago
 
Cause
: Work accident
 
Instance
: Evidentiary stage
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$1,500

50

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 25 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

I.
Contingencies (continued):
 
     
8.
Plaintiff
: Marina Arnéz Valencia
 
Defendants
: SQM S.A. and its insurance companies
 
Date of lawsuit
: May 2006
 
Court
: 2nd Civil Court of Santiago
 
Cause
: Work accident
 
Instance
: Conciliation audience
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 500
     
9.
Plaintiff
: ESAOL Limitada
 
Defendant
: Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: September 2006
 
Court
: Arbitration Court of Antofagasta
 
Cause
: Fees allegedly owed for urban cleaning services
 
at Maria Elena.
 
 
Instance
: Evidentiary Stage
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$170
     
10.
Plaintiff
: Sociedad de Servicios Tacora Limitada
 
Defendant
: SQM Nitratos S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: December 2006
 
Court
: 25th Civil Court of Antofagasta
 
Cause
: Collection of securities which SQM Nitratos S.A., by virtue of
  a mandate conferred in its favor, used to pay the plaintiff’s
  employees who have not received their salary pay and
  contributions for transportation and machinery services
  rendered indirectly to SQM Nitratos S.A.
 
Instance
: Response.
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$266
     
11.
Plaintiff
: Marineer Zona Franca S.A.
 
Defendant
: Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: August 2007
 
Court 
: Arbitration Court of Santiago
 
Cause 
: Damages for alleged unilateral and premature termination of
  mineral transport contract
 
Instance
: Conciliation
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$1,400
 
51

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 25 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
 
I.
Contingencies (continued):
 
(b) Other
 
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business. Based on the advice of counsel, management believes the litigation will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

II.    Commitments:

(a)  
The subsidiary SQM Salar S.A. maintains an agreement with a government agency, whereby the Company must make annual payments until 2030 based on the Company’s annual sales. This amount, which has been paid since the beginning of the agreement in 1996, was ThUS$ 10,182 in 2007 (ThUS$ 6,831 in 2006).

(b)  
Bank loans of SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries contain restrictions similar to those loans of the same nature which have been outstanding at pertinent times and which, among others, relate to maximum indebtedness and minimum equity. Save for this, SQM S.A. is not exposed to other covenants to its management activities or to limits in financial indicators because of contracts or agreements with creditors.

(c)  
Bank debt of SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries has no restrictions or terms other than those that might usually be found in identical debt in the financial markets, such as, among others, maximum indebtedness and minimum equity.

.
Note 26 – Third Party Guarantees

As of September 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company has the following indirect guarantees outstanding:


   
Debtor
 
Balances outstanding
 
Beneficiary
 
Name
 
Relationship
 
2007
 
2006
 
 
             
 ThUS$ 
 
 ThUS$
 
BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
   
Royal Seed Trading Corp. A.V.V.
   
Subsidiary
   
100,415
   
100,384
 
ING Capital LLC
   
Royal Seed Trading Corp. A.V.V.
   
Subsidiary
   
80,408
   
-
 

52

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 27 – Sureties Obtained from Third Parties

Joint and several guarantee of up to ThUS$ 1,000 made by Tattersall Comercial S.A. to secure to Soquimich Comercial S.A. compliance with obligations contained in the commercial mandate agreement for the distribution and sale of fertilizers.


Note 28 – Sanctions

During 2007 and 2006, the SVS did not apply sanctions to the Company, its directors or its managers.
 
53


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 29 – Environmental Projects

Disbursements incurred by the Company as of September 30, 2007 relating to its investments in production processes and compliance with regulations related to industrial processes and facilities are as follows:

       
Future
 
   
2007
 
Disbursements
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Project
             
Dust emission control
   
76
   
-
 
Plumbing equipment at ME prilling plant
   
39
   
1
 
Light normalization
   
921
   
90
 
Enablement of money exchange and bathrooms
   
289
   
-
 
Water assessment San Isidro
   
21
   
155
 
Environmental assessment for the KNO3 Plant
   
450
   
76
 
Environmental assessment for new Chancado María Elena plant
   
1,006
   
164
 
Waste water treatment plant, washing surface P. Valdivia. N. Victoria. P. Blanca.
   
18
   
222
 
Equipment washing system
   
184
   
-
 
Normalization of lighting at FFCC yard, PV Mill
   
164
   
1
 
Implementation of waste water line for María Elena Treatment Plant.
   
29
   
21
 
Infrastructure, equipment New Offices María Elena Environment
   
14
   
-
 
Hospital Monitoring Station Project
   
12
   
9
 
Improvements in M. Elena Camp - Streets
   
428
   
22
 
Tourist Support in Salt Deposit (Soncor)
   
64
   
16
 
Energy backup for Church monitoring station
   
18
   
3
 
Environmental commitments Region I of Chile
   
169
   
22
 
The Environment MOP/SOP 2
   
266
   
184
 
Study of dust control at SOP-SC plant
   
30
   
-
 
Waste dump for dangerous waste
   
18
   
346
 
Equipment elimination using PCB
   
300
   
-
 
Deputy Management of Environmental Matters
   
541
   
536
 
Salar (Salt deposit) environmental follow-up plan
   
1,322
   
1,153
 
Sanitary regulations PV Traffic Facilities
   
7
   
73
 
PV Environmental improvements
   
8
   
32
 
Renewal of Salar Meteorological Stations
   
72
   
41
 
Construction of temporary storage yard for residual and new oil
   
1
   
-
 
Waste pools R&R Lithium C. Plant
   
1,231
   
993
 
Miscellaneous environmental projects
   
2
   
35
 
Total
   
7,700
   
4,195
 

54

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 29 – Environmental Projects (continued)

Protecting the environment, both in regards to the Company’s productive processes and the manufactured goods, is a constant concern for SQM. The Company’s commitment is supported by the principles declared in the Company’s Sustainable Development Policy.

SQM is currently using an Environmental Management System (“SGA”), which is based on the ISO 14000 standard. Through the SGA, the Company has improved its environmental performance by effectively applying the Sustainable Development Policy.

Processes where sodium nitrate is used as a raw material are carried out in the desert and other arid geographical areas with favorable weather conditions for drying solid materials and evaporating liquids using solar energy. The extraction of minerals in open pit mines, given their low waste-to-mineral ratio, gives rise to waste deposits that have little impact on the environment. The extraction process and ore crushing produce particles, which is normal for this type of operation.

On August 10, 1993, the Ministry of Health published a resolution in accordance with the Sanitary Code in the Official Gazette, establishing that breathable particle material levels in the productive facilities of Maria Elena exceeded the level allowed for air quality, thereby affecting the neighboring location. The particles mainly come from dust produced during the processing of caliche, in particular in the grinding of this ore prior to leaching. The Company has implemented a number of measures which have allowed a significant improvement in air quality at María Elena, both within the framework of a Decontamination Plan for this location and to comply with its Sustainable Development Policy. In October 2005, the Company obtained environmental approval for the “María Elena Technology Plan” project. This project will enable the Company to reduce particle emissions, as required by environmental regulations; the Company estimates that start-up of this project will take place during the second half of 2008. The Company is requesting that CONAMA make the necessary adjustments to the timeframe defined in the Decontamination Plan to reduce particles, so that the timeframe is consistent with the Company’s progress on the María Elena Technology Plan.

The Company also develops plans for follow-up and environmental monitoring for all its operations, based on specialized scientific studies, and it annually develops a training program for environmental matters, for both its direct employees and its subcontractors. Within this context, SQM entered into an agreement with Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) - the National Forestry Corporation - with the purpose of monitoring the activities of flamingo colonies in lagoon systems in the Atacama Salar, which includes counting birds and follow-up of the reproductive process. Environmental follow-up maintained by SQM in the Atacama Salar and in other systems in which it operates is supported by a number of studies that have integrated different scientific efforts by prestigious research centers, such as Dictuc from Pontificia Universidad Católica, the School of Agricultural Science of Universidad de Chile, Nevada University, Cornell University and the University of Binghamton, New York.

55

 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Note 29 – Environmental Projects (continued)

In addition, within the framework of environmental studies performed by the Company for its new projects, the Company is currently undertaking a significant amount of work in order to record pre-Hispanic and historical cultural heritage, as well as to protect heritage sites, in accordance with current Chilean laws. There has been a particularly great concentration of these efforts in the area surrounding Maria Elena and the Nueva Victoria plant. Furthermore, the Company is working to distribute this cultural heritage information within the community, as well as to make this information available at local and regional museums.

As emphasized by one of the points in its Sustainable Development Policy, the Company works to maintain a good neighbor relationship and to participate in the development of communities close to its operations, supporting joint projects and activities to improve the quality of life in these communities. For this purpose, the Company has focused its actions on the recovery of historical heritage, training, and social and cultural development. The Company makes efforts in these areas both on its own and in conjunction with other public and private organizations.
 
Note 30 – Significant Events

On March 21, 2007, the Company informed the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance (SVS) that the Board of Directors of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) at their meeting held on March 20, 2007, unanimously agreed to propose the payment of a final dividend for a sum of US$0.34874 per share to those shareholders of SQM who were registered with the Shareholders’ Registry during the fifth business day prior to the date of payment of this dividend.

Upon approval of this proposal by the shareholders at the General Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2007, this proposal will the Company to effectively pay and distribute dividends in conformity with its dividend policy, which provides for the payment of an annual dividend equivalent to 65% of distributable net income obtained during 2006.
 
Note 31 – Subsequent Events

Management is not aware of any significant subsequent events that have occurred between September 30, 2007 and the date of issuance of these financial statements (October 30, 2007) that may affect the Company’s financial position or the interpretation of these financial statements.

56


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Ricardo Ramos R.
 Ricardo Ramos R.
Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
   
Date: December 07, 2007

57