6-K 1 b332574_6k.htm REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER Prepared and filed by St Ives Burrups

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

For the three month period ended on March 31, 2004.

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, 6th Floor, 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 ______

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 ______ No      x     .

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

 


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On May 10, 2004, 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 three-month period ended on March 31, 2004. 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, A THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2004 REPORT FILED WITH THE SUPERINTENDENCIA DE VALORES Y SEGUROS (SVS) IN CHILE, AND UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, FIGURES ARE IN US DOLLARS.    
           

 

 


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Consolidated Financial Statements

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.

As of March 31, 2004 and 2003
and for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Contents

Consolidated Financial Statements        
         
Consolidated Balance Sheets 2  
Consolidated Statements of Income 4  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 6  


Ch$         Chilean pesos  
ThCh $         Thousands of Chilean pesos  
US$         United States dollars  
ThUS$         Thousands of United States dollars  
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.  

 


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


            As of March 31,  
      Note     2004     2003  
           
   
 
            ThUS$     ThUS$  
ASSETS                    
                     
Current assets                    
     Cash           13,693     19,035  
     Time deposits           36,184     11.832  
     Marketable securities     4     35,229     56,502  
     Accounts receivable, net     5     136,633     116,216  
     Other accounts receivable, net     5     12,016     10,349  
     Accounts receivable from related companies     6     31,110     31,868  
     Inventories, net     7     253,474     227,435  
     Recoverable taxes           15,307     12,018  
     Prepaid expenses           5,617     4,300  
     Other current assets           35,386     17,314  
           
   
 
          Total current assets           574,649     506,869  
           
   
 
                     
Property, plant and equipment, net     8     659,924     679,034  
           
   
 
Other Assets                    
     Investments in related companies     9     83,055     72,297  
     Goodwill, net     10     12,882     12,192  
     Negative goodwill, net     10     (423 )   (750 )
     Intangible assets, net           4,641     4,920  
     Long-term accounts receivable, net     5     7,135     8,894  
     Long-term accounts receivable from related companies     6     340     424  
     Other long-term assets     11     48,765     49,313  
           
   
 
          Total Other Assets           156,395     147,290  
           
   
 
          Total assets           1,390,968     1,333,193  
           
   
 

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

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


            As of March 31,  
      Note     2004     2003  
           
   
 
            ThUS$     ThUS$  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
                     
Current liabilities                    
     Short-term bank debt     12     66,850     2,280  
     Current portion of long-term debt     12     1,041     17,751  
     Dividends payable           170     147  
     Accounts payable           54,211     47,274  
     Other accounts payable           1,412     2,482  
     Notes and accounts payable to related companies     6     14,735     12,369  
     Accrued liabilities     13     14,043     10,043  
     Withholdings           2,552     2,559  
     Income taxes           1,220     1,865  
     Deferred income taxes     14     6,423     2,291  
     Deferred income           1,576     1,600  
     Other current liabilities           283     265  
           
   
 
          Total current liabilities           164,516     100,926  
           
   
 
                     
Long-term liabilities                    
     Long-term bank debt     12     260,000     324,000  
     Other accounts payable           2,007     2,820  
     Deferred income taxes     14     26,367     15,370  
     Staff severance indemnities     15     9,914     8,943  
           
   
 
          Total long-term liabilities           298,288     351,133  
           
   
 
                     
     Minority interest     16     28,815     22,924  
           
   
 
                     
Shareholders’ equity                    
     Paid-in capital     17     477,386     477,386  
     Other reserves     17     137,663     123,954  
     Retained earnings     17     284,300     256,870  
           
   
 
          Total shareholders’ equity           899,349     858,210  
                     
           
   
 
               Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity           1,390,968     1,333,193  
           
   
 

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

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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 years ended  
            March 31,  
      Note     2004     2003  
           
   
 
            ThUS$     ThUS$  
Operating results                    
                     
     Sales           171,586     151,521  
     Cost of sales           (134,344 )   (121,792 )
           
   
 
          Gross margin           37,242     29,729  
     Selling and administrative expenses           (13,256 )   (10,940 )
           
   
 
          Operating income           23,986     18,789  
           
   
 
                     
                     
Non-operating results                    
     Non-operating income     19     4,115     6,442  
     Non-operating expenses     19     (8,959 )   (10,161 )
           
   
 
          Non-operating loss           (4,844 )   (3,719 )
           
   
 
     Income before income taxes           19,142     15,070  
     Income tax expense     14     (4,401 )   (3,863 )
           
   
 
          Income before minority interest           14,741     11,207  
     Minority interest     16     (795 )   (506 )
           
   
 
          Net income before negative goodwill           13,946     10,701  
     Amortization of negative goodwill     10     51     103  
           
   
 
          Net income for the year           13,997     10,804  
           
   
 

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

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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 years ended March 31  
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
Cash flows from operating activities              
Net income for the year     13,997     10,804  
               
Charges (credits) to income not representing cash flows              
Depreciation expense     14,802     14,752  
Amortization of intangible assets     66     71  
Write-offs and accruals     10,902     6,864  
Gain on equity investments in related companies     (2,739 )   (2,353 )
Loss on equity investments in related companies     73      
Amortization of goodwill     337     245  
Amortization of negative goodwill     (51 )   (103 )
(Profit) loss on sales of assets     (26 )   8  
Other credits to income not representing cash flows     (318 )   (487 )
Other charges to income not representing cash flows     12,909     8,860  
Foreign exchange difference, net     566     (2,377 )
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
(Increase) decrease in trade accounts receivable     5,692     (12,420 )
Increase in inventories     (11,606 )   10,903  
Decrease in other assets     (11,538 )   (195 )
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable     4,143     (2,057 )
Increase (decrease) in interest payable     (3,472 )   (4,892 )
Decrease in net income taxes payable     795     (1,104 )
(Decrease) increase in other accounts payable     (1,373 )   1,272  
Decrease in VAT and taxes payable     2,928     2,742  
Minority interest     795     506  
     
   
 
Net cash provided from operating activities
    36,882     31,039  
     
   
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities              
Proceeds from short term bank financing     22,056      
Loans to related companies          
Payment of dividends     (29 )   (311 )
Repayment of bank financing     (12,626 )   (2,126 )
     
   
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    9,401     (2,437 )
     
   
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities              
Sales of property, plant and equipment     597     49  
Sales of investments     203     417  
Other investing income 22   104     5,759  
Additions to property, plant and equipment     (7,973 )   (8,552 )
Capitalized interest     (411 )   (790 )
Purchase of permanent investments     (475 )   (1,970 )
Purchase of investments          
Other disbursements         (1,331 )
     
   
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (7,955 )   (6,418 )
     
   
 
               
Effect of inflation on cash and cash equivalents     (1,911 )   (144 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     36,417     22,040  
Beginning balance of cash and cash equivalents     69,273     65,204  
     
   
 
Ending balance of cash and cash equivalents     105,690     87,244  
     
   
 

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

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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 for 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. For the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements and their accompanying notes have been translated from Spanish into English. Certain accounting practices applied by the Company that conform with Chilean GAAP may not conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”).
   
  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 regulations set forth by the SVS in its Circular No. 368 and Technical Bulletins Nos. 42 and 64 of the Chilean Association of Accountants, the consolidated financial statements include the following subsidiaries:

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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 for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)
      Direct or indirect ownership  
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
Foreign subsidiaries:     %     %  
Nitrate Corp. of Chile Limited (United Kingdom)     100.00     100.00  
Soquimich SRL – Argentina     100.00     100.00  
Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. (Brazil)     100.00     100.00  
SQM Europe NV (Belgium)     100.00     100.00  
SQM North America Corp. (USA)     100.00     100.00  
North American Trading Company (USA)     100.00     100.00  
SQM Peru S.A.     100.00     100.00  
SQM Corporation NV (Dutch Antilles)     100.00     100.00  
S.Q.I. Corporation NV (Dutch Antilles)     100.00     100.00  
Soquimich European Holding BV (Holland)     100.00     100.00  
PTM – SQM Ibérica S.A. (Spain)     100.00     100.00  
SQMC Holding Corporation LLP (USA)     100.00     100.00  
SQM Ecuador S.A.     100.00     100.00  
Cape Fear Bulk LLC (USA)       51.00       51.00  
SQM Colombia Ltda.          —     100.00  
SQM Investment Corporation NV (Holland)     100.00     100.00  
SQM Brasil Ltda.     100.00     100.00  
Royal Seed Trading Corporation AVV (Aruba)     100.00     100.00  
SQM Japan K.K.     100.00     100.00  
SQM Oceanía PTY Limited (Australia)     100.00     100.00  
SQM France S.A.     100.00     100.00  
Fertilizantes Naturales S.A. (Spain)       50.00       50.00  
Rs Agro-Chemical Trading AVV (Aruba)     100.00     100.00  
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.     100.00     100.00  
SQM Indonesia       80.00       80.00  
SQM Virginia LLC (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 SRL (Italy)       95.00     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 CV (Mexico)     100.00     100.00  
Administración y Servicios Santiago     100.00          —  
SQM Nitratos Mexico       51.00          —  

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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 for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)
      Direct or indirect ownership  
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      %     %  
Domestic subsidiaries:              
Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A.     100.00     100.00  
Soquimich Comercial S.A.     60.64     60.64  
Energía y Servicios S.A.         100.00  
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.     100.00     100.00  
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.     100.00     100.00  
Ajay SQM Chile S.A.     51.00     51.00  
SQM Nitratos S.A.     99.99     99.99  
Proinsa Ltda.     60.58     60.58  
SQM Potasio S.A.     100.00     100.00  
SQMC International Limitada     60.64     60.64  
SQM Salar S.A.     100.00     100.00  
Comercial Hydro S.A.     60.84      

All significant inter-company balances, transactions and unrealized gains and losses arising from transactions between these companies have been eliminated in consolidation.

As the Company exerts control over the subsidiary Fertilizantes Naturales S.A. it has been included in the consolidation for the period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

At March 31, 2004 and 2003, the subsidiary Lithium Specialties LLP was in the development stage and therefore was not included in the consolidation.

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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) Period
   
  These consolidated financial statements have been prepared as of March 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the years 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, which maintain their accounting records in Chilean pesos have been restated to reflect the effects of variations in the purchasing power of Chilean pesos during the year. 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 (-0.5% and 0.5% in 2004 and 2003, 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.

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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$616.41 per US$1 at March 31, 2004 and Ch$731.56 per US$1 at March 31, 2003.
     
  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 of the Chilean Association of Accountants (“BT 64”) 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 account on the income statement, which is generated by the inclusion of price-level restatement on the 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 to the balance sheet mentioned above, are included as an adjustment in shareholders’ equity, in conformity with Circular No. 368 of the SVS.

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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) 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.
   
d) Foreign currency (continued)
   
  Foreign exchange differences for the period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 generated net earnings (loss) of ThUS$ (566) and ThUS$ 2,377, 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 at March 31, as follows:
               
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
               
Brazilian Real
    2.92     3.38  
New Peruvian Sol
    3.46     3.09  
Argentine Peso
    2.88     2.98  
Japanese Yen
    105.69     120.20  
Euro
    0.82     0.92  
Mexican Peso
    11.21     10.67  
Indonesian Rupee
    8,450.59     8,940.00  
Australian Dollar
    1.31     1.92  
Pound Sterling
    0.58     0.63  
Sudafrican Rand
    6.66     8.25  
   
  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.

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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)

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.
   
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 work in process are valued at average production cost. Raw materials and products acquired from third parties are stated at average cost and materials-in-transit are valued at cost. All such values do not exceed net realizable values.
   
  Inventories of non-critical spare parts and supplies are classified as other current assets, except for those items which the Company estimates to have a turnover period of one year or more, which are classified as other long-term assets.
   
j) Income taxes and deferred income taxes
   
  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.

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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)

j) Income and deferred taxes (continued)
   
  Under Chilean law, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are required to file separate tax declarations.
  Beginning January 1, 2000, the Company records deferred income taxes in accordance with Technical Bulletin Nos. 60, 69, 71 and 73 of the Chilean Association of Accountants, and with Circular No. 1466 issued on January 27, 2000 by the SVS, 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 were recorded in complementary asset and liability accounts, which are recognized in the statement of operations over the estimated period in which they reverse.
   
k) Property, plant and equipment
   
  Property, plant, equipment and property rights are recorded at cost, except for certain assets that were restated according to a technical appraisal in 1988. Depreciation expense has been calculated using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets and is charged directly to expense.
   
  Fixed assets acquired through financing 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 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 perpetually 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 and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 50 years.

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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)

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. 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, which maintain their accounting records and are controlled in Chilean pesos is recognized in the other reserves component of stockholders’ equity. Direct and indirect investments in foreign subsidiaries or affiliates are controlled in U.S. dollars.
   
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 and 10 years for goodwill and negative goodwill, respectively.
   
n) Intangible assets
   
  Intangible assets are stated at cost plus acquisition expenses and are amortized over a period of up to a maximum of 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.

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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)

p) Accrued employee severance
   
  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 an average employee tenure of 24 years and a real annual discount rate of 9%.
   
q) Vacations
   
  The cost of employee vacations is recognized in the financial statements on an accrual basis.
   
r) Dividends
   
  Dividends are generally declared in U.S. dollars but are paid in Chilean pesos.
   
s) 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.
   
t) Reclassifications
   
  Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2003 numbers to conform to the current period presentation.
   
u) 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.
   
v) Computer software
   
  In accordance with Circular No. 981 dated December 28, 1990 of the SVS, computer systems acquired by the Company are recorded at cost.
   
w) Research and development expenses
   
  Research and development cost are charged to the income statement in the period in which they are incurred. Fixed assets which are acquired for their use in research and development activities and are determined to provide additional benefits to the Company are recorded in property, plant and equipment.

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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 3 – Changes in Accounting Principles

There were no changes in the accounting principles used by the Company during 2004 and 2003.

Note 4 – Marketable Securities

As of March 31 marketable securities are detailed as follows:

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Mutual funds     35,229     56,502  
     
   
 
Total     35,229     56,502  
     
   
 

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

Note 5 – Short-term and long-term Accounts Receivable

a) Short term and long-term accounts receivable and other accounts receivable as of March 31 are detailed as follows:
   
            Between 90 days           Total  
      Up to 90 days     and 1 year     2004     Short-term (net)  
      2004     2003     2004     2003     Subtotal     2004     2003  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
Short-term                                            
Trade accounts receivable     107,214     94,266     14,719     12,261     121,933     121,933     106,527  
Allowance for doubtful accounts                                   (6,933 )   (5,329 )
Notes receivable     23,349     15,621     1,138     1,584     24,487     24,487     17,205  
Allowance for doubtful accounts                                   (2,854 )   (2,187 )
                                   



 
Accounts receivable, net                                   136,633     116,216  
                                   



 
                                             
Other accounts receivable     10,538     9,477     2.148     1.660     12,686     12,686     11,137  
Allowance for doubtful accounts                                   (670 )   (788 )
                                   



 
Other accounts receivable, net                                   12,016     10,349  
                                   



 
                                             
                                   



 
Long-term receivables                                   7,135     8,894  
                                   



 

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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

            Europe, Africa and     Asia and     USA, Mexico     Latin America        
      Chile     the Middle East     Oceania     and Canada     and the Caribbean     Total  
      2004     2003     2004     2003     2004     2003     2004     2003     2004     2003     2004     2003  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
     


































                                                                           
Net short-term trade
   accounts receivable
                                                                         
Balance     27,186     16,493     27,648     29,721     3,380     2,666     34,095     31,906     22,691     20,412     115,000     101,198  
% of total     23.64 %   16.30 %   24.04 %   29.37 %   2.94 %   2.63 %   29.65 %   31.53 %   19.73 %   20.17 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
                                                                           
Net short-term notes
   receivable
                                                                         
Balance     17,729     11,989     1,170     676     46     4     526     741     2,162     1,608     21,633     15,018  
% of total     81.95 %   79.83 %   5.41 %   4.50 %   0.21 %   0.03 %   2.44 %   4.94 %   9.99 %   10.70 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
                                                                           
Net short-term other
   accounts receivable
                                                                         
Balance     4,252     5,563     1,170     805     19     65     6,280     3,535     295     381     12,016     10,349  
% of total     35.39 %   53.75 %   9.73 %   7.78 %   0.16 %   0.63 %   52.26 %   34.15 %   2.46 %   3.69 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
     


































                                                                           
Subtotal short-term
   accounts receivable, net
                                                                         
Balance     49,167     34,045     29,988     31,202     3,445     2,735     40,901     36,182     25,148     22,401     148,649     126,565  
% of total     33.08 %   26.90 %   20.17 %   24.65 %   2.32 %   2.16 %   27.51 %   28.59 %   16.92 %   17.70 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
                                                                           
Long-term accounts receivable, net                                                                          
Balance     7,048     7,786     72     65                     15     1,043     7,135     8,894  
% of total     98.78 %   87.54 %   1.01 %   0.73 %                   0.21 %   11.73 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
     


































                                                                           
Total short and long-term accounts receivable, net                                                                          
Balance     56,215     41,831     30,060     31,267     3,445     2,735     40,901     36,182     25,163     23,444     155,784     135,459  
% of total     36.09 %   30.88 %   19.30 %   23.08 %   2.21 %   2.02 %   26.25 %   26.71 %   16.15 %   17.31 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
     


































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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

Accounts receivable from and payable to related companies are stated in US dollars and accrue no interest.

Transactions are made under terms and conditions which are similar to those offered to unrelated third parties.

a) Amounts included in balances with related parties as of March 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
   







 
      Short-term     Long-term  
      2004     2003     2004     2003  
     
   
   
   
 
Accounts receivable     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  













 
                           
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.          2,843          6,408          —          —  
Nutrisi Holding N.V.          1,692          2,443          —          —  
Generale de Nutrition Vegetale S.A.          179          169          —          —  
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Ind. WLL          4,060          4,602          —          —  
NU3 N.V.          36          2,913          —          —  
Doktor Tarsa –SQM Turkey          3,539          360          —          —  
Yara North America          358          —          —          —  
Yara España          1,196          —          —          —  
SQM Lithium Specialties Limited          1,566          1,486          —          —  
Empresas Melón S.A.          —          —          340          424  
Sales de Magnesio S.A.          74          17          —          —  
Ajay North America LLC          259          243          —          —  
Norsk Hydro ASA          —          30          —          —  
Yara Int.-France          —          883          —          —  
Yara International Asia Trade Pte Ltd.          1,087          711          —          —  
Yara France S.A.          2,218          1,258          —          —  
Yara Poland SP          295          246          —          —  
Yara Benelux B.V          1,731          899          —          —  
Yara Hellas S.A.          197          112          —          —  
Yara Australia Ltd.          773          203          —          —  
Yara UK Ltd.          327          206          —          —  
Yara GMBH & CO KG          282          200          —          —  
Yara AB          186          63          —          —  
Yara Colombia          2,060          1,037          —          —  
Yara Venezuela          —          517          —          —  
Yara Europe          —          12              
Nutrichem Benelux          —          28              
Yara Agri CZECH Republic S.R.O.          6          —              
Hydro Agricola Internacional          4          —              
Rotem Amfert Negev LTD.          —          22              
NU3 B.V.          984          804          —          —  
Yara Argentina          36          91          —          —  
Adubo Trevo S.A.          75          1,401          —          —  
SQM China          —          75          —          —  
Yara Planta Nutr. Oslo          —          92              
Impronta SRL          5,047          4,337          —        
     
   
   
   
 
Total          31,110          31,868          340          424  
     
   
   
   
 

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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)

a)      Amounts included in balances with related parties as of March 31, 2004 and 2003, continued:

      Short-term  
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
Accounts payable     ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
               
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.         966  
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Ind. WLL         90  
NU3 N.V.         1,233  
Rotem Amfert Negev Limited     1,482     1,372  
Yara Porsgrunn     164     7  
Hydro Fertilizantes Ltda.     1,089     1,380  
Hydro Agrícola internacional         1  
Yara North America         122  
Yara México S.A de C.V.     5     10  
Yara Int – France     4,966     454  
Yara France         7  
NU3 B.V.         224  
Adm. y servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V.         104  
Norsk Hydro ASA     1      
PCS Yumbes SCM     7,028     6,399  
     
   
 
Total     14,735     12,369  
     
   
 

There were no outstanding long-term accounts payable with related parties as of March 31, 2004 and 2003

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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) During 2004 and 2003, principal transactions with related parties were as follows:
   
                  Amount of     Impact on income  
Company     Relationship     Type of transaction     Transaction     (charge) credit  

   
   
   
   
 
                  2004     2003     2004     2003  
                 
   
   
   
 
                  ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
                                       
NU3 N.V. (Belgica)          Indirect     Sales of products          1,575          980          478          297  
Doktor Tarsa          Indirect     Sales of products          1,299          366          301          115  
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer WLL          Indirect     Sales of products          244          1,068          14          203  
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.          Indirect     Sales of products          835          2,232          363          637  
NU3 B.V.          Indirect     Sales of products          1,290          1,084          606          291  
Adubo Trevo S.A.          Indirect     Sales of products          2,290          863          660          301  
PCS Yumbes SCM          Indirect     Sales of products          3,427          133          2,057          68  
            Purchases of products          9,383          4,307          —          1,182  
Ajay North America LLC          Indirect     Sales of products          2,371          —          1,038          —  

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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)

Hydro Agri Internacional          Shareholder          Sales of products          1,015          —          45          —  
Yara UK Ltd.          Shareholder          Sales of products          323          227          104          53  
Yara International Asia Trade PTE Ltd.          Shareholder          Sales of products          1,804          1,479          422          348  
Yara France S.A.          Shareholder          Sales of products          2,412          1,568          552          391  
Yara Benelux B.V.          Shareholder          Sales of products          2,314          1,905          548          365  
Yara AB Sweden          Shareholder          Sales of products          270          263          87          80  
Yara Australia Ltd.          Shareholder          Sales of products          323          247          82          62  
Yara España S.A.          Shareholder          Sales of products          958          735          182          177  
Yara Colombia Ltda.          Shareholder          Sales of products          1,095          833          222          197  
Yara Planta Nutri Poland          Shareholder          Sales of products          307          —          80          —  
Yara GMBH & Co Kg          Shareholder          Sales of products          371          252          100          72  

Note 7 – Inventories

Net inventories are summarized as follows:

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Finished products     141,706     120,224  
Work in process     101,526     94,776  
Supplies     10,242     12,435  
     
   
 
     Total     253,474     227,435  
     
   
 

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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 are summarized as follows:

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
Land              
Land     20,003     13,452  
Mining Concessions     42,237     36,373  
     
   
 
      62,240     49,825  
     
   
 
               
Buildings and infrastructure              
Buildings     150,229     156,890  
Installations     309,181     281,393  
Construction-in-progress     27,375     40,744  
Other     4,560     915  
     
   
 
      491,345     479,942  
     
   
 
               
Machinery and Equipment              
Machinery     394,750     385,509  
Equipment     106,692     100,895  
Project-in-progress     11,279     14,523  
Other     18,349     14,431  
     
   
 
      531,070     515,358  
     
   
 
               
Other fixed assets              
Tools     7,633     8,287  
Furniture and office equipment     13,953     18,444  
Project-in-progress     13,366     17,280  
Other     7,259     630  
     
   
 
      42,211     44,641  
     
   
 

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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)

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
Amounts relating to technical revaluation of fixed assets              
Land     8,651     8,651  
Buildings and infrastructure     40,627     40,610  
Machinery and equipment     12,091     12,127  
Other assets     53     53  
     
   
 
      61,422     61,441  
     
   
 
     Total property, plant and equipment     1,188,288     1,151,207  
     
   
 
               
Less: Accumulated depreciation              
Buildings and infrastructure     (192,067 )   (166,624 )
Machinery and equipment     (275,710 )   (248,814 )
Other fixed assets     (27,212 )   (24,970 )
Technical appraisal     (33,375 )   (31,765 )
     
   
 
     Total accumulated depreciation     (528,364 )   (472,173 )
     
   
 
          Net property, plant and equipment     659,924     679,034  
     
   
 
               
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
Depreciation for the year ended March 31:     ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Buildings and infrastructure     (6,512 )   (6,131 )
Machinery and equipment     (7,575 )   (7,811 )
Other fixed assets     (392 )   (374 )
Technical revaluation     (323 )   (436 )
     
   
 
Total depreciation     (14,802 )   (14,752 )
     
   
 

The Company has capitalized assets obtained through leasing, which are included in other fixed assets and are as follows:

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Administrative office buildings     2,086     2,081  
Accumulated depreciation     (428 )   (387 )
     
   
 
Total assets in leasing     1,658     1,694  
     
   
 

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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 Parties

a) Information on foreign investments

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

The Company has not designated their foreign investments as net investment hedges.

b) Empresas Melón S.A.

The financial statements of Empresas Melón S.A. were audited by Deloitte & Touche.

c) Transactions executed in 2004

In January 2004, the subsidiary Soquimich European Holdings B.V. made a capital contribution of ThUS$ 475 on its affiliate Misr Specialty Fertilizers.

At the meeting of the shareholders of Empresas Melón S.A. held on February 25, 2004, the shareholders agreed its spin-off in 2 companies, Empresas Melón S.A. and Inmobiliaria San Patricio S.A. As a result, SQM S.A. maintained its ownership of 14.05% in Empresas Melón S.A. and a same ownership percentage was assigned to this entity in the new company..

d) Transactions executed in 2003

On January 27, 2003, SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. and SQM Nitratos S.A. acquired 8,750 shares of the related company Fertilizantes Olmeca y SQM S.A. de C.V. which represented 50% of its share capital. Consequently, Fertilizantes Olmeca y SQM S.A. de C.V. became a subsidiary of SQM S.A. This transaction generated goodwill of ThUS$279.

Subsequently, SQM Nitratos S.A. acquired from SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. 8,749 shares in Fertilizantes Olmeca y SQM S.A. de C.V. This transaction did not produce goodwill.

On January 31, 2003, SQM S.A. acquired shares owned by SQM Nitratos S.A. in Sociedad Contractual Minera Antucoya for an amount of ThUS$ 100. This united all the shares of SCM Antucoya in one shareholder and consequently SCM Antucoya was liquidated and SQM S.A. assumed of all this company’s assets and liabilities.

On March 30, 2003, Fertilizantes Olmeca y SQM S.A. de C.V. increased its capital by ThUS$2,000 through the issuance of 165,500 shares, which were subscribed in full by SQM Nitratos S.A. As a result, SQM Nitratos S.A. had an ownership interest of 78.29% and SQM Comercial de Mexico had an ownership interest of 21.71%.

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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))

On March 30, 2003, Soquimich European Holding acquired 50% of the ownership interest of Mineag SQM Africa Ltd. from Ravlin Investment Limited for an amount of ThUS$990.  Consequently, Mineag SQM Africa Ltd. became a subsidiary of SQM S.A. This transaction did not produce goodwill.

Note 9 – Investments in and Receivables from Related Parties (continued)

d) Subsidiaries in the development stage

At March 31, 2004 and 2003, the subsidiary SQM Lithium Specialties was in the development stage and therefore was not included in the consolidation.

The equity value of these investments is included in investments in related companies and the proportional share of the accumulated deficit during the development stage is included in a separate reserve within equity.

Balances in these subsidiaries are summarized as follows:

      SQM Lithium Specialties Limited  
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Current assets     386     1,769  
Fixed assets     26,421     24,503  
Other assets     714     868  
     
   
 
Total assets     27,521     27,140  
     
   
 
               
Current liabilities     1,681     2.328  
Shareholders’ equity     25,840     24,812  
     
   
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     27,521     27,140  
     
   
 

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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
Number
   Company   Country of
origin
    Controlling
currency
  Number of
shares
  Ownership interest   Equity of companies   Book value of investment   Net income
(loss)
  Equity
participation
in net income
(loss)

 
 
 
 
2004     2003   2004     2003   2004     2003   2004     2003   2004     2003
                     
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
                      %     %   ThUS$     ThUS$   ThUS$     ThUS$   ThUS$     ThUS$   ThUS$     ThUS$

93390000-2   Empresas Melón S.A.        Chile          —        653,748,837        14.05          14.05        288,805          267,085        40,577          37,525        13,582          9,599        1,908          1,349
0-E   SQM Lithium Specialties Limited*        USA          US$        —        100.00          100.00        25,840          24,813        25,840          24,813        (864 )        (1,099 )      —          —
0-E   Ajay North America LLC        USA          US$        —        49.00          49.00        11,042          13,881        5,411          6,802        (124 )         549        (61 )        269
0-E   Abu Dhabi Fertilizer                                                                
    Industries WLL        UAE          US$        1,961        37.00          37.00        3,264          3,136        1,208          1,160        121          —        45          —
0-E   Nutrisi Holding N.V.        Belgium          US$        —        50.00          50.00        4,068          1,820        2,034          910        946          654        473          327
0-E   Doktor Tarsa        Turkey          Euros        —        50.00          50.00        2,373          440        1,186          220        577          12        289          6
0-E   Misr Speciality Fertilizers        Egipto          US$        —        25.00          —        4,604          —        1,151          —        —          —        —          —
0-E   Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.        France          US$        36,700        50.00          50.00        4,120          650        2,060          325        —          —        —          —
77557430-5   Sales de Magnesio Ltda.        Chile          —        —        50.00          50.00        394          216        197          108        44          24        22          12
81767200-0   Asoc. Garantizadora Pensiones        Chile          —        —        3.00          3.00        755          696        25          23        —          —        —          —
O-E   Rui Xin Packaging                                                                
    Materials Sanhe Co.Ltd        China          US$        —        25.00          25.00        482          480        121          120        —          —        —          —
O-E   Impronta SRL        Italia          Euros        —        50.00          50.00        882          582        441          291        278          794        139          397
99551480-K   Inmobiliaria San Patricio S.A.        Chile          —        —        14.05          —        19,960          —        2,804          —        (88 )        —        (12 )        —
                                         
   
                   
Total                                              83,055          72,297                    
                                         
   
                   
In development stage

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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 and negative goodwill and the related amortization is summarized as follows:

    a) Goodwill
            March 31, 2004     March 31, 2003  
Tax Registration
Number

     Company   Amount amortized
during the period
  Goodwill
balance
  Amount amortized
during the period
  Goodwill
balance
 
   
            ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
0-E     Doktor Tarsa          18          77          16          134  
79768170-9     Soquimich Comercial S.A.          37          235          38          385  
93390000-2     Empresas Melón S.A.          143          8,038          119          7,250  
79626800-K     SQM Salar S.A.          11          72          11          115  
0-E     SQM México S.A. de C.V.          14          989          14          1,045  
96866750-4     SQM Potassium          36          1,843          36          1,987  
0-E     Comercial Caiman Internacional S.A.          6          194          6          217  
0-E     Fertilizantes Olmeca          14          209          —          —  
0-E     PTM SQM Iberica S.A.          —          —          5          75  
0-E     Mineag SQM Africa Limited          —          —          —          705  
96801610-5     Comercial Hydro S.A.          58          1,225          —          279  
           
   
   
   
 
Total                337          12,882          245          12,192  
           
   
   
   
 
b)     Negative Goodwill  
                                 
                 March 31, 2004          March 31, 2003  
 Tax Registration
Number
           Company     Amount amortized
during the period
  Negative
goodwill
balance
  Amount amortized
during the period
  Negative
goodwill
balance
 
       
       
            ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
79626800-K          SQM Salar S.A.          —          —          52          123  
96575300-1          Minera Mapocho S.A.          51          423          51          627  
           
   
   
   
 
Total                51          423          103          750  
           
   
   
   
 

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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:

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Engine and equipment spare-parts, net     23,544     23,472  
Mine development costs     18,471     18,013  
Pension plan     1,137     1,223  
Construction of Salar-Baquedano road     1,740     1,860  
Deferred loan issuance costs     1,932     3,569  
Other     1,941     1,176  
     
   
 
     Total     48,765     49,313  
     
   
 

Note 12 – Bank Debt

a) Short-term bank debt is detailed as follows:
   
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
Bank or financial institution     ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
SCH Overseas Bank     40,000      
Scotiabank     13,025      
Citibank     12,070      
Other banks     1,755     2,280  
     
   
 
     Total     66,850     2,280  
     
   
 
               
Annual average interest rate     1.44 %   3.29 %

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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:
   
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
Bank or financial institution     ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Union Bank of Switzerland (1)     200,685     200,648  
Royal Bank of Canada (2)     60,356     60,380  
Bank of America (3)         80,723  
     
   
 
     Total     261,041     341,751  
     
   
 
               
Less: Current portion     (1,041 )   (17,751 )
               
     
   
 
     Long-term portion     260,000     324,000  
     
   
 
               
  (1) U.S. dollar-denominated loan without guarantee, interest rate of 7.7% per annum, paid semi-annually. The principal is due on September 15, 2006.
  (2) U.S. dollar-denominated loan without guarantee, interest rate of 2.23% per annum, paid semi-annually. The principal is divided into two equal partial installments, beginning in November 2005 with the final installment in November 2006
  (3) U.S. dollar-denominated loan without guarantee, repaid in full on November 28, 2003
   
c) The maturity of long-term debt is as follows:
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
Years to maturity              
Current portion     1,041     17,751  
1 to 2 years         32,000  
2 to 3 years     260,000     62,000  
4 to 5 years         230,000  
     
   
 
     Total     261,041     341,751  
     
   
 

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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 – Accrued Liabilities

As of March 31, 2004 and 2003, accrued liabilities are summarized as follows:

               
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Provision for royalties     958     895  
Quarterly bonus     452     815  
Provision for employee compensation and legal costs     1,701     800  
Taxes and monthly income tax installment payments     746     460  
Vacation accrual     5,515     3,960  
Accrued employee benefits     1,717     228  
Marketing Expenses     1,225     600  
Other accruals     1,729     2,285  
     
   
 
     Total current liabilities     14,043     10,043  
     
   
 

Note 14 – Income and Deferred Taxes

a) At March 31, 2004 and 2003 the Company has the following consolidated balances for retained tax earnings, income not subject to taxes, tax loss carry-forwards and credit for shareholders:
   
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Accumulated tax basis retained earnings              
with tax credit
    33,185     17,479  
Tax loss carry-forwards (1)     45,748     104,634  
Credit for shareholders     6,115     371  
   
(1) Income tax losses in Chile can be carried forward indefinitely.

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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 – Income and Deferred Taxes (continued)

The deferred taxes as of March 31, 2004 and 2003 represented a net liability of ThUS$ 32,790 and ThUS$ 17,661, respectively, and consisted of:

2004     Deferred tax asset     Deferred tax liability  
      Short-term     Long-term     Short-term     Long-term  
     
   
   
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
Temporary differences                          
Allowance for doubtful accounts     1,236     559          
Vacation accrual     901              
Unrealized gain on sale of products     5,778              
Provision for obsolescence         3,164          
Production expenses             18,650      
Accelerated depreciation                 59,241  
Exploration expenses                 4,361  
Capitalized interest                 6,090  
Staff severance indemnities                 1,940  
Accrued expenses                 425  
Capitalized expenses                 554  
Tax loss carry-forwards     119     12,595          
Losses from derivative transactions             309      
Accrued interest     66              
Other     1,072     477     43     163  

 
Total gross deferred taxes
    9,172     16,795     19,002     72,774  
Total complementary accounts         (1,233 )   (3,407 )   (31,384 )
Valuation allowance         (539 )        

 
Total deferred taxes
    9,172     15,023     15,595     41,390  

 

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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 – Income and Deferred Taxes (continued)

2003     Deferred tax asset     Deferred tax liability  
      Short-term     Long-term     Short-term     Long-term  
     
   
   
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
Temporary differences                          
Allowance for doubtful accounts     967     201          
Vacation accrual     700              
Unrealized gain on sale of products     4,790              
Provision for obsolescence         1,861          
Production expenses             14,163      
Accelerated depreciation                 59,438  
Exploration expenses                 4,024  
Capitalized interest                 6,450  
Staff severance indemnities                 1,701  
Accrued expenses                 426  
Capitalized expenses                 774  
Tax loss carry-forwards         19,876          
Losses from derivative transactions             19      
Other     479     788     1     229  

 
Total gross deferred taxes
    6,936     22,726     14,183     73,042  
Total complementary accounts     (2 )   (719 )   (4,958 )   (35,727 )
Valuation allowance         (62 )        

 
Total deferred taxes
    6,934     21,945     9,225     37,315  

 

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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 – Income and Deferred Taxes (continued)

c) Income tax expense is summarized as follows:
   
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Provision for current income tax     (869 )   (1,583 )
Effect of deferred tax assets and liabilities     (2,030 )   (1,614 )
Effect of amortization of complementary accounts     (1,532 )   ( 728 )
Other tax charges and credits     30     62  
     
   
 
     Total income tax expense     (4,401 )   (3,863 )
     
   
 

Note 15 – Staff Severance Indemnities

Staff severance indemnities are summarized as follows:

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Opening balance     10,127     9,143  
Increases in obligation     882     1,193  
Payments     (771 )   (1,267 )
Exchange difference     (324 )   (126 )
     
   
 
Balance as of March 31     9,914     8,943  
     
   
 

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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 16 – Minority Interest

Minority interest is summarized as follows:

      Equity     Net Income/(Loss)  
      2004     2003     2004     2003  
     
   
   
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$     ThUS$  
                           
Soquimich Comercial S.A.     25,167     19,433     (601 )   (169 )
Ajay SQM Chile S.A.     3,248     3,103     (96 )   (93 )
Cape Fear Bulk LLC     148     133     (48 )   (29 )
Fertilizantes Naturales S.A.     291     242     (27 )   (14 )
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V.     (58 )       (25 )    
SQM Italia S.R.L     19     13     2     5  
Mineag SQM Africa Ltda.                 (206 )
     
   
   
   
 
     Total     28,815     22,924     (795 )   (506 )
     
   
   
   
 

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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 – 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, 2003          263,196,524          477,386          125,111          (3,661 )        210,624          40,202          849,662  
Transfer 2002 net income to retained earnings          —          —          —          —          40,202          (40,202 )        —  
Declared dividends 2003          —          —          —          —          —          —          —  
Accumulated deficit from subsidiaries in development stage (1)          —          —          —          (1,099 )        —          —          (1,099 )
Other comprehensive income (2)          —          —          (1,157 )        —          —          —          (1,157 )
Net income for the year          —          —          —          —          —          10,804          10,804  

 
Balance as of March 31, 2003          263,196,524          477,386          123,954          (4,760 )        250,826          10,804          858,210  

 
Balance January 1,2004          263,196,524          477,386          141,420          (6,519 )        230,932          46,753          889,972  
Transfer 2003 net income to retained earnings          —          —          —          —          46,753          (46,753 )        —  
Declared dividends 2004          —          —          —          —          —          —          —  
Accumulated deficit from subsidiaries in development stage (1)          —          —          —          (863 )        —          —          (863 )
Other comprehensive income (2)          —          —          (3,757 )        —          —          —          (3,757 )
Net income for the year          —          —          —          —          —          13,997          13,997  

 
Balance as of March 31, 2004          263,196,524          477,386          137,663          (7,382 )        277,685          13,997          899,349  

 
                                             
  (1) The only subsidiary currently in a development stage is SQM Lithium Specialties Limited.
  (2) Other comprehensive income includes translation adjustments and the effect of changes in the valuation of the Company’s under-funded pension as of March 31, 2003 and 2004.

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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 – Shareholders’ Equity (continued)

b) The composition of other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2004 is as follows:
   
            For the year ended
March 31,
2004
    As of
March 31,
2004
 
           
   
 
Detail           ThUS$     ThUS$  
                     
                     
Technical appraisal               151,345  
Changes to other comprehensive income from equity method investments:                    
Soquimich Comercial S.A.     (1 )   (1,650 )   (4,146 )
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.     (1 )       (98 )
Inversiones Augusta S.A.     (1 )       (761 )
SQM Ecuador S.A.     (3 )       (270 )
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.     (1 )   (14 )   (105 )
Asociación Garantizadora de Pensiones     (1 )   (1 )   (15 )
Empresas Melón S.A.     (1 )   (2,092 )   (8,281 )
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.     (1 )       52  
SQM North America Corp.     (2 )       (777 )
Other Companies     (1 )       719  
           
   
 
Total other comprehensive income     (3,757 )   137,663  
     
   
 
     
  (1) Corresponds to translation adjustments and monetary correction
  (2) Corresponds to a change in the valuation of the Company’s under-funded pension scheme
  (3) Corresponds to the translation adjustment produced by the application of a new law implemented by the Ecuadorian Government
   
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.  

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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 – Derivatives Instruments

Derivative instruments are recorded at their fair value at year-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 March 31, 2004 the Company’s derivative instruments are as follows:

2004
Type of
derivative
  Notional or
covered
amount
   Expiration
 
   Description of the contract
type
   Position
purchase/sale
   (Liability)
Asset
amount
   Income
(loss) recorded
 
      ThUS$                       ThUS$     ThUS$  
US dollar Forward          12,467          2st quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          15          —  
US dollar Forward          3,637          2st quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          27          27  
US dollar Forward          360          2st quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          8          8  
US dollar Forward          11,640          2st quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          628          611  
US dollar Forward          6,051          2st quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          155          —  
US dollar Forward          3,448          3st quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          85          —  
US dollar Forward          1,840          4nd quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          43          —  
US dollar Forward          29,250          2nd quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          S          (832 )        —  
US dollar Forward          31,500          3st quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          S          (896 )        —  
US dollar Forward          13,500          4nd quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          S          (384 )        —  
US dollar Forward          40,000          2nd quarter of 2004     Exchange rate          P          1,197          1,197  

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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 19 – Non-Operating Income and Expenses

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

  a) Non-operating income
               
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Interest income     587     630  
Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts         256  
Net foreign exchange         2,377  
Insurance recoveries     15     85  
Sales of materials and services     21     81  
Equity participation in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries     2,739     2,353  
Other income     753     660  
     
   
 
     Total     4,115     6,442  
     
   
 
   
a) Non-operating expenses
   
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
               
Write-off of investments     1,821     1,765  
Interest expense     4,720     5,801  
Equity participation in net losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries     73
     
Amortization of goodwill     337     245  
Net foreign exchange losses     566      
Work disruption expenses     105     1,003  
Increase in provision for employee compensation and legal costs     515     800  
Other expenses     822     547  
     
   
 
Total     8,959     10,161  
     
   
 

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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 – Price-level Restatement

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

      (Charge) credit to income from operations  
      2004     2003  
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
Property, plant and equipment     (68 )   22  
Other assets and liabilities     (5 )   2  
Shareholders’ equity     337     (237 )
     
   
 
Subtotal price-level restatement     264     (213 )
     
   
 
Net readjustment of assets and liabilities denominated in UF     33     37  
     
   
 
Net price-level restatement     297     (176 )
     
   
 

Note 21 – Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency

      2004     2003  
     
   
 
Assets     ThUS$     ThUS$  
Total assets              
     Chilean pesos     153,715     100,373  
     US dollars     1,131,236     1,130,215  
     Euros     63,402     62,326  
     Japanese Yen     3,625     2,839  
     Brazilian Real     896     2,670  
     Mexican pesos     18,673     13,727  
     UF     12,399     7,253  
     South African Rand     5,900      
     Other currencies     1,122     13,790  
               
Current liabilities              
     Chilean pesos     51,383     39,792  
     US dollars     86,562     37,276  
     Euros     13,143     14,954  
     Japanese Yen     34     224  
     Brazilian Real     639     496  
     Mexican pesos     8,098     2,362  
     UF     124     826  
     South African Rand     4,125     2,382  
     Other currencies     408     2,614  
               
Long-term liabilities              
     Chilean pesos     59     4,741  
     US dollars     289,175     343,220  
     Japanese Yen         66  
     UF     9,054     3,104  
     Other currencies         2  

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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 – Cash Flow Statement

Amounts included in other investing income are summarized as follows:

            2004     2003  
           
   
 
            ThUS$     ThUS$  
Repayment of employee loans           104     2,944  
Cash balance in new subsidiaries     (1 )       2,815  
           
   
 
Total           104     5,759  
           
   
 

(1) Corresponds to the consolidation of the new subsidiaries Mineag SQM Africa Limited, Fertilizantes Olmeca, SQM S.A. de C.V. and Comercial Hydro S.A. during 2003.

Note 23 – Commitments and Contingencies

I.      Contingencies:

  (a) Material lawsuits or other legal actions of which the Company is party to:
     
  1.     Plaintiff   :   SQM Salar S.A.
        Defendants   :   ACE Seguros S.A. (formerly – Cigna Compañía de
                Seguros (Chile) S.A.) and Chubb de Chile
                Compañía de Seguros Generales S.A.
        Date of lawsuit   :   April 2001
        Matter   :   Arbitration
        Status   :   Collection of compensation for insured claim
        Instance   :   Evidence verification
        Nominative value   :   ThUS$ 36,316
                 
  2.     Plaintiffs   :   Compagnie Du Guano de Poisson Angibaud S.A. and Generale de Nutrition Vegetale SAS
        Defendants   :   Soquimich European Holdings B.V., NU3 N.V. and SQM France S.A.
        Date of lawsuit   :   March 2002
        Court   :   Court of Arbitration in France
        Matter   :   Termination of the company relationship and
                liquidation of the company Generale de Nutrition
                Vegetale SAS
        Status   :   The lawsuit is being contested
        Nominative value   :   ThEuro$ 30,295

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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 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

I. Contingencies (continued):
     
  (b) Models for the Production of the María Elena site
     
    The Company is currently reviewing the “Models for the Production of the María Elena site” which may be implemented as a result of the Decontamination Plan (see note 26). The different alternatives for production and technology development for the Maria Elena site, which are a part of the above-mentioned “Production Models” do not proactively generate significant changes in the present ore reserves or forecasted sales volumes. These options include possibilities to use new production methods and are related to the “leaching piles” and implementing a mixed system, which would be comprised of the use of the aforementioned technology and the current production methods. Advantages and disadvantages of the different options relate to the extension of the transition periods of new technology, the investments that will be required, production costs, changes in technologies and in productive processes and the effects on certain of the Company’s assets and their value. The possible effects on the valuation of assets are not yet determinable.
     
  (b) Natural gas supply
     
    SQM will adopt the corresponding actions in the event of any decrease in the natural gas supply affecting the company and which allows the company to continue “generating the heat” necessary for the operation of its industrial plants in Region II of Chile.
     
    The diverse industrial equipment of SQM, which uses natural gas can also use diesel and, some equipment, subsequent to making certain investments, may also use fuel oil. The value of diesel is higher than that of natural gas value and the fuel value of oil is lower than the value of diesel and higher than the value of natural gas.
     
    The greater costs which SQM should incur as a result of a possible decrease in the natural gas supply, which to date, is provided by Distrinor, will mostly depend on the volume of such a decrease and on the extension of the period which this decrease will last. Consequently, SQM cannot currently estimate the economic effects that will cause a possible decrease on the natural gas supply.

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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 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

  (c) 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, amounted to ThUS$958 in 2004 (ThUS$ 895 in 2003).
     
  (b) The Company has certain indirect guarantees, which relate to agreements with no remaining payments pending. These guarantees are still in effect and have been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors; however, they have not been used by the subsidiaries.
     
  (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 maximum indebtedness and minimum equity among others.

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Note 24 – Third Party Guarantees

As of March 31, 2004 and 2003 the Company has the following indirect guarantees outstanding:

      Debtor     Balances outstanding  
     
   
 
Beneficiary     Name     Relationship     2004     2003  
                  ThUS$     ThUS$  
Phelps Dodge Corporation     SQM Potasio S.A.     Subsidiary     1,863     2,694  
Bank of America N.A.     RS Agro-Chemical Trading A.V.V.     Subsidiary         80,723  

 

Note 25 – Sanctions

During 2004 and 2003, the SVS did not apply sanctions to the Company, its directors or managers.

Note 26 – Environmental Projects

Disbursements incurred by the Company as of March 31, 2004 relating to its investments in production processes and compliance with regulations related to industrial processes and facilities are as follows:

      
2004
  Future
Disbursements
 
     
   
 
      ThUS$     ThUS$  
Project              
Environmental department     93     490  
Boratos sewage treatment plant     107     187  
Tocopilla project     588     25  
Engineering and building of María Elena piles     2,367     972  
Treatment plant MOP     208      
Other     737     128  
     



 
Total     4,100     1,802  
     



 

Protecting the environment is a constant concern for SQM, regarding both the Company’s productive processes and the manufactured goods.

SQM is currently implementing an Environmental Management System, which is based on the ISO 14000 standard, with which, the Company’s environmental performance will be improved through the effective application of the Environmental Policy of SQM. The implementation program stipulates that late in 2004, all the operations maintained by the Company in Regions I and II of Chile, will have a fully implemented Environmental Management System.

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Note 26 – Environmental Projects (continued)

As part of the conversion project to natural gas, the supplier will in turn make an investment of ThUS$ 5,500 to be paid by the Company on a monthly basis for the duration of the contract (10 years).

Technological processes are intended to be environmentally friendly in order to reduce residual materials and improve technical conditions to ensure effective protection of the environment. An example of this is ongoing conversion of oil to natural gas used in the Company’s plants.

Processes where sodium nitrate is used as a raw material are carried out in geographical areas such as the desert with favorable weather conditions for the drying of solid materials and the evaporation of liquids used in 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 that are consistent with the industry of operation.

On August 10, 1993, the Ministry of Health published a resolution under the Sanitary Code that established that the levels of breathable particles present at Maria Elena Plant exceeded the level allowed for the quality of air and, which affected the nearby city of Maria Elena. Particles mainly come from dust that results from processing the sodium nitrate, particularly at the crushing process prior to leaching. The decontamination plan presented by the Company to reduce the level of particles was approved with certain modifications by means of Decree No. 164. As a result of the investments and processes implemented according to the approved plan, the Company has substantially reduced the levels of particles in the air. Resolution No. 384, made public on May 16, 2000, authorized the review and a new draw up of the decontamination plan for the city of Maria Elena. The Supreme Decree containing the final Decontamination Plan should be made public within months. It is not possible to assure that within such period the Company will be free from warnings, fines or even eventual temporary closing of the crushing plant in Maria Elena. The Company is continuously researching techniques, processes and systems relating to the processing of sodium nitrate that could even further reduce the level of particles in the city of Maria Elena.

Ore treatment operations, as they are controlled processes, produce solid residual materials that are the non-soluble by product and a certain degree of moisture.

Productive operations based on brine, are carried out at the Atacama Salt Mine and almost 95% of the energy used is solar energy and the remaining 5% comes from natural gas, electricity and fossil fuels. Residual brine left after the production processes are again injected to the Atacama Salt Mine in order to minimize the possible environmental impact.

SQM entered into a contract with the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) aimed at researching the activities of flamingo groups that live in the Atacama Salt Mine lagoons. Such research includes a population count of the birds and wildlife, breeding research, additional behavior research and the climate phenomena of the area.

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Note 26 – Environmental Projects (continued)

Consistent with the Company’s ongoing commitment with the environmental authorities, the Company actively participates in the Joint Monitoring Research project for the Atacama Salt Mine watershed along with other mining companies that make use of the water resources that supply the Atacama Salt Mine watershed.

Note 27 – Promesa Compraventa de Acciones Sociedad PCS Yumbes S.C.M.

On October 24, 2003 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized SQM S.A.’s management to begin negotiations to acquire all the shares of the Chilean Company PCS Yumbes S.C.M., a subsidiary of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

On November 20, 2003, SQM S.A. and its subsidiary SQM Nitratos S.A., subscribed to a share purchase agreement under which they are committed to purchase all of the outstanding shares of the company PCS Yumbes from Inversiones PCS Chile Limitada and 628550 Saskatchewan Ltd., both subsidiaries of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.. The final price of the share purchase will be ThUS$35,000, subject to certain adjustments at the date the final agreement is signed. The purchase will comprise all of the fixed assets, mining concessions, water rights and other assets of PCS Yumbes S.C.M. and will exclude all liabilities and contractual obligations.

Note 28 – Significant Events

On March 19, 2003, the company informed the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance that the Board of Directors of SQM, at its meeting dated March 16, 2003 unanimously agreed to propose the payment of a final dividend of US$ 0.08811 per share in favor of those SQM’s shareholders which were registered in the respective registry during the fifth working day prior to the payment of this dividend.

This proposal, upon approval by the next Company’s Shareholders’ Meeting which will be held on April 30, 2004, will allow the Company to pay and distribute, as stated in the respective Dividend Policy, an annual dividend equivalent to 50% of the net profits which can be distributed and are obtained during 2003.

 

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Note 29 – Subsequent Events

On April 30, 2004, the company held its Shareholders’ meeting. At this meeting, the majority of the Company’s shareholders, among others, agreed the following:

  a) The shareholders approved the distribution and payment of a final and total dividend of Ch$55.05465 per share . The payment of this dividend was agreed in one single installment, beginning on May 12, 2004 and with a charge to 2003 income.
     
  b) The shareholders approved the payment of UF 50 (fifty UF) in favor of each member of the Directors Committee, regardless of the number of meetings that this Committee holds during the respective month. In addition, they approved the implementation of an annual budget for the operating expenses of this Committee and of their advisors for an amount of UF 1,800 (one thousand and eight hundred UF).
     
  c) The shareholders approved remuneration to be paid to the Company’s directors during the next twelve months.

Except for that indicated above, the Company’s management is not aware of any other significant event, which has occurred between March 31 and the date of issuance of these financial statements (May 5, 2004), which could have a significant impact on them.

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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.

 

Conf: /s/ Ricardo Ramos
Ricardo Ramos
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Date: June 15, 2004.