SQM to Distribute Interim Dividend

SANTIAGO, Chile, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) (NYSE: SQM; Santiago Stock Exchange: SQM-B, SQM-A) announced the payment of an interim dividend in the amount of US$0.37994 per share (approximately US$100 million or 40% of net income for the first nine months of 2009). At its meeting today the Company's Board of Directors agreed to distribute an interim dividend, as outlined in the 2009 Dividend Policy approved at its Shareholders' Meeting on April 29, 2009.

The interim dividend, which will be charged to 2009 net income, will be paid on December 16, 2009, in favor of those shareholders registered in the Company's Book of Shareholders during the fifth working day prior to the day of such payment. The pertinent amount will be paid in its equivalent in Chilean pesos, based on the "Observed Dollar" rate that should be published by the Official Gazette on December 10, 2009.

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

    For further information, contact:
    Patricio Vargas, 56-2-4252485 / patricio.vargas@sqm.com
    Mary Laverty, 56-2-4252074 / mary.laverty@sqm.com
    Carolina Rojas, 56-2-4252250 / carolina.rojas@sqm.com

    For media inquiries, contact:
    Fernanda Guerra, 56-2-4252027 / fernanda.guerra@sqm.com

SOURCE SQM

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