TOP 10

MARKET CAPITALISATION : $ 29.6BN COUNTRY : CHILE

SQM , headquartered in Santiago , Chile employs 5,000 people , and its main operation is the Salar de Atacama in Chile , which is one of the world ’ s richest lithium reserves . Using brine extraction methods , SQM produces lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide , and its products serve markets including ceramics , glass and pharmaceuticals . It also serves the chemicals sector , including potassium and iodine production . SQM has recently invested in expanding its lithium hydroxide production capacity at the Salar de Atacama , the largest salt flat in Chile . 38 June 2024