Albemarle+Local: Building Shared Value and Opportunity in Chile

March 2, 2026

In Chile’s Antofagasta Region, home to the Salar de Atacama, a cornerstone of Albemarle’s global lithium operations, community development and responsible resource management go hand in hand.

To strengthen our long-term presence in the region, Albemarle has introduced Albemarle+Local, a development program that brings together apprenticeships, local employability programs and local provider development under a single program. It is designed to encourage sustainable growth in the region while reinforcing Albemarle’s role in workforce development, community engagement and local economic growth. 

Responding to Regional Needs

The program addresses key challenges across the territory, including access to quality employment, skills development and greater participation of local businesses in the mining value chain. It is designed to create long-term opportunities for people who live and work near Albemarle’s operations. For families, this means improved access to training, greater job stability and clearer pathways for professional growth. For the region, it supports a more inclusive and sustainable mining ecosystem.
 

Developing Local Talent and Career Opportunities 

The initiative is built around three strategic pillars, each addressing a distinct dimension of local inclusion and long-term talent development: workforce readiness, community employability and strengthening the local economy. 

Together, these pillars create a more integrated approach to building opportunity and resilience across the Antofagasta Region.

Women Apprentice Program

Through the Women Apprentices Program, Albemarle is expanding female participation in mining by providing technical training and supervised, hands-on experience in operational roles. 

“I think it is very important that these opportunities are provided, because people from the communities also need the support of mining companies in terms of access to new job opportunities, the ability to enter these fields and the ability to contribute to the overall well-being of the community,” said Paz Cruz, an apprentice from the Atacameña community of Toconao.

This program combines classroom instruction, practical training and workplace best practices. The first cohort, made up of 14 women from Antofagasta, is receiving training in preventive tools, sampling techniques, forklift operation, centrifugal pumps, grinding and flotation. Beginning in February 2026, participants will complete on-site practical experience at the Salar and La Negra plants.

Participants celebrate during the Toconao Impulsa suppliers program certification ceremony.

Community Apprentices Program
 

The Community Apprentices Program focuses on young people and adults from nearby communities, including San Pedro de Atacama and Antofagasta. Participants receive theoretical training paired with hands-on experience at both the Salar and La Negra plants. The program emphasizes long-term career pathways rather than short-term training, supporting sustainable employment and regional skills development.
 

Since 2022, Albemarle has trained 90 community members through the program. Of those participants, 47 were subsequently hired into permanent roles, representing more than 62 percent of all apprentices. Program completion rates exceed 80 percent, with strong feedback from both participants and operational teams. 
 

Local Suppliers Network 
 

Through our Local Suppliers Network, Albemarle works with approximately 70 local companies to strengthen the regional supply chain. The program provides training, advisory support and access to business opportunities, with the goal of professionalizing local businesses, improving quality and safety standards and building long-term, sustainable partnerships. Currently, 18 local suppliers work directly with Albemarle’s operations, with that number expected to grow over time. 
 

This effort includes the launch of Impulsa Proveedores, a targeted training program designed to support small and medium-sized businesses. In 2025, 37 percent of total supplier contracts were awarded to local companies, reflecting clear progress compared with previous years. To date, more than 150 suppliers have registered for the program, which covers topics relevant to companies’ roles as suppliers such as business management and quality compliance standards. 
 

“We’re not just filling roles. We’re building skills, careers and a sustainable supply network that supports the future of Albemarle and the Antofagasta Region,” said Juan Carlos Calderón, regional talent attraction manager.
 

Building a Shared Future
 

Albemarle+Local reflects more than a corporate initiative. It represents a long-term commitment to building a shared future between the mining industry and the communities of northern Chile. By investing in local talent, broad-based career pathways and strong local supplier networks, Albemarle is helping create value that supports both its operations and the region for generations to come.

Students and a teacher for the Impulsa Proveedores program take part in a practical learning workshop.