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

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16
OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Includes financial statements and their related notes for the nine-month period
ended September 30, 2008 filed by Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
before the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros de Chile on October 28, 2008.

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

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

Form 20-F x      Form 40-F ¨

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 ¨



On October 28, 2008, the Registrant filed with the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros of Chile (the "SVS") a report that included information as to the Registrant's consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008. Attached is a summary of such consolidated financial information included in the summary and in the report filed with the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros of Chile. This financial information was prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in Chile and does not include a reconciliation of such information to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 

THIS REPORT IS AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF, AND A CHILEAN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES PRESENTATION OF, THE NINE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 REPORT FILED WITH THE SUPERINTENDENCIA DE VALORES Y SEGUROS (SVS) IN CHILE, AND UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, FIGURES ARE IN US DOLLARS.




Consolidated Financial Statements

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.

Santiago, Chile
September 30, 2008 and 2007



Consolidated Financial Statements

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.

As of September 30, 2008 and 2007
and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))

Contents

Consolidated Financial Statements
   
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
3
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
7

-
Chilean pesos
ThCh $
-
Thousands of Chilean pesos
US$
-
United States dollars
ThUS$
-
Thousands of United States dollars
-
Thousands of Euros
UF
-
The UF is an inflation-indexed, Chilean peso-denominated monetary unit. The UF rate is set daily in advance, based on the change in the Consumer Price Index of the previous month.
 
2


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

       
As of September 30,
 
   
Note
 
2008
 
2007
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ASSETS
                   
                     
Current assets
                   
Cash
         
22,360
   
13,076
 
Time deposits
         
77,763
   
25,985
 
Marketable securities
   
4
   
56,717
   
74,733
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
5
   
338,798
   
253,003
 
Other accounts receivable, net
   
5
   
73,307
   
58,017
 
Accounts receivable from related companies
   
6
   
58,989
   
35,912
 
Inventories, net
   
7
   
562,517
   
385,930
 
Recoverable taxes
         
43,802
   
27,748
 
Prepaid expenses
         
5,531
   
7,151
 
Deferred income taxes
         
16,265
   
-
 
Other current assets
         
34,357
   
22,686
 
Total current assets
         
1,290,406
   
904,241
 
                     
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
8
   
1,045,724
   
967,705
 
                     
Other assets
                   
Investments in related companies
   
9
   
36,824
   
21,866
 
Goodwill, net
   
10
   
32,548
   
34,733
 
Negative goodwill, net
   
10
   
(1,279
)
 
(1,650
)
Long-term accounts receivable, net
   
5
   
1,044
   
139
 
Long-term accounts receivable from related companies
   
6
   
2,000
   
2,118
 
Intangible assets, net
         
3,285
   
3,988
 
Other long-term assets
   
11
   
34,563
   
38,745
 
Total other assets
         
108,985
   
99,939
 
                     
Total assets
         
2,445,115
   
1,971,885
 
 
3


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

       
As of September 30,
 
   
Note
 
2008
 
2007
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   
                     
Current liabilities
                   
Short-term bank debt
   
12
   
22,388
   
1,253
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
12
   
1,114
   
2,014
 
Current portion of bonds payable
   
13
   
12,717
   
12,687
 
Dividends payable
         
546
   
432
 
Accounts payable
         
138,820
   
116,792
 
Other accounts payable
         
364
   
335
 
Notes and accounts payable to related companies
   
6
   
553
   
110
 
Accrued liabilities
   
14
   
60,706
   
36,923
 
Withholdings
         
11,399
   
7,378
 
Income taxes
         
68,162
   
11,802
 
Deferred income
         
55,873
   
42,050
 
Deferred income taxes
   
15
   
-
   
4,113
 
Other current liabilities
         
7,797
   
865
 
Total current liabilities
         
380,439
   
236,754
 
                     
Long-term liabilities
                   
Long-term bank debt
   
12
   
180,000
   
180,000
 
Long-term obligations with the public (bonds)
   
13
   
299,941
   
304,101
 
Other accounts payable
         
515
   
753
 
Deferred income taxes
   
15
   
55,005
   
51,964
 
Long-term accrued liabilities
   
16
   
31,706
   
20,812
 
Total long-term liabilities
         
567,167
   
557,630
 
                     
Minority interest
   
17
   
51,363
   
42,486
 
                     
Shareholders' equity
                   
Paid-in capital
   
18
   
477,386
   
477,386
 
Other reserves
   
18
   
163,095
   
160,608
 
Retained earnings
   
18
   
805,665
   
497,021
 
Total shareholders' equity
         
1,446,146
   
1,135,015
 
                     
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
         
2,445,115
   
1,971,885
 
 
4


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

       
For the nine months ended
 
       
September 30,
 
   
Note
 
2008
 
2007
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Operating results
                   
                     
Sales
         
1,376,225
   
881,286
 
Cost of sales
         
(830,804
)
 
(631,970
)
Gross margin
         
545,421
   
249,316
 
Selling and administrative expenses
         
(64,037
)
 
(49,907
)
Operating income
         
481,384
   
199,409
 
                     
                     
Non-operating results
                   
Non-operating income
   
20
   
32,245
   
17,773
 
Non-operating expenses
   
20
   
(44,085
)
 
(41,162
)
Non-operating income, net
         
(11,840
)
 
(23,389
)
Income before income taxes
         
469,544
   
176,020
 
Income tax expense
   
15
   
(80,988
)
 
(38,256
)
Income before minority interest
         
388,556
   
137,764
 
Minority interest
   
17
   
(7,485
)
 
(2,330
)
Net income before negative goodwill
         
381,071
   
135,434
 
                     
Net income
         
381,071
   
135,434
 
 
5


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

       
For the nine months ended
September 30
 
       
2008
 
2007
 
 
 
 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                   
Net income
         
381,071
   
135,434
 
Charges (credits) to income not representing cash flows
                   
Depreciation expense
   
8
   
83,535
   
71,800
 
Amortization of intangible assets
         
528
   
532
 
Write-offs and accruals
         
19,090
   
20,625
 
Gain on equity investments in related companies
         
(13,497
)
 
(3,558
)
Loss on equity investments in related companies
         
33
   
58
 
Amortization of goodwill
   
10
   
1,669
   
1,698
 
(Profit) loss on sales of assets
         
(2,939
)
 
(24
)
Loss from sale of investments
         
(1,387
)
 
-
 
Other credits to income not representing cash flows
         
(3,556
)
 
(590
)
Other charges to income not representing cash flows
         
172,690
   
92,835
 
Foreign currency translation, net
         
7,585
   
2,311
 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities (Increase) decrease:
                   
Trade accounts receivable
         
(185,802
)
 
(53,752
)
Inventories
         
(199,902
)
 
(25,273
)
Other assets
         
(11,994
)
 
(14,120
)
Accounts payable
         
58,619
   
9,806
 
Interest payable
         
990
   
5,343
 
Net income taxes payable
         
(40,705
)
 
(18,320
)
Other accounts payable
         
-
   
(5,589
)
VAT and taxes payable
         
(13,802
)
 
(6,221
)
Minority interest
   
17
   
7,486
   
2,330
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
         
259,712
   
215,325
 
                     
Cash flows from financing activities
                   
Proceeds from short-term bank financing
         
70,239
   
-
 
Payment of dividends
         
(115,990
)
 
(94,999
)
Repayment of bank financing
         
(50,000
)
 
(57,090
)
Payment of obligations with the public
         
(3,138
)
 
(2,566
)
Payment of expenses for the issuance and placement of bonds payable
         
-
   
-
 
Net cash used in financing activities
         
(98,889
)
 
(154,655
)
                     
Cash flows from investing activities
                   
Sales of property, plant and equipment
         
25,382
   
2,611
 
Sales of permanent investments
         
1,688
   
-
 
Other investing income
   
24
   
-
   
361
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
         
(183,671
)
 
(123,015
)
Capitalized interest
         
(7,405
)
 
(9,400
)
Other disbursements
         
(565
)
 
(785
)
Net cash used in investing activities
         
(164,571
)
 
(130,228
)
                     
Effect of inflation on cash and cash equivalents
         
547
   
1,125
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
         
(3,201
)
 
(68,433
)
Beginning balance of cash and cash equivalents
         
164,213
   
183,943
 
Ending balance of cash and cash equivalents
         
161,012
   
115,510
 
 
6


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 September 18, 1983.

The subsidiary registered in the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance registry of securities is as follows:

Soquimich Comercial S.A., Registration No. 0436 dated January 11, 1993.

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. Certain accounting practices applied by the Company that conform to Chilean GAAP may not conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”). For the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements and their accompanying notes have been translated from Spanish into English.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (the “Parent Company”) and subsidiaries (companies in which the Parent Company holds a controlling participation, generally equal to direct or indirect ownership of more than 50%). The Parent Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the “Company”.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

In accordance with SVS Circular No. 1,697 and Technical Bulletins Nos. 64 and 72 of the Chilean Association of Accountants, the consolidated financial statements include the following subsidiaries:

7


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

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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

   
Direct or indirect ownership
 
   
As of
September
30, 2008
 
As of
September
30, 2007
 
 
 
%
 
%
 
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 N.V. (Dutch Antilles)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
S.Q.I. Corporation N.V. (Dutch Antilles)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Soquimich European Holding B.V. (Holland)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Ecuador S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Cape Fear Bulk L.L.C.(USA)
   
0.00
   
51.00
 
SQM Investment Corporation N.V. (Dutch Antilles)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Brasil Ltda.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. (Aruba)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Japon Co. Ltd.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Oceanía PTY Limited (Australia)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM France S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
RS Agro-Chemical Trading A.V.V. (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 L.L.C. (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Agricolima S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
   
0.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Venezuela S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Italia SRL (Italy)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Comercial Caiman Internacional S.A. (Cayman Islands)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Africa PTY (South Africa)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Lithium Specialties L.L.P. (USA)
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V. (México)
   
51.00
   
51.00
 
Fertilizantes Naturales S.A.
   
66.67
   
66.67
 
Iodine Minera B.V.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
SQM Dubai – FZCO.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 

8


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

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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

   
Direct or indirect ownership
 
   
As of
September
30, 2008
 
As of
September
30, 2007
 
   
%
 
%
 
Domestic subsidiaries:
             
Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Soquimich Comercial S.A.
   
60.64
   
60.64
 
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
 
SQM Industrial S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Exploraciones Mineras S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.
   
100.00
   
100.00
 
Comercial Hydro S.A.
   
60.64
   
60,64
 
 
All significant inter-company balances, transactions and unrealized gains and losses arising from transactions between these companies have been eliminated in consolidation.

9


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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

b)
Accounting period

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the nine-month periods then ended.

c)
Reporting currency and monetary correction

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

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

The financial statements of domestic subsidiaries that maintain their accounting records in Chilean pesos have been restated to reflect the effects of variations in the purchasing power of the Chilean peso during the period. For this purpose, and in accordance with Chilean regulations, non-monetary assets and liabilities, equity and income statement accounts have been restated in terms of year-end constant pesos based on the change in the consumer price index during the period ( 6.9% and 5.1% in 2008 and 2007, 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 peso during the most recent period. 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.

10


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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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$ 551.31 per US$1 at September 30, 2008 and Ch$ 511.23 per US$1 at September 30, 2007.

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

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

a)
For those subsidiaries and affiliates located in Chile that 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. 1697 of the SVS.

11


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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

d)
Foreign currency (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 U.S. 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 U.S. dollar and the local currency.
 
-
Any exchange differences are included in the results of operations for the period.

Foreign exchange differences for the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 generated a net gain (loss) of ThUS$ (7,585) and ThUS$ (2,311), respectively, which has been charged to the consolidated statements of income in each respective period.

The monetary assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries were translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates per US dollar prevailing at September 30, as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
US$
 
US$
 
Brazilian Real
   
1.96
   
1.96
 
New Peruvian Sol
   
3.19
   
3.10
 
Argentine Peso
   
3.15
   
3.15
 
Japanese Yen
   
118.50
   
115.43
 
Euro
   
0.68
   
0.71
 
Mexican Peso
   
10.94
   
10.92
 
Australian Dollar
   
1.27
   
1.13
 
Pound Sterling
   
0.56
   
0.51
 
Ecuadorian Sucre
   
1.00
   
1.00
 
South African Rand
   
8.30
   
7.01
 

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.

12


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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

e)
Cash and cash equivalents

Included in cash and cash equivalents are cash and bank balances included in cash, time deposits, financial instruments classified as marketable securities and other short-term investments maturing within 90 days, in compliance with Technical Bulletin No. 50 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.

The Company has considered as operating cash movements, all positive or negative cash flows directly related to its line of business and in general all cash flows that are not defined as from investment or financing.

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

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

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

j)
Income taxes and deferred income taxes

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

13


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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

j)
Income and deferred taxes (continued)

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

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

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 SVS Circular No. 1466 issued on January 27, 2000, recognizing the deferred tax effects of temporary differences between the financial and tax values of assets and liabilities, using the liability method. The effect of the temporary differences at March 31, 1999 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 acquisition cost, considering in general an average residual value of 5%, except for certain assets that were restated in accordance with a technical appraisal in 1989. Depreciation for the period is calculated according to the straight-line method based on the remaining technical useful lives of assets, estimated by management.

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

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

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

The Company obtains property rights and mining concessions from the Chilean state. Other than minor filing fees, the property rights are usually obtained without initial cost, and once obtained, are retained by the Company as long as the annual fees are paid. Such fees, which are paid annually in September, 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.

14

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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

l)
Investments in related companies

Investments in related companies over which the Company has significant influence are included in other assets and are recorded using the equity method of accounting, in accordance with SVS Circulars Nos. 368 and 1697 and Technical Bulletins Nos. 64 and 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants. Accordingly, the Company’s proportional share in the net income or loss of each investee is recognized in the non-operating income and expense classification in the consolidated statements of income on an accrual basis, after eliminating any unrealized profits from transactions with the related companies.

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

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

m)
Goodwill and negative goodwill

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

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

n)
Intangible assets

Intangible assets are stated at cost plus acquisition expenses and are amortized over a period 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.
 
15


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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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 average employee tenure of 24 years and a real annual discount rate of 8%.

q)
Vacations

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

r)
Saleback operations

Saleback operations are registered in Other Current Assets at the amount of the purchase. Starting at the purchase date, the respective interest is recorded in accordance with SVS Circular 768.

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 an accrual basis and gains recognized when realized.

t)
Reclassifications

For comparison purposes, certain reclassifications have been made to the 2007 financial statements.

u)
Revenue recognition

Income from the operation of the lines of business of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries is recorded as of the date of physical delivery of the products in accordance with the sales conditions stated in Technical Bulletin No. 70 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.

16


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

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

v)
Computer software

Computer systems developed internally using the Company’s personnel and materials are charged to income during the year in which the expenses are incurred. In accordance with SVS Circular No. 1819 dated November 14, 2007, 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. Property, plant and equipment that are acquired for use in research and development activities and determined to provide additional benefits to the Company are recorded in property, plant and equipment.

x)
Obligations with the public (Bonds payable)

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

y)
Provisions for mine closure costs

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

z)
Deferred income

Deferred income relate to the recognition of documented sales the delivery of which occurs subsequent to the closing date of the financial statements.

aa)
Employee benefits

Benefits agreed other than staff severance indemnities which the Company and its subsidiaries will have to pay to its employees by virtue of agreements entered recognized on an accrual basis.

17


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

Note 3 - Changes in Accounting Principles

Beginning on January 1, 2008, the Company recognized the change in the functional currency (from Chilean pesos to U.S. dollars) in which the subsidiary Soquimich Comercial S.A. was controlled in order to reflect the currency which represents underlying transactions, events and conditions, which are relevant to the control of the investment by its Parent Company.

During the period ended September 30, 2008, there were no other changes in the application of generally accepted accounting principles in Chile compared to the prior year, which could significantly affect the interpretation of these consolidated financial statements.

18


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

Note 4 - Marketable Securities

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

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Mutual funds
   
56,717
   
74,733
 
Total
   
56,717
   
74,733
 

Mutual funds relate to investments made in 'Citifunds Institutional Liquid Reserve Limited' for ThUS$ 52,073 (ThUS$ 65,715 in 2007) and in 'Merrill Lynch Institutional Liquidity Fund' for ThUS$ 4,644, (ThUS$ 9,018 in 2007)

These institutions are high-liquidity funds dedicated to invest basically in fixed income instruments in the U.S. market.


Note 5 - Short- and Long-Term Accounts Receivable

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

       
Between 90 days
 
Total
 
   
Up to 90 days
 
and 1 year
 
Short-term (net)
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Short-term
                                     
Trade accounts receivable
   
266,249
   
164,027
   
82,264
   
97,021
   
348,513
   
261,048
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                           
(9,715
)
 
(8,045
)
Notes receivable
   
26,131
   
12,280
   
37,308
   
39,505
   
63,439
   
51,785
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                           
(6,684
)
 
(3,480
)
Accounts receivable, net
                           
395,553
   
301,308
 
                                       
Other accounts receivable
   
13,665
   
10,257
   
4,001
   
651
   
17,666
   
10,908
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                           
(1,114
)
 
(1,196
)
Other accounts receivable, net
                           
16,552
   
9,712
 
                                       
Long-term receivables
                           
1,044
   
139
 

19


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
Note 5 - Short- and Long-term Accounts Receivable (continued)
 
Consolidated Short- and Long-Term Receivables – by Geographic Location
 
               
Asia and
 
USA, Mexico
 
Latin America
         
   
Chile
 
Europe
 
Oceania
 
and Canada
 
and the Caribbean
 
Total
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                                               
Short-term trade accounts receivable, net
                                                                         
Balance
   
182,686
   
150,864
   
106,137
   
71,659
   
8,914
   
3,572
   
38,429
   
25,455
   
2,632
   
1,453
   
338,798
   
253,003
 
% of total
   
53.92
%
 
59.63
%
 
31.33
%
 
28.32
%
 
2.63
%
 
1.41
%
 
11.34
%
 
10.06
%
 
0.78
%
 
0.58
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                           
Short-term notes receivable, net
                                                                         
Balance
   
54,493
   
45,834
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,262
   
2,471
   
56,755
   
48,305
 
% of total
   
96.01
%
 
94.88
%
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
3.99
%
 
5.12
%
 
100.00
%
 
100,00
%
                                                                           
Short-term other accounts receivable, net                                                                          
Balance
   
15,434
   
8,655
   
343
   
384
   
161
   
155
   
526
   
434
   
88
   
84
   
16,552
   
9,712
 
% of total
   
93.25
%
 
89.12
%
 
2.07
%
 
3.95
%
 
0.97
%
 
1.60
%
 
3.18
%
 
4.47
%
 
0.53
%
 
0.86
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                           
Subtotal short-term accounts receivable, net
                                                                         
Balance
   
252,613
   
205,353
   
106,480
   
72,043
   
9,075
   
3,727
   
38,955
   
25,889
   
4,982
   
4,008
   
412,105
   
311,020
 
% of total
   
61.30
%
 
66.03
%
 
25.84
%
 
23.16
%
 
2.20
%
 
1.20
%
 
9.45
%
 
8.32
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.29
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                           
Long-term accounts receivable, net
                                                                         
Balance
   
1,044
   
139
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,044
   
139
 
% of total
   
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
                                                                           
Total short and long-term accounts receivable, net
                                                                         
Balance
   
253,657
   
205,492
   
106,480
   
72,043
   
9,075
   
3,727
   
38,955
   
25,889
   
4,982
   
4,008
   
413,149
   
311,159
 
% of total
   
61.40
%
 
66.04
%
 
25.77
%
 
23.16
%
 
2.20
%
 
1.20
%
 
9.43
%
 
8.32
%
 
1.20
%
 
1.28
%
 
100.00
%
 
100.00
%
 
20


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

Note 6 - Balances and Transactions with Related Parties

Balances with related companies are generated by commercial transactions which accrue no interest under normal conditions in force for this type of operations in respect to term and market price. Expiration conditions for each case vary depending on the transaction which generated it.

On April 21, 2008, Inversiones SQ S.A. and SQH S.A. acquired from Yara Netherland B.V. 49% of the shares of the privately-held shareholders’ company Inversiones SQYA S.A. Beginning on the date referred to above, SQYA S.A. Yara is no longer a related company of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.

a)
Amounts included in balances with related parties as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

   
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Accounts receivable
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS
   
13,908
   
6,810
   
-
   
-
 
Nutrisi Holding N.V.
   
1,790
   
1,721
   
-
   
-
 
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.
   
2,769
   
7,439
   
-
   
-
 
Ajay North America LLC
   
4,505
   
3,743
   
-
   
-
 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL
   
6,904
   
3,265
   
2,000
   
2.000
 
NU3 B.V.
   
2,677
   
710
   
-
   
-
 
PCS Sales INC.
   
-
   
40
   
-
   
-
 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
   
100
   
85
   
-
   
-
 
SQM Agro India
   
629
   
322
   
-
   
-
 
Misr Specialty Fertilizers (MSF)
   
891
   
502
   
-
   
118
 
Soc.Inv.Pampa Calichera S.A.
   
8
   
8
   
-
   
-
 
Inversiones PCS Chile S.A.
   
-
   
17
   
-
   
-
 
Kowa Company Ltd.
   
23,609
   
11,135
   
-
   
-
 
SQM East Med Turkey
   
1,199
   
115
   
-
   
-
 
Total
   
58,989
   
35,912
   
2,000
   
2,118
 
 
b)
Amounts included in balances with related parties as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, continued:

   
Short-term
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Accounts payable
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
SQM Thailand Co. Ltd.
   
90
   
107
 
NU3 N.V.
   
463
   
3
 
Total
   
553
   
110
 
 
There were no outstanding long-term accounts payable with related parties as of September 30, 2008 and 2007

21


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

Note 6 - Balances and Transactions with Related Parties (continued)

c)
During 2008 and 2007, the principal transactions with related parties were as follows:
 
Company
 
Relationship
 
Type of transaction
 
Amount of
Transaction
 
 Impact on income
(charge) credit
 
           
2008
 
2007
 
 2008
 
2007
 
           
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
 ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                            
NU3 N.V. (Belgium)
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
16,442
   
4,860
   
11,542
   
1,447
 
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
15,894
   
6,629
   
11,615
   
1,781
 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Ind. WWL
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
7,498
   
4,117
   
2,350
   
461
 
 
   
Indirect
   
Financial income
   
129
   
-
   
129
   
-
 
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
15,871
   
18,964
   
4,211
   
7,139
 
 
   
Indirect
   
Financial income
   
7
   
-
   
7
   
-
 
 
   
Indirect
   
Dividends
   
118
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
NU3 B.V.
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
11,750
   
6,302
   
7,721
   
1,988
 
 
   
Indirect
   
Services
   
83
   
-
   
83
   
-
 
Ajay North America LLC
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
24,523
   
12,626
   
7,083
   
6,507
 
 
   
Indirect
   
Dividends
   
1,054
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Kowa Company Ltd.
   
Shareholder
   
Sales of products
   
82,423
   
65,190
   
37,612
   
39,073
 
SQM Agro India PVT Ltd
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
598
   
-
   
275
   
-
 
Misr Specialty Fertilizers (MSF)
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
733
   
-
   
539
   
-
 
 
   
Indirect
   
Financial income
   
7
   
-
   
7
   
-
 
Nutrisi Holding N.V.
   
Indirect
   
Financial income
   
78
   
-
   
78
   
-
 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
615
   
-
   
280
   
-
 
 
   
Indirect 
   
Dividends
   
491
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
SQM East Med Turkey
   
Indirect
   
Sales of products
   
397
   
-
   
264
   
-
 

Note 7 - Inventories

Net inventories are summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Finished products
   
361,558
   
230,634
 
Work in process
   
162,695
   
130,359
 
Supplies
   
38,264
   
24,937
 
Total
   
562,517
   
385,930
 
 
22


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

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Land
             
Land
   
80,625
   
82,598
 
Mining Concessions
   
30,086
   
30,086
 
Total
   
110,711
   
112,684
 
               
Buildings and infrastructure
             
Buildings
   
151,437
   
163,806
 
Installations
   
315,135
   
274,477
 
Construction-in-progress
   
291,820
   
251,841
 
Other
   
210,665
   
193,738
 
Total
   
969,057
   
883,862
 
               
Machinery and Equipment
             
Machinery
   
545,250
   
487,735
 
Equipment
   
138,278
   
128,541
 
Project-in-progress
   
41,279
   
20,531
 
Other
   
20,350
   
19,524
 
Total
   
745,157
   
656,331
 
               
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
             
Tools
   
9,564
   
8,968
 
Furniture and office equipment
   
15,739
   
15,115
 
Project-in-progress
   
13,220
   
11,756
 
Other
   
9,831
   
16,670
 
Total
   
48,354
   
52,509
 
 
23


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

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Amounts relating to technical revaluation of property, plant and equipment
             
Land
   
7,839
   
7,839
 
Buildings and infrastructure
   
41,439
   
41,439
 
Machinery and equipment
   
12,048
   
12,048
 
Other assets
   
53
   
53
 
     
61,379
   
61,379
 
Total property, plant and equipment
   
1,934,658
   
1,766,765
 
               
Less: Accumulated depreciation
             
Buildings and infrastructure
   
(381,430
)
 
(340,095
)
Machinery and equipment
   
(434,074
)
 
(388,971
)
Other property, plant and equipment
   
(34,461
)
 
(32,164
)
Technical appraisal
   
(38,969
)
 
(37,830
)
Total accumulated depreciation
   
(888,934
)
 
(799,060
)
Net property, plant and equipment
   
1,045,724
   
967,705
 
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Depreciation for the nine months ended September 30:
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Buildings and infrastructure
   
(43,028
)
 
(35,225
)
Machinery and equipment
   
(37,427
)
 
(31,159
)
Other property, plant and equipment
   
(2,226
)
 
(4,562
)
Technical revaluation
   
(854
)
 
(854
)
Total depreciation
   
(83,535
)
 
(71,800
)
 
24

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

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)

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

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Administrative office buildings
   
1,988
   
1,988
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(544
)
 
(513
)
Total assets in leasing
   
1,444
   
1,475
 

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

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 its foreign investments as net investment hedges.

b)  Transactions executed in 2008

* On April 24, 2008, the subsidiary Agricolima S.A. was sold to Mr. Carlos Federico Valenzuela Cadena, Mr. Diego Valenzuela Cadena and Mr. Jesús Angel Morelos Montfort, creating a gain on sale of investment of ThUS$ 1,387.

c)  Transactions executed in 2007

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

* On March 2, 2007, the subsidiary SQM Industrial S.A. made a capital increase of ThUS$ 130 in its subsidiary SQM Brasil Ltda. In accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants and Circular No. 1697 issued by the Chilean Superintendency of Securities and Insurance (SVS), the Company performed the valuation in consideration of the carrying value of equity of SQM Brasil Ltda. as of December 31, 2006, which does not significantly differ from its fair value determined at that date.
 
25


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

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

* On April 11, 2007, the subsidiary SQM S.A and the subsidiary Soquimich European Holding B.V. made a capital increase of ThUS$ 6,599 in their subsidiary SQM Europe N.V. In accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 72 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants and Circular No. 1697 issued by the Chilean Superintendency of Securities and Insurance, the valuation was conducted considering the book value of the equity of SQM Europe N.V. as of March 31, 2007, which does not significantly differ from its fair value determined at that date.

* On October 19, 2007, at the second General Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of SQM Industrial S.A. the shareholders approved a capital increase of ThUS$ 300,000, through the issuance of 204,368,321 new shares.

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and SQM Potasio S.A. acquired all these shares through the subscription and payment of them through the capitalization of accounts payable. SQM S.A. acquired 197,556,044 shares and SQM Potasio S.A. acquired 6,812,277 shares and obtained ownership interest of 99.05% and 0.95%, respectively.

* On November 13, 2007, Exploraciones Mineras S.A. increased its capital by ThUS$30,000 through the issuance of 100,000 new shares which were subscribed and paid through the capitalization of accounts payable by 99.99% by Minera Nueva Victoria S.A. and by 1% by Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
 
* On December 7, 2007, SQM North America Corp. sold to Nautilus International Holding Corporation all the rights which SQM North America Corp had in Cape Fear Bulk LLC. for ThUS$1,478, thereby generating a gain from the sale of investments of ThUS$ 1,316.

d)Investments with less than 20% participation

Investments in which the Company has less than 20% participation and the capacity to exert significant influence or control over the investment, because SQM forms part of its Board of Directors, have been valued using the equity method.
 
26

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

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

d) Detail of investments in related companies

Tax
Registration
     
Country of
 
Controlling
 
Number of
 
Ownership interest
 
Equity of companies
 
Book value of investment
 
Net income (loss) 
 
Equity participation in net
income (loss)
 
Number
 
Company
 
origin
 
currency
 
shares
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                   
%
 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                                                           
0-E
   
Doktor Tarsa Tarim
Sanayi AS
   
Turkey
   
Euros
   
-
   
50.00
   
50.00
   
20,059
   
7,885
   
10,030
   
3,943
   
10,282
   
2,219
   
5,141
   
1,109
 
0-E
   
Nutrisi Holding N.V.
   
Belgium
   
Euros
   
-
   
50.00
   
50.00
   
17,529
   
11,718
   
8,137
   
5,726
   
7,157
   
2,839
   
3,074
   
1,409
 
0-E
   
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer
                                                                               
     
Industries WWL
   
UAE
 
 
US$
   
1,961
   
50.00
   
50.00
   
10,198
   
4,399
   
5,099
   
2,199
   
5,485
   
481
   
2,743
   
241
 
0-E
   
Ajay North America
LLC
   
USA
 
 
US$
   
-
   
49.00
   
49.00
   
11,787
   
11,157
   
4,909
   
4,095
   
1,971
   
475
   
966
   
233
 
0-E
   
Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.
   
France
   
Euros
   
36,700
   
50.00
   
50.00
   
9,671
   
8,154
   
4,302
   
2,209
   
826
   
907
   
413
   
453
 
0-E
   
Misr Specialty
Fertilizers
   
Egypt
 
 
US$
   
-
   
47.00
   
47.00
   
4,962
   
4,555
   
2,366
   
2,163
   
823
   
(110
)
 
391
   
(52
)
0-E
   
SQM Thailand Co. Ltd.
   
Thailand
 
 
US$
   
-
   
40.00
   
40.00
   
3,596
   
2,355
   
1,438
   
942
   
1,077
   
31
   
431
   
12
 
77557430-5
   
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
   
Chile
   
Pesos
   
-
   
50.00
   
50.00
   
729
   
921
   
364
   
458
   
510
   
200
   
255
   
100
 
0-E
   
SQM Agro India PVT
Ltd.
   
India
 
 
US$
   
-
   
49.00
   
49.00
   
208
   
15
   
102
   
8
   
170
   
(4
)
 
83
   
(2
)
0-E
   
SQM Eastmed Turkey
   
Turkey
   
Euros
   
-
   
50.00
   
50.00
   
111
   
188
   
56
   
94
   
(66
)
 
(7
)
 
(33
)
 
(3
)
81767200-0
   
Asoc. Garantizadora
Pensiones
   
Chile
   
Pesos
   
-
   
3.00
   
3.00
   
618
   
707
   
21
   
29
   
(5
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
Total
                                                   
36,824
   
21,866
                         

27


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

Note 10 - Goodwill and Negative Goodwill

As established in Technical Bulletin No. 72, issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants, ThUS$636 has been adjusted to the negative goodwill account related to lawsuits with third parties paid, which as of the date of determination of negative goodwill did not meet the requirements to be treated as identifiable liabilities that could be recognized.

These relate to lawsuits with factoring companies which as of the acquisition date were identified with results favorable to the Company.

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

a)  Goodwill

 
     
September 30, 2008
 
September 30, 2007
 
Tax Registration
     
Amount amortized
 
Goodwill
 
Amount amortized
 
Goodwill
 
Number
 
Company
 
during the period
 
Balance
 
during the period
 
balance
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                       
96864750-4
   
SQM Potassium S.A.
   
108
   
1,193
   
108
   
1,337
 
96801610-5
   
Comercial Hydro S.A.
   
164
   
881
   
194
   
1,060
 
79947100-0
   
SQM Industrial S.A.
   
835
   
18,082
   
835
   
19,195
 
0-E
   
SQMC México S.A. de C.V.
   
42
   
738
   
42
   
794
 
0-E
   
Comercial Caiman Internacional S.A.
   
17
   
91
   
17
   
114
 
0-E
   
SQM Dubai- Fzco
   
76
   
1,706
   
76
   
1,807
 
0-E
   
Iodine Minera B.V.
   
427
   
9,857
   
426
   
10,426
 
Total
         
1,669
   
32,548
   
1,698
   
34,733
 
 
b) Negative Goodwill

 
     
September 30, 2008
 
September 30, 2007
 
           
Negative
     
Negative
 
Tax Registration
     
Amount amortized
 
goodwill
 
Amount amortized
 
goodwill
 
Number
 
Company
 
during the period
 
Balance
 
during the period
 
balance
 
       
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                       
78602530-3
   
Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.
   
-
   
1,279
   
-
   
1,650
 
Total
         
-
   
1,279
   
-
   
1,650
 
 
28

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

Note 11 - Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets are summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Engine and equipment spare parts, net
(1)   
3,045
   
5,046
 
End of agreement bonus
   
681
   
1,176
 
Mine development costs
   
23,871
   
24,585
 
Income taxes recoverable
   
324
   
340
 
Healthcare institution guarantee in the National Healthcare Service (Fonasa)
   
313
   
268
 
Construction of Salar-Baquedano road
   
1,080
   
1,200
 
Deferred loan issuance costs
(2)   
208
   
387
 
Cost of issuance and placement of bonds
(3)   
4,423
   
5,019
 
Other
   
618
   
724
 
Total
   
34,563
   
38,745
 
 
(1) According to analyses conducted, at each year-end, this item includes non-current warehouse spare parts and materials. In addition, an allowance for obsolescence has been made and included in this item.
(2) Relates to the portion to be accrued of negotiation costs of long-term loans.
(3) Refer to the explanation of these expenses in Note 23.

Note 12 - Bank Debt

a) Short-term bank debt is detailed as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
Bank or financial institution
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Banco Santander Santiago
   
20,211
   
-
 
Other
   
2,177
   
1,253
 
Total
   
22,388
   
1,253
 
               
Annual average interest rate
   
3.84
%
 
4.35
%
 
29

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

Note 12 - Bank Debt (continued)

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

   
2008
 
2007
 
Bank or financial institution
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (1)
   
100,239
   
100,433
 
ING Capital LLC (2)
    
80,875
   
81,581
 
Total
   
181,114
   
182,014
 
               
Less: Current portion
   
(1,114
)
 
(2,014
)
               
Long-term portion
   
180,000
   
180,000
 

 
(1)
U.S. dollar-denominated loan without guarantee, interest rate of Libor + 0.325% per annum, quarterly payment. The principal is due on March 3, 2010.
 
(2)
U.S. dollar-denominated loan without guarantee, interest rate of Libor + 0.300% per annum, semi-annually payment. The principal is due on November 28, 2011.

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

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Years to maturity
         
Current portion
   
1,114
   
2,014
 
1 to 2 years
   
100,000
   
100,000
 
3 to 5 years
   
80,000
   
80,000
 
Total
   
181,114
   
182,014
 

30


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

Note 13 – Short- and Long-Term Obligations with the Public (Promissory Notes and Bonds Payable)
 
Additional Information
 
On January 25, 2006, the Company made a placement of Series C bonds for an amount of UF 3,000,000 at an annual rate of 4.00%. This placement achieved collection equivalent to 100% of par value.

On April 5, 2006, the Company made a placement of single-series bonds for an amount of ThUS$200,000 at an annual rate of 6.125%, under the regulations contained in "Rule 144 and regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933".

As of June 30, 2008, three Series C capital payments have been made equivalent to UF 75,000 each.

As of September 30, 2008 and 2007, the short-term portion includes ThUS$ 12,717 and ThUS$ 12,687, respectively, related to short-term principal plus accrued interest at those dates. The long-term portion includes ThUS$ 299,941 as of September 30, 2008 and ThUS$ 304,101 as of September 30, 2007, related to principal installments for Series C bonds and Single Series bonds.

No. of
Registration
of the
Instrument
 
Series
 
Nominal
Amount
 
Adjustment
Unit
 
Interest
Rate
 
Final
Period
 
Payment of
Interest
 
Payment of
Amortization
 
06/30/08
ThUS$
 
06/30/07
ThUS$
 
Placement in
Chile or
abroad
 
Current portion of long-term bonds payable
                                         
446
   
C
   
150,000
   
UF
   
4.00
%
 
12/01/2008
   
Semi-annual
   
Semi-annual
   
7,094
   
7,064
   
In Chile
 
184
   
Single
   
-
 
 
US$
   
6.125
%
 
10/15/2008
   
Semi-annual
   
At maturity
   
5,623
   
5,623
   
Abroad
 
Total Current Portion
                                             
12,717
   
12,687
       
                                                               
Long-term bonds payable
                                                             
446
   
C
   
2,625,000
   
UF
   
4.00
%
 
12/01/2026
   
Semi-annual
   
Semi-annual
   
99,941
   
104,101
   
In Chile
 
184
   
Single
   
200,000,000
 
 
US$
   
6.125
%
 
04/15/2016
   
Semi-annual
   
At maturity
   
200,000
   
200,000
   
Abroad
 
Total Long-term
                         
299,941
   
304,101
       
 
31

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

Note 14 - Accrued Liabilities

As of September 30, 2008 and 2007, accrued liabilities are summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Provision for royalties Corfo
   
5,155
   
3,291
 
Provision for employee compensation and legal costs
   
640
   
2,653
 
Taxes and monthly income tax installment payments
   
7,303
   
3,130
 
Expenses incurred for Long-term loans (additional tax)
   
234
   
234
 
Vacation accrual
   
10,675
   
9,608
 
Marketing expenses
   
13,000
   
3,273
 
External auditor fees
   
338
   
701
 
Benefits for employees
   
20,062
   
10,695
 
Other accruals
   
3,299
   
3,338
 
Total current liabilities
   
60,706
   
36,923
 

Note 15 - Income and Deferred Taxes

a)
At September 30, 2008 and 2007 the Company has the following consolidated balances for retained tax earnings, income not subject to taxes, tax loss carry-forwards and credit for shareholders:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Accumulated tax basis retained earnings
         
with tax credit
   
695,380
   
347,330
 
Accumulated tax basis retained earnings
             
without tax credit
   
3,954
   
56,329
 
Tax loss carry-forwards (1)
   
13,570
   
138,725
 
Credit for shareholders
   
142,258
   
70,963
 

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

The Company has recognized deferred income taxes for tax losses and the related valuation allowance, where applicable, in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 60 issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.
 
32

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

Note 15 - Income and Deferred Taxes (continued)

The deferred taxes as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 represented a net liability of ThUS$38,740 and ThUS$56,077 respectively, and consisted of:

2008
 
Deferred tax asset
 
Deferred tax liability
 
   
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Temporary differences
                 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
1,513
   
1,002
   
-
   
-
 
Vacation accrual
   
1,730
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Unrealized gain on sale of products
   
62,045
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Provision for obsolescence
   
-
   
3,549
   
-
   
-
 
Production expenses
   
-
   
-
   
26,303
   
-
 
Accelerated depreciation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
66,562
 
Exploration expenses
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5,224
 
Capitalized interest
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9,069
 
Staff severance indemnities
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,085
 
Fair value recognition
   
-
   
2,189
   
-
   
-
 
Leased assets
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Capitalized expenses
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
852
 
Tax loss carry-forwards
   
-
   
4,161
   
-
   
-
 
Accrued gain from exchange insurance
   
-
   
-
   
2,393
   
-
 
Deferred revenue
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Accrued interest
   
922
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Benefits for employees
   
16
   
884
   
-
   
-
 
Other
   
4,629
   
6,940
   
1,785
   
402
 
Total gross deferred taxes
   
70,855
   
18,725
   
30,481
   
84,194
 
Total complementary accounts
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(14,097
)
Valuation allowance
   
(24,109
)
 
(3,633
)
 
-
   
-
 
Total deferred taxes
   
46,746
   
15,092
   
30,481
   
70,097
 
 
33

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

Note 15 - Income and Deferred Taxes (continued)

2007
 
Deferred tax asset
 
Deferred tax liability
 
   
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
Short-term
 
Long-term
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Temporary differences
                 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
2,006
   
605
   
-
   
-
 
Vacation accrual
   
1,506
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Unrealized gain on sale of products
   
13,837
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Provision for obsolescence
   
-
   
2,957
   
-
   
-
 
Production expenses
   
-
   
-
   
16,241
   
-
 
Accelerated depreciation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
60,162
 
Exploration expenses
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
4,555
 
Capitalized interest
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
8,135
 
Staff severance indemnities
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,884
 
Fair value recognition
   
-
   
1,199
   
-
   
-
 
Provision for claim expense
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Leased assets
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
10
 
Capitalized expenses
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
957
 
Tax loss carry-forwards
   
-
   
26,909
   
-
   
-
 
Accrued gain from exchange insurance
   
-
   
-
   
1,553
   
-
 
Deferred revenue
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Provision for energy tariff difference
   
2,700
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Accrued interest
   
273
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Other
   
2,006
   
5,571
   
2,136
   
469
 
Total gross deferred taxes
   
22,328
   
37,241
   
19,930
   
76,172
 
Total complementary accounts
   
-
   
-
   
(147
)
 
(18,262
)
Valuation allowance
   
(6,658
)
 
(31,295
)
 
-
   
-
 
Total deferred taxes
   
15,670
   
5,946
   
19,783
   
57,910
 
 
34

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

c)
Income tax expense is summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Current tax expense (income tax accrual)
   
(104,544
)
 
(33,422
)
Tax expense adjustment ( prior year)
   
576
   
116
 
Provision for current income tax
   
-
   
-
 
Effect of deferred tax assets and liabilities
   
35,777
   
2,278
 
Tax benefit for tax losses
   
(21,424
)
 
(5,449
)
Effect of amortization of complementary accounts
   
(1,529
)
 
(2,730
)
Effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities due to changes in valuation allowance
   
10,181
   
935
 
Other tax charges and credits
   
(25
)
 
16
 
Total income tax expense
   
(80,988
)
 
(38,256
)

35


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

Note 16 – Long-Term Accrued Liabilities

Long-term accrued liabilities are summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Staff severance indemnities (1)
   
20,714
   
18,820
 
Benefits for employees (2)
   
9,000
   
-
 
Site closing provision
   
1,992
   
1,992
 
Balance as of September 30
   
31,706
   
20,812
 

(1) Staff severance indemnities are summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Opening balance
   
20,679
   
17,091
 
Increases in obligation
   
4,340
   
2,780
 
Payments
   
(1,870
)
 
(1,755
)
Exchange difference
   
(2,435
)
 
751
 
Other differences
   
-
   
(47
)
Balance as of September 30
   
20,714
   
18,820
 

(2) These accrued liabilities correspond to retention bonds for the Company’s executives. The value of these bonds is linked to the price of the Company’s stock and is to be paid in cash between 2010 and 2011.

36


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

Minority interest is summarized as follows:

   
Equity
 
Net Income/(Loss)
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                   
Soquimich Comercial S.A.
   
46,641
   
38,533
   
(6,510
)
 
(1,961
)
Ajay SQM Chile S.A.
   
4,108
   
3,653
   
(482
)
 
(264
)
Cape Fear Bulk L.L.C.
   
-
   
199
   
-
   
(146
)
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V.
   
9
   
(9
)
 
5
   
53
 
Fertilizantes Naturales S.A.
   
627
   
133
   
(504
)
 
(10
)
SQM Indonesia S.A.
   
(30
)
 
(30
)
 
9
   
-
 
SQM Potasio S.A.
   
8
   
7
   
(3
)
 
(2
)
Total
   
51,363
   
42,486
   
(7,485
)
 
(2,330
)

37


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

a)
Changes to shareholders’ equity consisted of:

               
Accumulated
deficit
             
               
of subsidiaries
in
             
       
Paid-in
 
Other
 
development
 
Retained 
 
Net
     
   
Number
 
capital
 
reserves
 
stage 
 
earnings
 
income
 
Total
 
   
of shares
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$ 
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Balance as of January 1, 2007
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
155,190
   
(8,370
)
 
320,466
   
141,277
   
1,085,949
 
Transfer 2006 net income to retained earnings
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
141,277
   
(141,277
)
 
-
 
Declared dividends 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(91,786
)
 
-
   
(91,786
)
Accumulated deficit from subsidiaries in development stage
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
8,370
   
(8,370
)
 
-
   
-
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
   
-
   
5,418
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5,418
 
Net income for the year
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
135,434
   
135,434
 
Balance as of September 30, 2007
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
160,608
   
-
   
361,587
   
135,434
   
1,135,015
 
Balance January 1,2008
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
163,442
   
-
   
361,587
   
180,021
   
1,182,436
 
Transfer 2007 net income to retained earnings
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
180,021
   
(180,021
)
 
-
 
Declared dividends 2008
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(117,014
)
 
-
   
(117,014
)
Other comprehensive income
   
-
   
-
   
(347
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(347
)
Net income for the year
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
381,071
   
381,071
 
Balance as of September 30, 2008
   
263,196,524
   
477,386
   
163,095
   
-
   
424,594
   
381,071
   
1,446,146
 
 
38


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

b) In consideration of the current distribution of shares, the Company has a Controlling Interest Group composed of Pampa Calichera S.A. and the Kowa Group by virtue of the Joint Action Agreement executed on September 21, 2006.

c) Other information

The detail of other reserves is as follows:

       
For the nine months
ended
September 30,
  2008 
 
As of
 September 30,
  2008
 
Detail 
     
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
               
               
Technical appraisal
         
-
   
151,345
 
Changes to other comprehensive income from equity method investments:
                   
Soquimich Comercial S.A.
   
(1)
   
-
   
13,287
 
Comercial Hydro S.A.
   
(1)
   
(254
)
 
(254
)
SQMC Internacional Ltda.
   
(1)
   
(12
)
 
(12
)
Proinsa Ltda.
   
(1)
   
(9
)
 
(9
)
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.
   
(1)
   
-
   
(44
)
Inversiones Augusta S.A.
   
(1)
   
-
   
(761
)
SQM Ecuador S.A.
   
(2)
   
-
   
(270
)
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.
   
(1)
   
-
   
88
 
Asociación Garantizadora de Pensiones
   
(1)
   
(4
)
 
(20
)
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
   
(1)
   
(68
)
 
42
 
Sociedad de Servicios de Salud S.A.
   
(1)
   
-
   
14
 
SQM North America Corp.
   
(3)
   
-
   
(1,359
)
SQM Dubai Fzco.
   
(1)
   
-
   
(12
)
Ajay Europe SARL
   
(1)
   
-
   
343
 
Other Companies
   
(1)
   
-
   
717
 
Total other comprehensive income
 
(347
)
 
163,095
 

 
(1)
Corresponds to translation adjustments and monetary correction
 
(2)
Corresponds to the translation adjustment produced by the application of a new law implemented by the Ecuadorian Government
 
(3)
Relates to valuation differences generated in the pension plan.

39


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

e)
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.

Note 19 – Derivative 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 September 30, 2008 the Company’s derivative instruments are as follows:

2008
 
Notional or
                         
Type of 
 
covered
 
Expiration
 
Description of the contract
 
Position
 
(Liability) Asset
 
Income
 
Income
 
derivative  
 
amount
     
type
 
purchase/sale
 
amount
 
(loss) recorded
 
(not) recorded
 
   
ThUS$
             
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
                                                             
US dollar Forward
   
102,500
  4st quarter of 2008  
Exchange rate
   
P
   
3,439
   
3,439
   
-
 
Swap
   
110,434
  4st quarter of 2008  
Interest rate
   
P
   
13,636
   
10,239
   
3,397
 
US dollar PUT
   
49,800
  4st quarter of 2008  
Exchange rate
   
P
   
934
   
(934
)
 
-
 
US dollar PUT
   
8,300
  4st quarter of 2008  
Exchange rate
   
P
   
125
   
(125
)
 
-
 
US dollar PUT
   
22,946
  3st quarter of 2008  
Exchange rate
   
S
   
1,949
   
(1,949
)
 
-
 
US dollar Forward
   
5,671
  4st quarter of 2008  
Exchange rate
   
P
   
240
   
240
   
-
 
US dollar PUT
   
14,361
  4st quarter of 2008  
Exchange rate
   
P
P
   
173
   
173
   
-
 
US dollar PUT
   
16,445
  3st quarter of 2008  
Exchange rate
   
P
   
240
   
(240
)
 
-
 
                                 
10,843
   
3,397
 

40


SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(A translation of the original in Spanish- see note 2 (a))
 
 Note 20 - Non-operating Income and Expenses

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

a)
Non-operating income

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Interest income
   
6,671
   
6,532
 
Cross Currency swap
   
-
   
4,000
 
Recovery of doubtful accounts
   
475
   
413
 
Insurance recoveries
   
474
   
217
 
Reversal of obligations with third parties
   
2,068
   
181
 
Sale of property, plant and equipment
   
1,146
   
137
 
Gain on sale of investments in related companies
   
1,387
   
-
 
Sale of mining concessions
   
721
   
361
 
Fines collected from third parties
   
46
   
146
 
Equity participation in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
13,497
   
3,558
 
Compensation received
   
213
   
-
 
Rental of property, plant and equipment
   
851
   
800
 
Provision of services
   
121
   
573
 
Discounts obtained
   
484
   
359
 
Gain from sale of assets SQM Lithium
   
2,342
   
-
 
Other income
   
1,749
   
496
 
Total
   
32,245
   
17,773
 

b)
Non-operating expenses

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Investment plan expenses and adjustment of property, plant and equipment realization value
   
14,678
   
8,748
 
Interest expense
   
14,379
   
15,192
 
Equity participation in net losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
33
   
58
 
Amortization of goodwill
   
1,669
   
1,698
 
Net foreign exchange losses
   
7,585
   
2,311
 
Work disruption expenses
   
776
   
627
 
Indemnity to suppliers
   
177
   
1,600
 
Provision for legal expenses and third party compensation
   
435
   
518
 
Energy tariff difference
   
-
   
4,800
 
Training and donation expenses
   
1,845
   
322
 
Provision and sale of materials, spare-parts and supplies and property, plant and equipment
   
-
   
2,900
 
Other expenses
   
2,508
   
2,388
 
Total
   
44,085
   
41,162
 

41


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

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

   
(Charge) credit to income
from operations
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
28
   
350
 
Other assets and liabilities
   
13
   
384
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
(490
)
 
(4,788
)
Net price-level restatement
   
(449
)
 
(4,054
)


42


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

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Assets
         
Chilean pesos
   
151,372
   
170,636
 
US dollars
   
2,111,783
   
1,619,972
 
Euros
   
86,568
   
47,466
 
Japanese Yen
   
1,232
   
919
 
Brazilian Real
   
371
   
401
 
Mexican pesos
   
1,088
   
2,278
 
UF
   
31,460
   
92,102
 
South African Rand
   
23,303
   
15,232
 
Dirhams
   
21,492
   
13,846
 
Other currencies
   
16,446
   
9,033
 
               
Current liabilities
             
Chilean pesos
   
161,693
   
135,315
 
US dollars
   
180,762
   
78,555
 
Euros
   
13,818
   
9,647
 
Japanese Yen
   
23
   
24
 
Brazilian Real
   
1,682
   
1,894
 
Mexican pesos
   
3,347
   
2,675
 
UF
   
13,372
   
7.291
 
South African Rand
   
3,243
   
338
 
Dirhams
   
1,120
   
715
 
Other currencies
   
1,379
   
300
 
               
Long-term liabilities
             
Chilean pesos
   
20,016
   
18,679
 
US dollars
   
445,987
   
433,930
 
Japanese Yen
   
206
   
157
 
UF
   
100,456
   
104,854
 
Mexican pesos
   
491
   
-
 
Other currencies
   
11
   
10
 

43

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

Note 23 – Expenses Incurred in the Issuance of Shares and Debt Titles

Expenses incurred in the issuance and placement of bonds are presented under Other long-term assets, the portion to be amortized within one year is presented within Other current assets, which are amortized using the straight-line method, in accordance with the period for issuance of documents. This amortization is presented as interest expense.

As of September 30, 2008, issuance expenses net of amortization amount to ThUS$6,665.Issuance expenses include disbursements related to reports issued by risk classifiers, legal and financial advisories, taxes, printing and placement fees. Amortization. Amortization in 2008 amounted to ThUS$ 453, (ThUS$ 615 in 2007).

Note 24 - Cash Flow Statement

Amounts included in other investing income are summarized as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Sale of mining concessions
   
-
   
361
 
Total
   
-
   
361
 
 
44


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

Note 25 – Commitments and Contingencies

I.
Contingencies:

(a)
Material lawsuits or other legal actions to which the Company is party:
 
I.
1.
Plaintiff
: Compañía Salitre y Yodo Soledad S.A.
 
Defendant
: Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: December 1994
 
Court
: Civil Court of Pozo Almonte
 
Cause
: Partial annulment of mining property, Cesard 1 to 29
 
Instance
: Evidence provided
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 211
     
2.
Plaintiff
: Compañía Productora de Yodo y Sales S.A.
 
Defendant
: SQM Químicos S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: November 1999
 
Court
: Civil Court of Pozo Almonte
 
Cause
: Partial annulment of mining property, Paz II 1 to 25
 
Instance
: Evidence provided
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 162
     
3.
Plaintiff
: Compañía Productora de Yodo y Sales S.A.
 
Defendant
: SQM Químicos S.A.
 
Date of lawsuit
: November 1999
 
Court
: Civil Court of Pozo Almonte
 
Cause
: Partial annulment of mining property, Paz III 1 to 25
 
Instance
: Evidence provided
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 204
     
4.
Plaintiff
: Marina Arnéz Valencia
 
Defendant
: SQM S.A. and its insurance companies
 
Date of lawsuit
: May 2006
 
Court
: 2nd Civil Court of Santiago
 
Cause
: Work accident
 
Instance
: Conciliation audience
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$500

45


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

Note 25 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

5.
Plaintiff
: Angélica Allende and her sons Iván Molina and Cristóbal Molina
 
Defendant
: Ingeniería, Construcción y Servicios SMR Limitada and,
   
subsidiarily, SQM Nitratos S.A. and its insurance companies
 
Date of lawsuit
: May 2008
 
Court
: Labor Court of Antofagasta
 
Cause
: Work accident
 
Instance
: Suit being answered
 
Nominal amount
: ThUS$ 670

II.

SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries have been participating and probably will continue to participate habitually as plaintiffs or defendants in certain judicial proceedings that have been and will be filed and are subject to the decisions of the Ordinary Courts of Justice. Those proceedings, which are regulated by the applicable legal provision, mainly seek to exercise or oppose certain actions or exceptions related to certain mining concessions constituted or in the process of being constituted and do not and will not essentially affect the development of SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries.

III.

Soquimich Comercial S.A. has been participating and probably will continue to participate habitually as a plaintiff in certain judicial proceedings through which it seeks mainly to collect and receive the amounts owed to it in the total approximate amount of ThUS$900.

IV.

SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries have tried and currently continue to try to obtain payment of certain amounts still owed to them for their regular activities. Those amounts will continue to be judicially and non-judicially demanded by the plaintiffs and the actions exercised in relation to them are currently in full force.

V.

SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries have not been legally notified of other complaints other than those mentioned in paragraph I above and which pursue the voidance of certain mining properties purchased by SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries and whose proportional purchase price, in respect to the part affected by the respective overlap, exceeds the nominal and approximate amount of ThUS$150 or which seek to obtain payment of certain amounts allegedly owed from exercising their own activities and which exceed the nominal individual amount of approximately ThUS$150.

46


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

Note 25 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

b) Restrictions:
The bank loans of SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries contain restrictions similar to those of loans of the same nature that have been in force from time to time and which, among others, are related to maximum debt and minimum shareholders’ equity. Except for the above, SQM S.A. is not exposed to other restrictions in its management or to financial indicator limits by contracts or covenants with creditors.

c) Commitments:
Subsidiary SQM Salar S.A. has signed a rental contract with CORFO which establishes that such subsidiary, will pay to CORFO, for the exploitation of certain mining properties owned by CORFO and for the products resulting from such exploitation, the annual rent stated in the aforementioned contract, the amount of which is calculated on the basis of the sales of each type of product. The contract is in force until 2030 and rent began being paid in 1996 reflecting in income a value of ThUS$ 12,349 in 2008 (ThUS$ 10,182 in 2007).

II. Indirect Guarantees

The guarantees that do not have a pending payment balance reflect, indirectly, that the respective guarantees are in force and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and that they have not been used by the corresponding subsidiary.  

Note 26 – Third Party Guarantees

As of September 30, 2008 and 2007 the Company has the following indirect guarantees outstanding:

   
Debtor
   
Balances outstanding
Beneficiary
 
Name
 
Relationship
   
2008
 
2007
             
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
 
Royal Seed Trading Corp. A.V.V.
 
Subsidiary
   
100,239
 
100,433
ING Capital LLC
 
Royal Seed Trading Corp. A.V.V.
 
Subsidiary
   
80,875
 
81,581

47


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

Note 27 – Sureties Obtained from Third Parties

The main solidary pledges provided to guarantee to Soquimich Comercial S.A. fulfillment of the obligations in the commercial mandate agreements for distribution and sale of fertilizers are as follows:
 
   
2008
 
Company Name 
 
ThUS$
 
       
Llanos y Wammes Soc. Com. Ltda.
   
1,814
 
Fertglobal Chile Ltda. y Bramelli
   
3,084
 
Tattersall S.A. 
   
1,000
 

Note 28 - Sanctions

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the SVS did not apply sanctions to the Company, its directors or managers.
 
48


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

Note 29 – Environmental Projects

The Company is continuously concerned with protecting the environment both in its production processes and with respect to products manufactured. This commitment is supported by its principles indicated in its Sustainable Development Policy.

SQM is currently operating under an Environmental Management System (EMS) bases in the ISO 14000 standard, which has allowed strengthening its environmental performance through the effective application of the Company’s Sustainable Development Policy.

Disbursements made by the Company and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2008 related to investments in production processes, verification and control of compliance with ordinances and laws relative to industrial processes and facilities amount to ThUS$ 9,185 and are detailed as follows:

       
Future
 
   
2008
 
Disbursements
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
Projects
         
Construction of hygiene facilities
   
112
   
8
 
Environmental evaluation
   
1,062
   
131
 
Handling of household and industrial waste
   
627
   
925
 
Hardazous substance management
   
571
   
1,693
 
Infrastructure, equipment, new environmental offices at ME
   
14
   
-
 
Salar environmental follow-up plan
   
2,935
   
270
 
Environmental studies
   
42
   
5
 
Improvements at M. Elena camp – streets
   
435
   
755
 
Sanitary regulations at facilities
   
48
   
134
 
Environmental improvements
   
405
   
1,221
 
Waste pools R&R Lithium Carbonate Plant
   
2,150
   
74
 
Miscellaneous environmental projects related to nitrates
   
26
   
25
 
Environmental Management (1)
   
758
   
595
 
Total
   
9,185
   
5,836
 

(1) Budget for the year 2008
  
49


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

Note 29 – Environmental Projects (continued)

Operations that use caliche as raw material are developed in desert areas with climatic conditions favorable for drying solids and evaporating liquids using solar energy. Operations for the open-pit extraction of minerals, due to their low waste to mineral ratio, generate remaining deposits which slightly alter the environment. During the extraction process and subsequent crushing of ore, particle emissions occur, which is normal for this type of operations.

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 air quality and, consequently, affected the nearby city of Maria Elena. These particles mainly come from the dust that results from caliche processing, particularly during the crushing process prior to leaching. Within the framework of a decontamination plan for this city and in accordance with its Sustainable Development Policy, the Company has implemented a series of measures that have shown notable improvement in air quality at María Elena. In October 2005, the Company obtained environmental approval for a project entitled “Technological Change at Maria Elena”. The operation of this project will facilitate the reduction of particle emissions, as required by the new environmental standard, which is estimate to go into effect during the second half of 2008. The Company is requesting from CONAMA, the environmental authority, certain adjustments to the particle emissions reduction timeline that is currently considered in the decontamination plant in order to allow consistency with the degree of completion of the “Technological Change at Maria Elena” project.

In addition, for all its operations, the Company carries out environmental follow-up and monitoring plans based on specialized scientific studies and develops an annual training program in environmental matters to both its direct employees and its contractors’ employees. Within this context, SQM entered into a contract with the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) aimed at researching the activities of flamingo groups that live in the Salar de Atacama lagoons. Such research includes a population count of the birds and breeding research. Environmental follow-up maintained by the Company at the Salar de Atacama and other systems in which it operates are supported by a number of studies which have integrated diverse scientific efforts from prestigious research centers, including Dictuc from Pontificia Universidad Católica and the School of Agricultural Science of Universidad de Chile.

Furthermore, the Company is performing significant activities in relation to the recording of Pre-Columbian and historical cultural heritage, as well as the protection of heritage sites, in accordance with current Chilean laws. These actions have been especially performed in the areas surrounding Maria Elena and the Nueva Victoria plant. This effort is being accompanied by cultural initiatives within the community and the organization of exhibits in local and regional museums.

50


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

Note 29 – Environmental Projects (continued)

As emphasized in its Sustainable Development Policy, the Company strives to maintain positive relationships with the surrounding community, as well as to participate in the development of communities near its operations by supporting joint projects and activities which help to improve the quality of life for residents. For this purpose, the Company has focused its efforts on activities involving the rescue of historical heritage, education and culture, and development, and in order to do so, it acts both individually and in conjunction with both private and public entities.

Note 30 – Significant Events

1. On March 18, 2008, the Company informed the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance (SVS) that the Board of Directors of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) at its meeting held on September 18, 2008, unanimously agreed to propose the payment of a final dividend for a sum of US$0.44459 per share to those shareholders of SQM who were registered with the Shareholders’ Registry during the fifth business day prior to the date of payment of this dividend.

Upon approval of this proposal by the shareholders at the General Ordinary Shareholder’s Meeting to be held on April 30, 2008, this proposal will allow that the Company effectively pays and distributes dividends in conformity with the respective dividend policy, an annual dividend equivalent to 65% of distributable net income obtained during 2007.

2. On April 21, 2008, Inversiones SQ S.A. and SQH S.A have acquired from Yara Netherland B.V. 49% of the shares of the privately-held shareholder’s company, Inversiones SQYA S.A. Beginning on the date referred to above, SQYA S.A. Yara is no longer a related company of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.

51


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

Note 31 – Unearned Income

During the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company maintained unearned income related to the recognition of sales invoices, the delivery of which will occur subsequent to the close of the financial statements. The detail is as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
   
ThUS$
 
ThUS$
 
           
Unearned income
   
55,873
   
42,050
 

Note 32 – Subsequent Events

Management is not aware of any significant subsequent events that have occurred after September 30, 2008 and that may affect the Company’s financial position or the interpretation of these financial statements (October 28, 2008).

52

 

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

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 R.
 
Ricardo Ramos R.
  Chief Financial Officer

 

 
Date: November 21, 2008



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