In celebration of Mining Month, the chemical company unveiled “The Man Who Knew the Most about Caliche Ore in the World,” a biography of Edgar Stanley Freed. Freed, a distinguished researcher, made significant contributions to solar evaporation pond technology, which remains integral to the production processes at the world’s leading producer of iodine and specialty fertilizers.
Pablo Altimiras, CEO of SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, remarked, “As successors in the saltpeter industry where Stanley Freed made his mark, we deeply value his contribution and legacy. His innovative work in evaporation ponds, a cutting-edge technology of the 1940s, continues to be a crucial part of our production processes. This book allows us to honor and remember a key figure in non-metallic mining with respect and admiration.”
The book was created in partnership with Memoria Creativa, a publishing house founded by SQM employees who researched Freed’s life and contributions from his arrival in the saltpeter pampa until his passing.
Beatriz Oelckers, Vice President of Research and Innovation at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition and the book’s author, shared, “The project was incredibly fulfilling. We connected with one of the foremost researchers and developers of our company’s processes through his personal and professional history. This allowed us to recognize a significant figure in global mining history.”
The launch event, set against the backdrop of the pampa, was attended by regional and municipal officials, Dr. Freed’s family, and local organizations. The gathering featured performances by TeatroRocco and renowned national actress Luz Valdivieso.
Regional Governor Ricardo Díaz praised SQM’s efforts, stating, “What SQM is doing is crucial—bringing attention to those who innovated and shaped our northern history. We need to revive and highlight our heritage, demonstrating that science, research, and innovation are thriving here and benefiting Chile.”
Sebastian Freed, Dr. Freed’s great-grandson who initially proposed the book, said, “This tribute has been truly special. My interest in my family legacy began at 14, and discovering documents from my grandmother inspired me to share my great-grandfather’s story. This motivated me to approach SQM to achieve this important milestone.”
Beatriz Oelckers, Alejandro Lara (Senior Research Director at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition), and Carolina Díaz (founder of Memoria Creativa) participated in a panel discussion titled “Innovative Legacy: Dr. Stanley Freed and His Impact on Mining in the 21st Century,” where they explored Freed’s work and its ongoing international significance.
Attendee Demetrio Delgado, a native of María Elena, expressed his appreciation, stating, “I was deeply impressed by the story of this scientist. As a local, I resonate with his passion for the pampas. I am grateful to be part of this significant cultural achievement.”
Biography of Stanley Freed
Stanley Freed’s drive established him as the chief scientific consultant to the Guggenheim Brothers. Despite skepticism about his inventions, he devoted his final years to realizing his ultimate goal: creating solar evaporation ponds to extract valuable minerals from caliche ore using only solar energy.
Freed’s life was defined by his love for the pampas. He arrived in the Atacama Desert for a three-year stint and stayed for the rest of his life, witnessing the growth of María Elena and Pedro de Valdivia. He met his wife in the pampas and had two children. His advanced scientific innovations helped the Chilean nitrate industry survive the Great Depression.
In addition to developing production plants and solar evaporation ponds, Freed invented ‘Freed cement’ to waterproof pond bases against climatic and seismic movements. A pioneer in his field, Freed revolutionized both science and the saltpeter industry.
