Mission, Strategy and Values

Mission and Strategy
Rio Tinto Borax will maximize its long-term value by remaining the global borate supplier of choice. Strategies to achieve this mission include:

• Secure Markets: developing new uses for borates and capturing growth in developing economies
• Secure Resources: capturing value from mineral resources and developing human resources
• Secure Profits: improving ongoing safety, productivity and revenue enhancement initiatives
• Secure Reputation: differentiating Borax through excellence in environmental management, community engagement and product stewardship practices

Values
Values that determine the corporate culture at Borax include:

• Social Responsibility: expressed in actions to protect our own safety and that of our colleagues; to protect the environment; and, to make an effort to improve communities where we work and live.
• Integrity: requiring honorable behavior, both on the job and off. Honesty, reliability, and the ability to keep confidences as well as to admit mistakes are expressions of integrity.
• Customer focus: meeting the needs and expectations in order to build effective relationships. Customer focus also means concentrating on the situation, rather than the individual, to solve problems and take full advantage of opportunities.
• Adaptability: adapting to change – and promoting it by seeking out best practices or trying out new ideas – is everyone's job. Dealing with the risk and uncertainty that accompanies all change is also critical to Borax's success.
• Teamwork: first and foremost, teamwork means leading by example. It also means being able to relate to and respect people inside and outside the organization – sustaining their self-confidence and self-esteem at all times.
• Accountability: every Borax employee plays a leadership role by taking initiative to make things better; taking ownership of his or her work and accepting challenges. Accountability also means seeking feedback and using it to improve performance.