SALTA, Argentina - Borax Argentina, the nation's leading borate supplier, joined local education, government and business leaders to inaugurate School No. 4752 in Campo Quijano, Argentina, today. The new school, the first to be built locally in 50 years, features five classrooms and eight teachers dedicated to educating 280 local students.

Borax Argentina and the Salta Ministry of Eucation donated nearly US$ 32,500 for building materials, while the municipality of Campo Quijano invested approximately US$20,000 in labor and materials and oversaw the school construction. Future plans for the site include building more classrooms, administrative offices, an assembly hall and, eventually, a secondary school.

"Together, we are investing in the next generation by making sure they have access to an excellent education," said Alberto Trunzo, managing director of Borax Argentina. "We feel extremely proud of what has been achieved today, and look forward to continue working in partnership with the community."

Borax Argentina operates Argentina's largest open pit mine in Tincalayu, Salta, as well as mines in Sijes, and Porvenir, and refinery facilities in Campo Quijano. The company recently announced plans to invest $US2.6 million to construct a new boric acid plant that will recycle tailings from its existing refinery operation. Boric acid is an essential ingredient in agricultural fertilizers, insulation fiberglass and ceramic glazes and tile bodies.

Borax Argentina holds monthly meetings with institutions that address education, health, nutrition and other issues of importance to the community. The company actively promotes education through scholarships, book contributions, and work training; promotes community health through support for child care, nutrition, and drug and alcohol treatment programs; and donates food, shoes, medicine, sports equipment and agricultural equipment for community orchards and vegetable gardens to help alleviate the difficult economic situation facing the community and country.

"People in Campo Quijano are very happy with this new school," said Pablo Vago, quality, safety and environmental manager. "It's part of our commitment to a sustainable future."

About Borax
Borax supplies nearly half the global demand for refined borates - essential micronutrients for plants, part of a healthy human diet, and key ingredients in glass, fiberglass, ceramics, detergents, personal care products, fertilizers and wood preservatives. www.borax.com.