SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 – The famous Twenty Mule Team wagons that hauled tons of borax out of Death Valley more than a century ago will make a rare appearance at this year’s 53rd Annual Twenty Mule Team Days Parade in Boron, California, on Saturday, October 2.

The Twenty Mule Team will pull wagons that are currently on display at the Borax Visitor Center, an educational center where you can learn about modern mining and watch California’s largest mine in operation. The historic wagons were built in 1883 and were tough enough to carry eleven tons of ore apiece across 165 miles through the Mojave Desert.

Boron is the site of Rio Tinto Minerals’ mine and refinery. The Borax Twenty Mule teams hauled ore from Death Valley to Mojave more than 120 years ago. This year, the Twenty Mule Team wagons will be pulled by 20 sorrel mules owned and trained by Bobby Tanner of Bishop, California. Mr. Tanner is no stranger to Boron. His team pulled the wagon in previous parades and he was also behind the reins when the Twenty Mule Team appeared in the 1999 Rose Parade in Pasadena.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs along Twenty Mule Team Road in Boron before ending at Boron Park. In addition to the parade, Twenty Mule Team Days this year includes a talent show, art show, carnival, food booths, raffle, live music and more. The weekend is organized by the Boron Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Twenty Mule Team Days contact the Boron Chamber of Commerce at 760-762-5810.

About Rio Tinto Minerals
Rio Tinto Minerals produces nearly half the global demand for refined borates from its Boron Operations in California, one of the richest deposits on the planet. Employing more than 750 individuals, the operation plays a significant role in the economies of Kern County, Mojave and the Antelope Valley. Today, Rio Tinto Minerals is a world leader in borates and talc production, and comprises 2,500 people working on five continents to serve more than 2,500 customers worldwide. www.riotintominerals.com

Contacts:
Brent Rush, Manager, Government Affairs and Communities
760-559-7441