Mining and Refining
We produce approximately 1 million tons of refined borate ore every year from our boron mine. It produces about a third of the world's supply of refined borate products.
The mine measures 1.74 miles (2.8 km) wide, 1.99 miles (3.2 km) long, and is up to 755 feet (230 m) deep. More than 80 minerals are found at this geologically unique site, including the four boron-based minerals in greatest demand by industry: Tincal, kernite, ulexite, and colemanite.
Our processing plants produce products such as borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate, and boric acid. Our fusing plants also produce anhydrous borate products. Each of our sites is ISO 14001 certified.
Mining and refining are age-old activities. Yet, U.S. Borax continually improves practices to raise productivity, ensure the safety of our team, and minimize our environmental impact. At each stage of the process, borate samples are tested at on-site laboratories, enabling instant analysis and adjustments.
Mining borates relies primarily on a combination of drilling, blasting, and shoveling to collect ore, which is then hauled to massive crushing machines. From there, it is transported to refinery centers.