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U.S. Borax Operations › U.S. Borax History › Boron 20 Mule Team Days

Boron 20 Mule Team Days


Celebrating nearly 150 years of innovation

Looking Forward

Today, the 20 Mule Team continues to inspire our imagination—and U.S. Borax's determination to keep innovating. As the supplier of more than 30% of the world’s refined borates and operator of the largest open pit mine in California, we are proud of our Boron, California family.

Each October, the city of Boron hosts Boron 20 Mule Team Days, a day-long celebration of the town’s mining heritage and bright future: Many more years of innovative and exciting research, product development, and community partnership.

145-Year History as a Leading Supplier of Boron

Since the discovery of borates in California’s Death Valley in 1881, U.S. Borax has come a long way. Over our 145-year history as a leading supplier of boron, many things have changed. Today, the boron we mine is used in everything from soap (sold through partnership with Henkel Dial) to fertilizers to cell phone glass.

In celebration of this historic icon’s 145th anniversary, a full-scale, authentic, working replica of the wagons rode in the 2017 Rose Parade. Construction of the replica wagons took nearly two years, to ensure their authenticity and capability.

But one thing never changes: Our innovative spirit and commitment to our customers, employees, and community.

20 Mule Team Borax replica

Dave Engel

Dave Engel is the man behind the replica set of the wagons that were featured in the 2017 Boron 20 Mule Team Days as well as that year’s Independence Day parade in Washington, D.C.

Watch the video to learn more about Engel and his work on the replica ›

 

VIDEOS

20 Mule Team parade
Celebrating 145 years of Rio Tinto's borates business. Watch the video
Rio Tinto Borate’s 145-year celebration
Celebrating 145 years of the 20 mule team. Watch the video

U.S. Borax, part of Rio Tinto, is a global leader in the supply and science of borates—naturally-occurring minerals containing boron and other elements. We are 1,000 people serving 500 customers with more than 1,700 delivery locations globally. We supply 30% of the world’s need for refined borates from our world-class mine in Boron, California, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.  Learn more about Rio Tinto.

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