Sustainability


Empowering a more equitable and sustainable future for people and the planet


For more than 150 years, we’ve produced refined borates that are essential to fundamental products and applications. Today, as climate change poses a formidable challenge to us all, we are driven by finding better ways to produce the boron that the world needs.  

To shape a more equitable and sustainable future, we must pair innovative solutions with transparency. Greater transparency is key to building trust and achieving better outcomes for our people, the planet, communities, and customers.  

Our teams are committed to:

Decarbonization

Ensuring a safe, equitable, and diverse workplace

Decarbonization

Decarbonizing operations

Decarbonization

Innovative solutions that improve sustainability 

These goals are aligned with Rio Tinto’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approach to create a more equitable and sustainable future for the people and planet.  

Planet

Mitigating our impact on the planet is critical, especially as we move toward a decarbonized world. At U.S. Borax, we practice responsible environmental stewardship by:

  • Lowering our carbon footprint

  • Using resources wisely

  • Minimizing waste

  • Extracting the full value from refined borates

  • Protecting wildlife and maintaining biodiversity

Our Progress

45,000 tonnes 


Our renewable diesel fleet is estimated to reduce up to 45,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.  

> 1%  


U.S. Borax is responsible for less than 1% of
Rio Tinto’s Scope 3 emissions total. 

9 EVs 


We have nine electric vehicles (EVs) in use onsite to further reduce emissions, with plans to expand. 


We are excited about our environmental achievements and ready to accomplish more. In 2023, we became the first open pit mine in the world to transition from fossil diesel to renewable diesel.

Because transparency is key to sustainability progress, we released an interactive platform that shows surface water allocations and usage.

And, our recent Energy Star partnership proves our commitment to more energy efficient mining and refining.

People

The way we treat our people matters. At U.S. Borax, we are creating an environment that prioritizes not only physical safety, but also mental well-being. Everyone should feel respected, included, and receive professional development opportunities.

Across our sites, we’re finding new ways to embrace diversity and nurture positive relationships, so every individual can reach their full potential.


Workplace safety

Workplace Safety

Nothing matters more than keeping people safe. We are constantly finding better ways to protect people from harm and reduce risks. Our total recordable injury rate is below the industry average.

Learn more 

Workplace safety

Inclusion Council

We established the Inclusion Council to foster a culture where everyone feels included, valued, and respected. Our employees host activities and launch initiatives with key teams on-site to promote diversity and inclusion awareness.

Learn more 


Workplace safety

Everyday Respect

Transparency is the first step in creating a culture of safety and respect. We are making improvements based on findings in a special report commissioned by Rio Tinto.

Learn more 


Workplace safety

Women in Mining

Women play an integral role in our business. We are committed to advancing professional development opportunities and are working toward Rio Tinto’s goal to increase women in senior management roles by 2% per year.

Learn more 

In the Community

Since our company’s founding, we’ve been closely involved in the communities in which we operate. We care about making a positive impact on the lives of people and establishing long-term relationships.  

Community involvement 

Through the Borax Visitor Center Foundation, we oversee the disbursement of Visitor Center funds which provide support to nonprofit, tax-exempt, and government organizations in and around Boron, California. Every year the Foundation awards thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships.  

All of our sites participate in community outreach. From Wilmington’s support of the local Boys and Girls Club to Nules and Coudekerque’s sports team sponsorships, we know our operations can have a far-reaching impact. 

Economic prosperity 

U.S. Borax is a driver of economic prosperity for our surrounding communities. Job creation, as well as tax and charitable contributions, are important means to advance local financial well-being.  

Support for our customers’ sustainability  


For U.S. Borax, sustainability doesn’t stop onsite. We examine how our operations and refined boron products impact customers and all facets of the value chain. Through close partnership and collaboration, we can address pressing sustainability challenges.  

Workplace safety

Reduce waste  

Borates lend durability and protection to products, which reduces product waste. Whether it’s protecting sustainable and low carbon materials such as wood, or creating stronger glass and ceramics, borates are key in lowering negative impacts on the environment. 

Workplace safety

Save energy 

From borosilicate glass to battery graphitization, borates reduce energy consumption by lowering the required temperatures during critical manufacturing processes. 
 

More Sustainability Stories

U.S. Borax becomes first open pit mine to transition to renewable diesel
Rio Tinto has successfully completed the full transition of its heavy machinery from fossil diesel to renewable diesel at its Boron, California operation, mak... Learn More
Building Nests and Taking Flight: Kestrels at Borax Rotterdam
For 20 years, a small flock of kestrels has called our Rotterdam site home. Learn what U.S. Borax Logistics Coordinator, Mart Van Hamburg, and our team is doi... Read More
Rio Tinto Donates Land for U.S. College Campus Expansion
Land formerly held by U.S. Borax is being donated by Rio Tinto to Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Curry Campus. Learn More

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 650 customers with more than 1,800 delivery locations globally. We supply around 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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