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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 we are driven by finding better, more sustainable ways to provide the boron that the world needs. 

To shape a more equitable and sustainable future, we must pair innovative solutions with transparency. 


Our mission is to achieve better outcomes for our people, the planet, communities, and customers. 

U.S. Borax's sustainability agenda is 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 and minimizing waste

Protecting wildlife and maintaining biodiversity

Extracting the full value from refined borates

Environmental Progress

People 

U.S. Borax prioritizes not only physical safety, but also the mental well-being of our people. From the Inclusion Council's diversity and inclusion work to our commitment to advancing professional development opportunities for women in mining, we’re finding ways to ensure everyone can reach their full potential.

 

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Community

We are closely involved in the communities in which we operate. U.S. Borax creates a positive legacy through: 


Annual grants and scholarships


Community outreach and volunteering


Job growth and economic prosperity


Land preservation and donations

See our impact 

Support for our customers' sustainability

Sustainability doesn't stop onsite. Our refined boron products facilitate low-impact operations for customers.

Workplace safety
Reduces waste

Boron supports more durable products in numerous industries, reducing waste. It protects wood—a low-carbon construction material—from pests and fire. Boron also reinforces glass strength.

Workplace safety
Saves energy

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

Workplace safety
Advances agriculture

As an essential micronutrient, boron helps farmers maximize crop yield and improve plant health without damaging the long-term health of soils.


MORE DETAILS

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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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