BORON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Opening overseas markets for California’s quality products, resources and agriculture is an important factor in Kern County’s economic growth, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) told employees of Rio Tinto Borates (RTB) during a town hall meeting April 7.
Rep. McCarthy has recently been working to bring down trade barriers for boric acid produced by Rio Tinto Borates as well as California-grown almonds and other agricultural products.
“When California produces, our country and community win—particularly when we are able to sell our products to markets around the world,” McCarthy said. “This ability to operate is vital to job creation and innovation. Securing critical minerals, as is done here at Boron, ensures that our community continues to put America at the forefront of a 21st century economy.”
From its mining and refining operations in Boron, California, Rio Tinto Borates supplies about 30% of the world’s supply of refined borates, a critical ingredient in hundreds of products, including glass, fiberglass, ceramics, fertilizers, wood preservatives and detergents.
About 75% of Rio Tinto Borates’ products are exported to more than 1,000 customers in 100 countries from its Port of Los Angeles operations in Wilmington. The top-five export markets are in Asia.
“Well over half of Rio Tinto Borates’ sales are to customers outside the US,” said Dean Gehring, President and CEO of Rio Tinto Borates. “Opening up new markets and bringing down foreign trade barriers to our products make our operation and our employees more competitive globally.”
About Rio Tinto Borates
Part of Rio Tinto Group, Rio Tinto Borates supplies about 30% of the world’s refined borates—a critical ingredient in hundreds of products, including glass, fiberglass, ceramics, fertilizers, wood preservatives and detergents – from its operation in California’s Mojave Desert, one of the richest borate deposits on earth.
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