VALENCIA, California - Gary Goldberg, President and CEO of U.S. Borax Inc. - a century-old California company that supplies nearly half the world's need for borates - has been appointed by the Speaker of the California State Assembly, Fabian Nuñez, to the Board of Directors of the California Climate Action Registry.

The Registry is a non-profit program established to promote voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions among California businesses. Mr. Goldberg's appointment follows Borax being named the first mining company in California to successfully report its 2000 through 2003 emissions in accordance with Registry protocol, and one of only 40 companies statewide to earn the distinction of Climate Action Leader™ under this rigorous program.

"Borax is using the Registry's program the way it was meant to be used. Not only are they voluntarily tracking and reporting their GHG emissions, they have committed to reducing them, setting a standard and an example for businesses statewide," said Diane Wittenberg, President of the California Climate Action Registry.

Borax has an ongoing commitment to lower its environmental impact through both its products and practices, including a goal to reduce GHG by three percent from 2003 by 2008. The company also leads the mining industry in measuring and reporting how its products and practices contribute to a sustainable development. Earlier this year, Borax received California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for sustainable practices.

Mr. Goldberg began his career with Rio Tinto, Borax's parent company, in 1981. Before joining Borax, he served as Managing Director of Coal & Allied Industries Limited in New South Wales, Australia, one of the world's leading coal businesses. Under Mr. Goldberg's direction, Coal & Allied received a national environmental award for its work to restore native habitats and achieve sustainable land use in Australia. He was also appointed to the Australian Government's Business Roundtable on Sustainable Development.

Mr. Goldberg took over as President and CEO of U.S. Borax Inc. in February 2004. Borax supplies nearly half the world's market for refined borates, and is the acknowledged world leader in borate science and technology. Mr. Goldberg sets business strategy and directs Borax's mining, refining, distribution and sales facilities in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Borax employs nearly 1,400 people worldwide and serves customers in nearly 100 countries.

Borax publishes a candid assessment of its social, environmental and economic performance and improvement targets annually, and posts that report on www.borax.com. Certified GHG emission reports for 2000-2003 are now available through the Registry's website at www.climateregistry.org/CARROT/Public/.