"Rio Tinto Minerals is proud to partner with the United Way, one of our region's most innovative and effective non-profit organizations, to help meet vital needs in the Antelope Valley and Kern County," said Jon Godla, the General Manager of Rio Tinto Minerals—Boron Operations. "We have operated in Boron for more than 80 years and remain committed to giving back to surrounding communities both as a company and through the individual efforts of our employees."

Many of Rio Tinto Minerals' donations were specifically targeted to assist organizations based in Kern County or the Antelope Valley. Local organizations receiving funding include the Boron Senior Center, Antelope Valley Women's Shelter and West Boron Elementary School, where donations will help to send students to Camp KEEP, a five-day residential education program that offers hands-on science instruction.

A national partnership of more than 1,300 community-based organizations, the United Way helps to create pathways out of poverty and to meet basic needs for families and individuals through its own programs and by supporting partner organizations that produce measurable results. In the Antelope Valley this means assisting the region's estimated 1,815 homeless individuals, and supporting programs in areas such as housing, health care and education.

"To accomplish the United Way's mission of fighting poverty and building up communities requires close partnership with civic-minded businesses," said Susan Porter, Account Executive for the United Way of Antelope Valley. "We commend Rio Tinto Minerals for their sense of corporate social responsibility and generosity, which is helping to improve lives throughout our region."

About Rio Tinto Minerals
Rio Tinto Minerals produces nearly half the global demand for borates from its Boron Operations in California, home to one of the richest deposits on the planet. Employing more than 750 individuals, the operation plays a significant role in the economies of Kern County, Mojave and the Antelope Valley. Today, Rio Tinto Minerals is a world leader in borates and talc production, and encompasses 2,500 people working on five continents to serve more than 2,500 customers worldwide. www.riotintominerals.com