In order to support local community efforts to fight COVID-19 and its social and economic impacts, Rio Tinto (of which U.S. Borax is a part) is investing $10 million in a variety of grassroots projects across Canada and the United States.
From delivering critical equipment for people working in hospitals to providing practical support to communities and families, we are contributing to efforts by our partners to help fight the pandemic. In addition, Rio Tinto is supporting projects that maintain and create regional economic development, which is vital for the long-term prosperity of communities where it operates.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive J-S Jacques said “Rio Tinto is proud to play our part in supporting the outstanding and innovative efforts of our people, partners, and wider communities in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Our investments are targeted at practical solutions like funding the food banks or counselling and support services that are helping frontline response workers and the communities around our operations.”
Aid in the United States
California
U.S. Borax gave $10,000 donations to three deserving and hardworking organizations in our communities that support vulnerable people and families who are experiencing food insecurity, or are experiencing challenges with distance learning. These donations help families near our Wilmington facility at the Port of Los Angeles as well as those near our mine site in Boron, California. We have donated to:
- The Boys and Girls Club of LA Harbor
- Antelope Valley Partners for Health
- Community Action Partnership Kern
We are also matching, dollar for dollar, all employee donations to these approved organizations for COVID-19 response efforts. We are also partnering with more organizations, to ensure all employees feel engaged in our company efforts to support COVID-19 response.
We are proud to continue partnering with these community organizations, and will continue to scale our efforts as we go forward. Our Boron operations site is also producing hand sanitizer on site, to ensure our own continued stock, and to support families and communities in their efforts to stay safe during this time.
Illinois
U.S. Borax sales, marketing, and logistics teams are based in Rio Tinto’s commercial office in Chicago. They donated $10,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository which acts as a hub for more than 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. These programs provide food and assistance where it’s needed most in the Chicago region.
Utah
Rio Tinto’s Kennecott copper operation is partnering with the Natural History Museum to run a digital education hub pilot to improve access to technology for students. Like Boron, Kennecott is also producing hand sanitizer in order to free up supplies.
Arizona
Rio Tinto’s Resolution Copper project partnered with the United Food Bank to deliver 75,000 meals to the White Mountain Apache Tribe on the Fort Apache Reservation and is also donating 50,000 cans of water to support tribes in collaboration with Ball Corp and Can’d Aid.
Further investments will be announced over the next six months and beyond. Rio Tinto is committed to supporting COVID-19 resilience and recovery, both now and in the future.
“Rio Tinto is committed to safely continuing to deliver products to our customers, spending money with our suppliers and investing in local initiatives, while supporting the efforts of governments to protect people and stimulate economic recovery,” Jacques said.
How you can help
If you’re able, consider donating to these worthy organizations:
Additional resources