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Providing borates through planet-conscious means

Renewable diesel 

We became the first open pit mine in the world to achieve a breakthrough milestone: Transitioning our heavy machinery from fossil fuel to renewable diesel.

The conversion, made possible through partnerships with Neste and Rolls-Royce, significantly reduces our carbon footprint while upholding performance and reliability.


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100%

The diesel is made from 100% renewable raw materials such as cooking oil and animal fat waste.

45,000

Our renewable diesel fleet is estimated to reduce up to 45,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

9,600

Moving to renewable diesel is equivalent to eliminating the annual emissions of approximately 9,600 cars.

Biodiversity 


We operate near rich landscapes, filled with sensitive biodiversity and vulnerable wildlife species. Recognizing this tremendous responsibility to uphold the integrity of the surrounding environment, we assess and monitor any risks and impacts of operations to the surrounding environment.

Wildlife Rescue Center

Boron is home to a 950-square-foot Wildlife Rescue Center. Our staff's work revolves around mitigating the impact operations may have on surrounding wildlife and implementing preventative measures. 
Drone-based wildlife monitoring
Rescuing injured wildlife and ensuring they receive proper restorative treatment
Habitat conservation

21 

Near Threatened

2 

Critically Endangered

24 

Vulnerable

17 

Endangered

We actively monitor endangered species near Boron Operations and train staff to be informed biodiversity stewards.


Transparent water insights


With Rio Tinto's interactive platform, we can share surface water allocations and usage data across U.S. Borax sites. This data transparency is especially valuable because we operate in an environment with changing and volatile water conditions, classified by the WRI Water Risk Atlas under the Extremely High-Risk category.

Experience the platform

Land stewardship 

From the company's early days, we’ve been staunch advocates for the creation and growth of Death Valley National Park. Multiple land donations by U.S. Borax has ensured the long-term health and preservation of this unique landscape.

Beyond conservation, we practice careful utilization of our operational footprint. Before expanding, we carefully consider existing space that can be repurposed to accommodate needs.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2010, U.S. Borax donated 110 acres and associated mineral rights to expand Death Valley National Park.

Energy and waste reduction 


As the world moves toward a circular economy, we’re finding ways to not only extract the full value from mined borates, but also associated waste.

We reached an agreement with CR Minerals to transform waste materials into pozzolans, which offer a low-carbon alternative to cement in concrete production.

Discover more

Related resources

Building Nests and Taking Flight: Kestrels at Borax Rotterdam
For 20 years, a small flock of kestrels has called our Rotterdam site home. Learn what U.S. Borax Logistics Coordinator, Mart Van Hamburg, and our team is doi... Learn More
U.S. Borax becomes first open pit mine to transition to renewable diesel
Rio Tinto has successfully completed the full transition of its heavy machinery from fossil diesel to renewable diesel at its Boron, California operation, mak... Learn More
Sustainability at the Center
As corporations take the lead in global decarbonization efforts, they look to the multifunctional benefits of borates to reduce energy requirements, boost pro... Learn More

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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