HOME ABOUT BORAX ABOUT BORATES PRODUCTS MARKETS PRACTICES & SERVICES LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS RIO TINTO MINERALS SELECT A REGION History Timeline Key Facts Vision and Values Locations Visitor Center FAQs History Global Borate Supplier of Choice Borax operates California's largest open pit mine in Boron, California - one of the richest borate deposits on the planet. While boron is present everywhere in the environment, substantial deposits of borates are relatively rare. We supply nearly half the world's demand for refined borates, minerals essential to life and modern living. Borax traces its roots to California's Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872. The twenty mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on as a symbol of the company's commitment to innovation. The current open pit in the Mojave Desert began as an underground mine in 1927, and Boron Operations was converted to a surface mine in the late 1950s. At this time extensive facilities for refining ore were built. In 1980, Borax built its boric acid plant, securing the company's position as the world's leading boric acid supplier. Today, Borax is acknowledged as the world leader in borate technology, research and development. Technical support for customers, product quality, and supply reliability are the pillars of our commercial commitment. We are also committed to ensuring that our practices and products are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Borax is a member of the Rio Tinto group. Technical Support Sales Support FAQs Careers Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Part of Rio Tinto © 2015 Borax, All rights reserved.