U.S. Borax, a division of the Rio Tinto Group, stands as a foremost leader in the boron industry, significantly contributing to the global borate supply. Leveraging over a century of experience, the company operates the largest open-pit borate mine in California, known as the Rio Tinto Boron Mine, located in the town of Boron. This mine alone produces nearly half of the world's borate minerals, serving a wide range of applications across various industries.
Specializing in refined borates, U.S. Borax's top products include Firebrake, a unique zinc borate used in fire-retardant formulations; Dehybor, a water-soluble sodium borate ideal for cleaning applications; Neobor, an effective industrial wood preservative; and Optibor, a versatile product used across multiple industries. Additionally, they offer boric acid, boron oxide, and a range of specialty compounds, highlighting their extensive product portfolio.
U.S. Borax's commitment to innovation is evident through continuous research and development efforts, aiming to find new applications for boron and improve existing products. This dedication ensures that U.S. Borax remains at the forefront of industry advancements and maintains its reputation for high-quality and sustainable mining practices.
The company has a strong presence in key export markets, including Europe, Asia, and South America, ensuring global accessibility to its superior products. With a substantial footprint in regions such as Boron, Wilmington, and Owens Lake in California, U.S. Borax not only produces high-grade borates but also emphasizes community and environmental sustainability.
Founded in 1872, U.S. Borax has a rich legacy characterized by resilience and growth. Evolving through the years, the company continues to adapt to market demands, establishing itself as a trusted name in the boron supply industry. This rich history coupled with a firm commitment to quality and innovation makes U.S. Borax a cornerstone in the global borate sector.
Borax Français, a subsidiary of U.S. Borax and part of the Rio Tinto Group, has a well-established history in the borate industry since 1902. The company is strategically located in Coudekerque, Northern France, and specializes in refining high-quality borate products. These products serve pivotal roles in various sectors, including agriculture, nuclear energy, industrial manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Known for its extensive range of premium borates, Borax Français offers notable products such as Firebrake, Dehybor, Neobor, and Optibor boric acid. These compounds are essential in numerous applications, from ceramics and glass production to fire retardancy and industrial uses. The company's dedication to quality and performance ensures its products remain a preferred choice among global customers.
Borax Français operates internationally, with significant export markets in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. This widespread presence underscores the company's capacity to meet diverse customer needs across various regions, reinforcing its status as a global leader in the borate industry.
The plant in Coudekerque features advanced production facilities, including crystal production lines and efficient packing, palletizing, and loading stations. Environmental responsibility is a core value at Borax Français, evidenced by its impressive recycling rates—80% of production waste is recycled, and 75% of the water used in manufacturing comes from recycled sources. The facility's certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, highlight its commitment to quality and environmental management.
Throughout its history, Borax Français has continually evolved, investing in modernization and new product development, notably in the sector of cathodes for batteries. The company's sustained focus on research and development drives improvements in product quality while minimizing environmental impact, solidifying its leadership in the specialty borate market.
Borax España, a subsidiary of U.S. Borax, is a key player in the industrial borate supply sector in Europe and Africa. Strategically located in Nules, Spain, near the Castellón Port, the company is well-positioned to manage efficient port shipping, packing, compacting, and distribution. This location enables Borax España to ensure its high-quality borate products, such as Optibor®, Neobor®, and Granubor®, reach customers efficiently.
Specializing in borate products, Borax España operates with advanced handling capabilities, including bulk unloading and dedicated flat warehousing to prevent contamination. The production process, especially for Granubor®, involves meticulous compaction followed by packing in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) to streamline delivery. The company offers flexible delivery solutions, including palletized shipments and silo-loaded tankers.
Boasting over 25 years of operational excellence, Borax España has made significant strides in ensuring occupational safety. The facility employs rigorous safety measures, featuring dust collectors and designated areas for drivers, which contribute to their exemplary safety record devoid of lost-time incidents.
In addition to its industrial prominence, Borax España actively engages with the community by sponsoring local organizations such as the Asociación Española Contra El Cáncer in Nules, Cruz Roja, and children's sports clubs. This community focus highlights their commitment to corporate social responsibility.
With a diverse team representing multiple nationalities, Borax España excels in offering multilingual support and understanding local business customs, bolstering customer satisfaction. Their continuous innovation and adaptation to regulatory changes ensure that they lead in providing reliable solutions tailored to the evolving needs of their extensive client base in industries like agriculture, ceramics, and fire retardancy.
Ab Etiproducts Oy, established in 1982 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, stands as a prominent player in the global boron products market. The company operates as a subsidiary of Eti Maden IGM, Turkey's largest mining company, which has a rich history dating back to 1935.
Renowned for its specialization in boron minerals and chemicals, Ab Etiproducts Oy offers a wide range of top products, including Colemanite, Ulexite, Tincal, Boric Acid, Boron Oxide, Disodium Tetraborate Pentahydrate (Etibor-48), and Borax Deca. These products are crucial for various industries such as agriculture, glass production, and ceramics.
The company leverages a robust logistics network to manage international sales and distribution, with warehouses in Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Poland, Germany, and South Africa. Its extensive logistics infrastructure enables effective market reach and caters to a global clientele, including active export markets in Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Poland, Germany, South Africa, Europe, and beyond.
Committed to sustainability and innovation, Ab Etiproducts Oy emphasizes efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. The company has a strong focus on research and development, playing a significant role in advancing boron technology and its myriad applications. Their efforts have bolstered economic development in Finland and the global boron market.
Despite facing a revenue decline of 54.4% in 2023, bringing it to €85.39 million, the firm remains a key player with a dedicated workforce of 8 employees. Their location at Piispanportti 11, 02240 Espoo, Finland, serves as a hub for innovation and development.