Rio Tinto's borates come from the world's largest borate mine in California and from a smaller operation in Argentina. Chemical products produced from borate minerals are used in the manufacture of a wide range of products including fibreglass, heat resistant glass, ceramics, plant nutrients and detergents. Markets for borates in the developed world are relatively mature but there are still significant growth opportunities in the developing countries. Over the past decade the market for borates has grown at around 2.5 per cent a year.

Rio Tinto Borax has been undertaking a number of research programmes into uses of borates. Insights into boron chemistry suggest that while borates are essential plant micro-nutrients that help growth, they are also effective preservatives that can prevent growth of spoiling bacteria. Borate compounds can control many different pests and an acquired resistance to borates, a common problem with other substances in pest control, is unlikely. Natural borate compounds have been shown to work for the control of fungi, algae, bacteria and many insects like cockroaches, fleas and flies.

It is believed that boron sufficient, healthy plants are less susceptible to disease. Borates reduce fungal disease in barley and root disease in cabbages, and provide fungal disease control in conifers. Borates also have environmental credentials in wood preservation, such as treating rubberwood, a plantation tree grown for latex. In tropical countries, borates protect buildings against termites. Borate treated wood resists attack and is used, for example, in 80 per cent of house construction in Hawaii. Natural fibre products, increasingly popular as a result of the trend towards the use of renewable raw materials, are also borate protected. Applications include insulation, as well as fillers or strengtheners of other materials like plastics.

Rio Tinto Borax also has a number of programmes associated with understanding the impacts of the use of borates on the environment and human health. Research is also being undertaken into the use of borates as an energy source for fuel cells.