Global mining giant Rio Tinto Group is reportedly preparing to divest its boron operations in the United States, marking another major step in the company’s strategic restructuring. According to industry sources, the sale process for its California-based boron assets is expected to officially begin within the next two weeks. Potential buyers are said to include private equity firms and leading chemical manufacturers.
Rio Tinto’s boron operations are centered around the Boron mine in the Mojave Desert, California, one of the world’s most significant borate deposits. The business also includes refining and logistics facilities at the Port of Los Angeles, as well as Owens Lake mining activities near the Sierra Nevada mountains. Data from Rio Tinto’s official site indicates that these assets supply nearly 30% of global boron demand, underscoring their importance in global industrial supply chains.
Boron plays a crucial role across multiple industries, such as fertilizers, glass and ceramic manufacturing, fiberglass insulation, and metal alloy reinforcement. Moreover, boron is a key component for stabilizing rare-earth permanent magnets—essential for electric motors, generators, and modern electronics. Earlier this month, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) added boron to its updated list of critical minerals, further highlighting its strategic significance. The United States and Turkey remain the world’s largest producers, with all U.S. boron production concentrated in California.
Rio Tinto Restructures to Focus on Core Assets
The decision to sell its boron business aligns with Rio Tinto’s broader plan to streamline operations under the leadership of new CEO Simon Trott. Since taking office three months ago, Trott has reorganized the company into three primary divisions—iron ore, aluminum & lithium, and copper—while initiating a comprehensive review of other mineral businesses, including borates.
Rio Tinto continues to derive the majority of its revenue from iron ore, copper, and aluminum, with its flagship iron ore assets located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and Canada. As the company focuses on high-value, long-term growth projects, divesting non-core assets like boron is expected to help reduce costs and sharpen strategic focus. Industry analysts estimate that the sale price for the boron assets could reach USD 2 billion, with UBS and JPMorgan reportedly advising on the transaction.
Impact on the Mining Supply Chain and Mine Support Industry
As major mining companies restructure and shift capital toward high-priority minerals—particularly those supporting electrification and clean energy—global suppliers across the mining support sector may experience increased opportunities. Modernization efforts, mine expansions, and asset transfers often lead to renewed demand for essential mine support products, including rock bolts, anchor cables, wire mesh, steel arches, and other underground reinforcement systems.
Companies like Hebei Jiufu Industrial and Mining Accessories Co., Ltd., a professional manufacturer of mining support equipment, are well positioned to support evolving mine infrastructure needs. With a growing emphasis on safety, efficiency, and long-term stability, underground mines require high-quality support systems during both operational transitions and new development phases.
As the boron industry prepares for potential ownership changes and strategic realignments, the broader mining ecosystem—including suppliers of ventilation, support, and safety solutions—may see shifts in procurement strategies. Ensuring reliable supply chains and durable support materials will remain essential for maintaining production stability in boron, copper, lithium, and other critical mineral operations.
A Transforming Global Mining Landscape
Rio Tinto’s expected exit from the boron sector reflects wider trends within the global mining industry. As priorities shift toward strategic minerals vital to clean energy technologies, companies must optimize their portfolios and enhance operational efficiency. This transformation creates both challenges and opportunities for downstream suppliers and international partners who support global mining projects.
With demand for safe and robust underground support solutions continuing to rise, industry suppliers like Hebei Jiufu Industrial and Mining Accessories Co., Ltd. will play an increasingly important role in supporting new investments and ensuring the long-term stability of critical mineral production worldwide.
Post time: Nov-27-2025
