Asbestos mining
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History of Asbestos Mines Around the World
Asbestos mining has a long and controversial history. While many countries have ceased mining operations due to health risks and legal bans, others continue to extract and export this hazardous material. Let’s explore the history and current status of asbestos mining in key countries.
Australia: The Wittenoom Mine
Australia mined Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos), the most hazardous type of asbestos, in the town of Wittenoom from the 1930s to 1966. Although mining stopped decades ago, the legacy remains tragic. Wittenoom is now a ghost town and a dangerous tourist attraction. Australia began regulating asbestos products in the late 1970s, and a full ban came into effect in 2003. You can further read our blog on this town here
Brazil: Mining Despite a Ban
Brazil’s only active asbestos mine is located in Minaçu. It is one of the largest Chrysotile (White Asbestos) mines in the world. While Brazil banned asbestos use domestically in 2017, the country continues to export large quantities to Asia. This raises ethical concerns about prioritizing profit over global health.
China: A Major Consumer and Producer
China began asbestos mining during Japanese occupation in the 1940s. Today, China mines and consumes hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Chrysotile Asbestos annually. While many countries have moved away from asbestos, China remains a significant player in the global asbestos market.
Canada: From Global Leader to a Ban
Canada was a leading producer and exporter of asbestos for decades, with the Jeffrey Mine in Quebec being the world’s largest. Operations ceased in 2011, and Canada banned asbestos in 2018. The town of Asbestos even voted to change its name in 2020 due to the stigma associated with the mineral.
Russia: The World’s Largest Asbestos Producer
Russia dominates asbestos production, extracting around 650,000 tonnes annually. The city of Asbest continues to embrace asbestos mining, despite global health warnings. The industry generates approximately $600 million annually, highlighting the prioritization of economic gain over health concerns.
South Africa: A Ban After Decades of Production
South Africa was once the top producer of Crocidolite and Amosite asbestos, supplying nearly all of the world’s demand. In 2008, South Africa banned asbestos entirely, including its importation and exportation. Cleanup efforts in former mining towns, such as Koegas, have focused on rehabilitating the land and reducing health risks.
The United Kingdom: A History of Imports
The UK never mined asbestos but imported large quantities for use in construction and manufacturing. The importation and use of asbestos were fully banned in 1999, marking the end of the UK’s reliance on this hazardous material.
Asbestos Mining Today
Despite widespread bans and health warnings, asbestos mining persists. According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Geological Survey, these are the largest asbestos-producing countries:
- Russia: 650,000 tonnes
- Kazakhstan: 220,000 tonnes
- China: 100,000 tonnes
- Brazil: 100,000 tonnes
Reserves by Country:
- Russia: 110 million tonnes
- China: 96 million tonnes
- Brazil: 12 million tonnes
- World Total: Vast reserves remain
The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly advocates for an end to asbestos mining and use, emphasizing the link between asbestos and severe health issues such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Ethical and Health Concerns
Some countries, like Brazil, continue to mine and export asbestos while banning its use domestically. This hypocrisy highlights the prioritization of income over global health. Stronger international regulations and enforcement are needed to curb the mining and exportation of asbestos.
Learn More
For detailed information about asbestos mining from The World Health Organization (WHO)
Key Takeaways
International organizations like the WHO call for a complete cessation of asbestos mining and use.
Countries like Russia and China still dominate asbestos production, despite widespread bans elsewhere.
Ethical concerns arise from countries exporting asbestos but banning its use domestically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which countries are still actively involved in asbestos mining?
A: As of now, some of the main countries still engaged in asbestos mining include Brazil, China, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Brazil primarily mines Chrysotile asbestos, while China focuses on Chrysotile as well. Russia, on the other hand, produces various types of asbestos, and Kazakhstan mines primarily Chrysotile.
Q: How do countries with bans or regulations on asbestos still export it to other markets?
A: Despite bans or regulations in their own countries, some nations continue to export asbestos to markets where its use is less regulated or where there’s still demand for asbestos-containing products. This often involves long-distance transportation of raw asbestos materials.
Q: What are the current global production levels and reserves of asbestos?
A: According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Geological Survey, the global asbestos mine production in 2018 was approximately 1.1 million tonnes, with Russia being the largest producer. As for reserves, countries like Russia, China, and Kazakhstan hold significant amounts. However, efforts are being made by organizations like the World Health Organization to advocate for the cessation of asbestos mining to mitigate associated health risks.
Further Reading
