It has been known for many years now that asbestos is a material that should not be used around humans. The fibres are a carcinogen for us and millions have been affected by them.
With that knowledge at hand, it is understandable that the chrysolite ore mines have all gone silent. But one in Quebec, thought to be the biggest in the world, may now re-open and start mass production of asbestos once again.
It sounds almost unbelievable, but that is exactly what is being considered. Mine Jeffrey used to employ thousands and produce tons of asbestos, but since 2006 it has sat closed. However, an underground shaft at the mine is thought to lead to a massive deposit of chrysotile ore, enough to supply the world with asbestos for the next 25 years.
An investment group led by Baljit Chadha is attempting to buy the mine and restart production. Apparently demand for asbestos is very high. How can that be with regulations and the known health risks? While they exist in the west, no such regulations, or at least relaxed laws allow asbestos to be sold in countries including India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines.
We hope the Canadian government do not agree to the mine being re-opened even if it brings new investment and jobs to Quebec. If it does, then we could see the cases of mesothelioma sky rocket in those developing nations.
Source: AOL News (image courtesy of Worksongs.com)
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