Asbestos News
Former asbestos mine rehabilitation proves controversial in Australia
The rehabilitation of an old asbestos mine in the Australian state of New South Wales is causing a bit of a controversy.The company that is interested in redeveloping the Woodsreef Asbestos Mine at Barraba said that the government's plan for the site is a waste of money, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The New South Wales government reportedly wants to spend $6 million to tear down a building on the site and rehabilitate the area. However, Imcor Minerals says that instead the government should pay $3 million to conduct a feasibility study in the area.
"We have the technology to produce silica and magnesium metal products and the nickel concentrate from those palings," Imcor managing director Chris Sylvester told the news source. "It brings 140 jobs to the area and it doesn't involve tearing down something and paying $6 million just to achieve that."
Asbestos used to be mined extensively in many countries as the naturally occurring mineral was used as an insulator and flame retardant. However, by the mid-1960s it was proven that exposure to asbestos could cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
7/27/11
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