Asbestos News
Zimbabwe to reopen asbestos mine
The African country of Zimbabwe appears to be set to resume operations at an asbestos mine.The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) is reportedly close to finalizing the feasibility study for the now defunct Shabanie-Mashava Mines, reports Bernama.com.
ZMDC Chairman Goodwills Masimirembwa said that he expects operations at the mine to begin relatively soon.
"We are almost completing the feasibility study which will pave way for the commencement of mining operations at Shabanie Mashaba Mines," he said, reports the news source. "We hope that in the next 90 days mining operations will have started."
The mine reportedly closed in 2008 leaving about 3,000 people out of a job. However, while it might appear that reopening the mine would be good for these people, the opposite is true.
It has been proven for nearly 50 years that exposure to asbestos can cause a number of serious diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. These illnesses have led more than 50 countries around the world to ban the use of asbestos, although some prominent countries - most notably Canada - are still involved in the deadly trade.
1/3/12
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