Asbestos and Mining

Asbestos mining put many workers at risk for years. Even those who worked in other types of mines risked asbestos exposure through natural deposits and equipment. The Mine Safety and Health Administration regulates mine safety, but the protection came too late for those who developed mesothelioma.

If you suffer from malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Asbestos Mining in the United States

Asbestos mining in the U.S. started at the beginning of the 20th century. It began in Georgia but expanded across the Eastern portion of the nation within the next several years.

Eventually, asbestos mining started on the West Coast, including Washington, Oregon, and California. Numerous other states followed.

Asbestos mining in the U.S. continued for years, peaking around the early 1970s. By the late 1970s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on asbestos use. In turn, asbestos mining significantly decreased.

Yet, the regulations came far too late, and thousands of people were already developing life-threatening illnesses.

Libby, Montana

Libby, Montana, is a small town surrounded by the Cabinet Mountains, but it’s home to large amounts of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. 

Vermiculite is a group of minerals that often contains other contaminating minerals. In Libby, one of those contaminating minerals was asbestos.

Mining in Libby, Montana, began around 1920. W.R. Grace & Company took over mining in the 1960s. At this time, workers and residents suffered exposure to the contaminating asbestos.

Not only were those mining at significant risk for developing a deadly illness, but the people within the city were also in danger. The contamination in Libby was so severe that the EPA designated it a Superfund cleanup site in 2002.

Along with workers who developed asbestos illnesses and eventually passed away, thousands of Libby residents were also affected by airborne asbestos fibers and other toxic contaminants.

In 2009, the town of Libby remained at risk of toxic asbestos fibers and other contaminants. It was declared a public health emergency. Cleanup of the town is still ongoing.

Iron Range, Minnesota

Numerous people who mined in the taconite plants in Iron Range, Minnesota, developed asbestos-related illnesses after prolonged asbestos exposure.

One former worker, Gene Olds, who worked at the LTV Steel plant, developed asbestosis in 1996, which led to him wearing an oxygen mask permanently.

Olds passed away in 2013 from asbestosis complications, but before his passing, he opened up on how difficult it was for him and his family to live with an asbestos illness.

“It’s something I don’t wish on anyone. I just don’t. It’s hard on my family. It’s hard on me. I can’t do the things I always wanted to do.”

According to a report published in MPR News, 80 Minnesota miners died from asbestos-related illnesses during the 1990s alone.

Most miners worked at the taconite plants because of the excellent wages and benefits, although they were placed at great risk each time they went to work.

However, they were never informed of the risks they were taking as the dangers of asbestos were well-hidden, even though manufacturers knew of its toxicity.

Other Places Where Asbestos Mining Took Place

There were numerous other states where asbestos mining took place, including, but not limited to:

• California
• Oregon
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• Virginia
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Connecticut
• Pennsylvania
• Vermont
• Texas
• Montana

Work with a mesothelioma lawyer to seek compensation if you worked as a miner and now have an asbestos illness.

Additional Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related cancer, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.