When and where was asbestos mined?

Large-scale asbestos mining began at the end of the 19th century and has since been explored in many countries around the world including Russia, the United States, China, South Africa, Brazil & Canada.

Mining in Australia only commenced in the early 1900s with mines eventually operating in New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia & Western Australia. By far the most infamous asbestos mine was Wittenoom, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia – a town built entirely around the existence of the mine. To date, more than 2000 of the workers and residents of Wittenoom have died from asbestos-related diseases.

For more information about the history of asbestos worldwide, visit the Asbestos Diseases Foundation website.