Asbestos Mine Could Close Over Labour Issues

The only asbestos mine that operates year-round could be indefinitely shuttered if LAB Chrysotile and its workers can't come to an agreement.

Quebec's biggest crhysotile asbestos mine could close this November due to unresolved labour issues. LAB Chrysotile's last remaining year-round asbestos operation in Thetford Mines, Que., employs about 350 people and is responsible for the bulk of Canada's $90-million chrysotile asbestos industry, which has faced widespread criticism because the mineral has a nasty habit of giving people lung cancer. If matters aren't resolved with the union, LAB Chrysotile could shut the mine down indefinitely. Both the provincial and federal governments support the industry, as they maintain chrysotile asbestos is safe so long as it's handled properly. The only other asbestos mine in Quebec, Jeffrey Mine in the aptly named city of Asbestos, is only open for a few months a year and could close if it doesn't get a loan approved by the provincial government.