Asbestos, once heralded as the 'magic mineral' due to its versatility and ability to withstand the effects of fire, has by no uncertain means become the albatross of the Canadian government. Canada was once the leader in the export of asbestos, but now finds itself in a position where its last and only extractor of the hazardous mineral is in the throes of bankruptcy. Financial bailouts have been the norm since the early 1980s when the industry first started showing signs of trouble. At stake have been jobs (and election votes) in areas that have been dependent on the product for over a century.
The French-Canadian municipalities of Thetford Mines and the appropriately named town of Asbestos have long embraced the mineral even as its extraction has led to widespread alteration of the surrounding landscape and respiratory illnesses among residents which may be attributed to the effects of asbestos. Locals have argued that mass-hysteria has led to the death of the industry, and that asbestos is a safe product if used responsibly. For years, federal and provincial levels of government have put their weight behind public relations campaigns in favour of the mineral's use despite 60 countries having banned the mineral. Not surprisingly, countries such as India where health and safety regulations are more lax take in the bulk of Canada's asbestos exports.
As a result of the decline of this industry, I felt it paramount to document the mines and connecting infrastructure before their imminent demolition. While the distorted landscape surrounding the mines will remain indefinitely, the architecture of the industry will likely soon fade, marking the end of an era and a controversial chapter in Canada's history. Less clear is how the mining towns will adopt to these changes.
