31 Dec 2037
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in United States
Final permitted use of asbestos in imported sheet gaskets is banned by year‑end 2037.
Asbestos production
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil, particularly in areas with volcanic activity. Its unique properties make it valuable: thin, durable fibers that are heat-resistant and insulating. Asbestos has been used extensively in various industries due to its desirable properties. It's often added to construction materials like cement, roofing tiles, and insulation, as well as in automotive brake pads and clutches. Fire-resistant clothing and heat insulation for textiles also utilize asbestos....
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil, particularly in areas with volcanic activity. Its unique properties make it valuable: thin, durable fibers that are heat-resistant and insulating.
Asbestos has been used extensively in various industries due to its desirable properties. It's often added to construction materials like cement, roofing tiles, and insulation, as well as in automotive brake pads and clutches. Fire-resistant clothing and heat insulation for textiles also utilize asbestos.
Mining asbestos involves open-pit or underground excavation of the mineral-bearing rock or soil. The material is then crushed or milled to release the fibers, which are graded by length and diameter before being processed and prepared for commercial use. However, due to health risks associated with exposure, asbestos mining is highly regulated or banned in many countries.
Global Production History
Global Production Map
Production by Country
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
31 Dec 2036
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in United States
EPA requires remaining chloralkali plants to stop using asbestos diaphragms by 2036.
31 Dec 2029
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in United States
EPA mandates chloralkali plants to transition from asbestos diaphragms to alternative materials by 2029.
1 Aug 2024
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Brazil
State of Goias law sets a 5‑year deadline for suspension of asbestos mining and processing activities.
1 May 2024
Import Restriction for Asbestos in United States
United States fully banned imports of asbestos fibers, restricting the commodity’s entry into the country.
1 Feb 2023
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Brazil
Supreme Federal Court upheld a 2017 ruling declaring extraction, sale, and use of asbestos unconstitutional.
31 Dec 2022
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in United States
The EPA is expected to propose and finalize actions to address chrysotile risks by the end of 2022, potentially limiting its disposal, distribution, or use.
1 Mar 2020
Processing Startup for Asbestos in Zimbabwe
Dewatering of the King Mine shafts was completed in March 2020, enabling further expansion of asbestos extraction operations.
1 Feb 2020
Processing Startup for Asbestos in Brazil
Ore processing at the Goiás-authorized site restarted in February 2020, marking the resumption of asbestos processing operations.
1 Jan 2020
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in United States
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the final risk evaluation report for chrysotile in 2020, setting the stage for potential restrictions on its use.
1 Jul 2019
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Brazil
The State of Goiás passed a law in July 2019 authorizing asbestos extraction for export purposes, creating a new regulatory framework for the commodity.
Jun 2019
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in United States
The EPA issued a new use rule effective June 24, 2019 requiring approval for asbestos use, potentially restricting its application in industrial products.
11 Feb 2019
Mine Closure for Asbestos in Brazil
The only asbestos producer in Brazil suspended mining activities on February 11, 2019, following a judicial injunction and pending court decisions.
1 Feb 2019
Mine Closure for Asbestos in Brazil
The only asbestos producer in Brazil, allowed to continue under a judicial injunction, ceased production in February 2019.
1 Jan 2019
Mine Restart for Asbestos in Zimbabwe
At the former King Mine in Mashava, Zimbabwe, asbestos production from old tailings commenced in 2019, reactivating a previously dormant mine.
2019
Mine Restart for Asbestos in Zimbabwe
A company at the former Mashaba Mine in Zimbabwe began dewatering shafts and procuring equipment to restart underground asbestos production from tailings.
Dec 2017
Other for Asbestos in Brazil
In December 2017, Eternit announced it would replace chrysotile with synthetic fibers and redirect all asbestos output to the international market in response to Brazil's ban.
Dec 2017
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka canceled the chrysotile import ban in December 2017, lifting restrictions on that asbestos type amid trade concerns.
1 Nov 2017
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Brazil
Brazil enacted a comprehensive national ban on asbestos in November 2017, prohibiting new asbestos mining and production.
1 Nov 2017
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Brazil
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court enacted a nationwide ban on asbestos extraction, commercialization, and use in November 2017, effectively shutting down domestic asbestos operations.
Nov 2017
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Brazil
Brazil enacted a comprehensive national ban on asbestos, prohibiting domestic production and use.
Nov 2017
Regulatory Change for Asbestos in Brazil
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court enacted a national ban on asbestos in November 2017, prohibiting domestic production and use.
Sep 2017
Mine Restart for Asbestos in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe secured a $100 million loan in September 2017 to reopen the Mashava and Shabanie asbestos mines by year-end, reviving domestic production.
Jul 2017
Import Restriction for Asbestos in Oman
Oman implemented an import ban on asbestos-containing products in July 2017, restricting the country's ability to bring in asbestos materials.
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