ASBESTOS MINING: Canadian mines suspended

QUEBEC - For the first time in 130 years, no one is mining asbestos in Canada. Mining is suspended at both producers. The Jeffrey underground mine is awaiting a $58-million loan guarantee from the provincial government. Plans to resume production at the end of 2010 have been delayed considerably. Lac d'amiante du Canada ceased mining near Thetford Mines earlier this month.

Canada supplied 85% of the world's asbestos needs in the early 1900s, and production peaked in the early 1970s. Concerns about the safety of using the fibres has led to a sharp drop in demand in the last 20 years.

Investors hope to resume production at the Jeffrey mine next spring.