Where is it mined?


Chrysotile and the other varieties of asbestos are found in practically every country in the world, but generally not in quantities or quality that allow commercial exploitation. The main producers of chrysotile today areRussia,China,Canada,Kazakhstan,Brazil, andZimbabwe. All amphibole deposits have already been mined or closed.


Production and Consumption


At present asbestos is mainly produced by the following countries (see the table below). Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, official statistics.


Countries

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Brazil

198 000

188 300

209 000

172 600

209 300

230 000

Canada

321 330

337 000

310 000

277 000

242 200

200 000

China

297 000

329 000

314 600

310 000

310 000

310 000

Zimbabwe

123 000

115 000

145 000

120 000

130 000

170 000

Russia

600 000

675 000

750 000

750 000

750 000

867 000

Kazakhstan

74 000

105 000

176 000

190 000

200 000

202 000

South Africa

27 195

18 836

18 782

15 733

13 400

10 000

Other countries

202 805

121 000

64 800

59 267

55 000

56 000

Total

1 843 330

1 889 136

1 988 182

1 894 600

1 909 900

2 045 000


According to the data shown in the table, the world production of asbestos in 2002 increased by 10.9% compared to 1998. At present Russian is the main asbestos producer. The main consumers of chrysotile accounting for almost 80% of the world consumption areChina,Russia,Thailand,India,Iran,Ukraine,Vietnam,Indonesia,Brazil, andUzbekistan.

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