LOK SABHA
Asbestos is being mined in the areas already held under mining lease. In view of the hazardous effect of asbestos mining on health, the Government has decided not to grant any new lease for mining of asbestos and minerals found alongwith asbestos. It does not renew the existing mining leases of asbestos.
The import of asbestos is mainly being allowed as domestic production of asbestos, particularly chrysotile asbestos which is meager to meet demand of manufacturing units of asbestos cement sheets, asbestos pressure pipes, asbestos cloth, brake lining etc. Domestically available amphibolite asbestos is not suitable for the above said purposes and it finds application mostly in thermal insulation and treatment of acids.
This information was given by the Minister for Mines, Shri Ramesh Bais in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
(Release ID :450)