(a) whether the Government has lifted ban on mining of Asbestos after ruling by
the Supreme Court; and
(b) if not, the reasons for importing the same from other countries?
(a) whether the Government has lifted ban on mining of Asbestos after ruling by
the Supreme Court; and
(b) if not, the reasons for importing the same from other countries?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF MINES (SHRI RAMESH BAIS)
(a) Asbestos is being mined in the areas already held under mining lease.
However, in view of the hazardous effect of asbestos mining on health of all
concerned, the Government had decided not to grant any new lease for mining of
asbestos and minerals found alongwith asbestos and renewal of existing mining
leases of asbestos. No changes have been made in this policy.
(b) The import of asbestos is mainly being allowed as domestic production of
asbestos, particularly chrysotile asbestos is meagre 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.