The government of Zimbabwe has reported that the recent South African ban on asbestos will soon result in massive job losses among those who toil in that country’s two asbestos mines.
According to an article in Zimbabwe’s Financial Gazette, the ban in South Africa is being viewed as “catastrophic†because the country had been among the major consumers of Zimbabwean products. About two months ago, South Africa joined more than 50 other countries in the prohibition of chrysotile asbestos, arguing that “any person who has ever suffered from exposure to asbestos would see the absolute necessity for the regulationsâ€.
The new regulations have caused widespread panic among mine workers and others who work in other asbestos-related industries throughout Zimbabwe. “An estimated 10,000 workers are employed at the two chrysotile mines and downstream industries, which produce irrigation and water reticulation pipes, brake pads and gaskets,†the article points out. “At least US$60 million was being generated from the sale of Zimbabwe’s chrysotile asbestos annually before the South African ban.â€
The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) reports that the use of asbestos has been on the decline worldwide due to the hazards allegedly associated with the toxic mineral, which causes such diseases as asbestosis and mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer.
“The market in now concentrated in developing countries primarily the Far East, Middle East, India, Sri Lanka and Brazil,†said the MMCZ in its strategic plan for 2005 to 2007.
