Zimbabwe Steps Up Efforts Against Anti-Asbestos Lobbyists

February 22, 2006 - Zimbabwe has intensified efforts in lobbying for the continued mining and use of white chrysotile asbestos, which has been scientifically proven to be harmless, says the website allAfrica.com. 

Secretary for Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Mr. Lancaster Museka said Zimbabwe took the opportunity to “sensitize the region” as to the particulars of white asbestos at a recent workshop for African Labor Ministers held in Zambia last week.  Museka’s speech was prompted by South Africa’s efforts to ban chrysotile asbestos.

"We thought it was ideal to sensitize our colleagues on the issue of white chrysotile asbestos and we held a side meeting in which we explained to the region that the type of asbestos we mine here in Zimbabwe was not harmful and safe to use," Mr. Museka said.

"Most countries were not aware that the white chrysotile was not harmful and it was being confused with the brown and blue type, which is harmful and kills people. This type was banned for proven negative health effects," he added.

Museka also took the opportunity to invite those from other countries to visit Zimbabwe and observe the mining process, which he says is in accordance with all International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions on safe mining and use of asbestos.

White asbestos is still mined in Russia, Brazil, China, Zimbabwe and Canada.  The Canadians export about 90% of their mined asbestos to the United States and have been vocal in lobbying against a ban.