Among the rugged mountains of Northern British Columbia lies the remnants of a once-thriving industry – one that has left an indelible mark on both the landscape and the lives of those who encountered it.

The Cassiar Asbestos Mine, known for its rich deposits of a mineral once hailed as the ‘magic fiber,’ stands as a stark reminder of the complex legacy left behind by the asbestos industry. Today, decades after its closure, it remains an abandoned site with the threat of prosecution for trespassing hanging eerily on the gate.

How Cassiar Asbestos Mine Came to Be

The story of the Cassiar Asbestos Mine begins in the early 1950s, during a time when asbestos was highly regarded for its remarkable fire-resistant properties, versatility, and abundance. As the demand for this ‘miracle mineral’ skyrocketed, countless miners flocked to the region in search of economic prosperity.

The presence of asbestos in McDane Mountain was observed by early prospectors in the Cassiars region as early as the 1870s; native people would share stories of a hill covered in white fluff where birds built nests that could withstand fire. In 1923, Yukon prospector Anton Money recognized the potential of the remote area when he discovered veins of asbestos. This led to the formation of Cassiar Asbestos Corporation, with Conwest Mining taking an interest and establishing mining operations in 1952.

Thousands of pounds of asbestos were mined and processed in Cassiar.

A tent town was constructed to house the pioneer miners and workers, and in 1953, the company’s production mill began operating, processing over 4000 tons of ore daily. The ore was transported by trucks along the challenging Cassiar highway to Watson Lake, then shipped by railway from Whitehorse. A transport division was established in Whitehorse to handle the transportation of bagged fiber to the railway.

The harsh conditions these miners endured were extreme; stories of backbreaking labor, unrelenting cold, and the persistent cloud of asbestos dust that shrouded the mine quickly became legends in their own right. Yet, at the time, the true dangers of asbestos were not fully understood.

The Cassiar Mine era came to an end in 1992 due to declining demand for asbestos and the high costs associated with transitioning from an open-pit mine to an underground mine. The shutdown resulted in the disappearance of Cassiar, once a thriving mining town with a population of 1500. Some houses were sold and removed, while others were demolished and burned. 

Fast forward to the present day, and our knowledge about the devastating health effects of asbestos has evolved considerably. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been linked to several life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The latency period of these illnesses, often spanning several decades, means that individuals who worked in or around asbestos mines may only discover the toll it has taken on their health many years later.

Environmental Threats

Beyond the immediate health concerns, the abandoned Cassiar Asbestos Mine poses ongoing environmental dangers. Asbestos fibers, once released into the air, can travel great distances and settle on vegetation, water sources, and even the homes of nearby communities. The mine’s infrastructure, long neglected, is a potential source of water contamination, as rains wash away asbestos-laden sediments into nearby rivers and streams.

Elevated asbestos diseases in people who live and work near asbestos mines.

A 1978 study assessing the environmental effects of the Cassiar mine upon the surrounding Yukon territory and Clinton Creek confirmed that environmental damage was in full swing; Hudgeon Lake had higher levels of asbestos fibers compared to other areas in Canada, , and the changes in the land affected invertebrate communities, the fish populations were also harmed by the reservoirs created and the lack of food. The presence of asbestos fibers also negatively impacted the health of the fish. The study recommended more research and monitoring to fully understand the extent of the environmental impact. 

Another Canadian-based study examined the impact of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cases at smaller geographic scales. The goal was to identify specific areas requiring focused cancer surveillance and research. The findings revealed that variations in mesothelioma rates across regions could indicate significant differences in past occupational and possibly environmental exposures.

The Perilous Path to Remediation

Remediating an abandoned asbestos mine is an enormous undertaking, requiring significant financial resources, expertise, and coordination. The legacy of asbestos mining stretches far beyond Cassiar, with countless other abandoned mines scattered across the globe, each presenting unique challenges for reclamation.

The Cassiar Asbestos Mine, now under the responsibility of the Canadian government, represents a poignant case study as to the complexities of addressing past environmental damage. Efforts to mitigate the risks associated with the mine have been slow, hampered by limited funding and the logistical challenges of working in such a remote and inhospitable region.

Where Are They Now?

The town of Cassiar, B.C., once centered around an asbestos mine, was a tightly-knit community where residents shared a deep bond. Despite the town being razed to the ground 25 years ago, former residents still miss their home. Cassiar held an auction in 1992, selling off the entire contents of the company town after the mine abruptly shut down. 

Supporting one another through the impact of asbestos

The friendships and kinships forged in Cassiar remain strong, with former residents maintaining connections through a shared website and Facebook page. They describe the town as ‘one big family’ and cherish the memories of weddings, births, funerals, and celebrations held there in happier times. A recent reunion brought former residents together to reminisce and share stories, providing closure for many. The long-term impact of asbestos exposure from the mine has resulted in illnesses and deaths among former residents, including cancers and lung diseases. Despite the challenges, the reunion allowed them to properly say goodbye and remember their shared experiences fondly.

Parting Thoughts

The abandoned Cassiar Asbestos Mine serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of our past actions. While the mine may be silent and seemingly forgotten, the dangers it poses linger on, hidden beneath the surface. The impact of asbestos exposure extends far beyond the miners who toiled in its depths; it affects their families, their communities, and the environment they call home.

The urgency to address the hazards of this abandoned mine cannot be overstated. The path to remediation may be arduous, but it is a moral imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of those who live in the shadows of this industrial relic. Only through collective effort, awareness, and continued advocacy can we hope to prevent the Cassiar Asbestos Mine from claiming any more victims and protect future generations from its lasting legacy.