The exploitation of chrysotile asbestos deposits was one of the pillars of mining development and served as a driving force behind the Industrial Revolution in Quebec. This activity has profoundly shaped Quebec’s economic and social history.
While asbestos mining generated significant economic benefits, it also left behind a legacy of numerous former mining sites with large piles of asbestos-containing mine tailings. Today, the management and valorization of these residues, as well as the rehabilitation of these sites, present many challenges.
Over the years, several projects aimed at valorizing these residues have been proposed or implemented. More recently, new opportunities have emerged thanks to advances in research and development and increased investment in the region.
This session offers an overview of perspectives for the valorization of asbestos mine tailings and the rehabilitation of mining sites, while taking into account the various challenges involved.