The asbestos industry at Wittenoom, Western Australia, emerged in the early 20th century when extensive deposits of asbestos were discovered in the region. The town of Wittenoom quickly grew around the asbestos mine, becoming one of the largest asbestos mining and milling operations in the world. Throughout the mid-20th century, the Wittenoom mine supplied asbestos to various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

However, by the late 1960s, evidence of the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure began to emerge, leading to increased scrutiny of working conditions at Wittenoom. Despite efforts to improve safety measures, concerns persisted, and the mine eventually closed in 1966. Today, Wittenoom stands as a haunting reminder of the devastating human cost of asbestos mining, with widespread asbestos-related illnesses among former workers and residents.

First Edition. SCARCE

• x, 205 p., [16] p. of plates : ill., ports. ; 20 cm. #090624
• CSR Limited — Trials, litigation, etc
• Asbestos dust — Environmental aspects — Western Australia — Wittenoom Gorge
• Asbestos mines and mining — Health aspects — Western Australia — Wittenoom Gorge
• Environmental health — Western Australia — Wittenoom Gorge
• Wittenoom Gorge (W.A.)
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