Utah is home to tremolite, actinolite, calcite, and pyrite mines containing asbestos. Other mineral mines in the state also often contained asbestos.
Workers were also exposed to asbestos through steel and copper refineries, sugar manufacturers, and canning factories. Additionally, exposure also happened at power plants and oil refineries.
Tremolite and actinolite were mined at the Big Pass Group mines in Beaver County.
The Tremolite No. 1 Mine was the state’s only mine dedicated specifically to asbestos. Contaminated mines in Utah included Highland Boy Mine, the Pack Rat Tremolite Prospect, and the King David Mine.
Asbestos from W.R. Grace’s vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, was processed at two facilities in Salt Lake City. These plants were located next to Utah Power and Light. Utah Power and Light purchased part of one of the refining facilities.
Soil and gravel at the Utah Power and Light facility was found to contain asbestos. In 2004, the EPA launched an abatement project. However, the station remained open and employees continued to work through the renovations.
If you or a loved one suffered mesothelioma or other health complications after being exposed to asbestos, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Reach out to a Utah asbestos exposure attorney today to learn more about your legal options.