Overview:
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the asbestos industry in 1888, with a particular focus on Canada’s emerging role as a major producer. The author, Robert H. Jones, takes readers on a journey through the history and properties of asbestos, highlighting its versatility and growing use in various industries. He compares Canadian chrysotile, known for its strength and silky texture, to the more established Italian varieties, illustrating their distinct characteristics and applications.
Jones dives deep into the details of asbestos mining in Canada, providing detailed descriptions of the various mine sites, including Thetford, Coleraine, Broughton, Danville, and South Ham. He explores the challenges of extraction, highlighting the difference between open quarry work in Canada and the tunnelling methods used in Italy. The author also delves into the social and economic aspects of the Canadian asbestos industry, discussing labor practices, transportation challenges, and the potential for further growth.
Key Findings:
- Canadian chrysotile, specifically the variety called “pierre-à-coton,” is a high-quality asbestos with a silky, greasy feel that makes it suitable for a wide range of uses.
- The Canadian asbestos industry was rapidly expanding in 1888, with the discovery of numerous mines in Quebec and a growing demand for its product.
- The use of asbestos was rapidly expanding, with new applications being discovered in various sectors, from engineering to building construction.
- The asbestos industry was already facing challenges like the presence of impurities in the ore, the need for advanced extraction techniques, and the environmental concerns associated with asbestos exposure.
Learning:
- The versatility of asbestos: Asbestos has a remarkable range of applications, from fireproof curtains in theaters to insulating materials for buildings and boilers, demonstrating its usefulness in various industries.
- Example: Asbestos was used for fireproof curtains in theatres, for packing in engineering, for boiler coverings, and even as a lining for boots and shoes.
- The differences in asbestos varieties: Canadian chrysotile, with its distinct characteristics, has unique applications compared to Italian asbestos, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific properties of each variety for different uses.
- Example: Canadian chrysotile is particularly prized for its lubricating properties, while Italian asbestos is often preferred for its ability to be woven into fine fabrics.
- The development of the Canadian asbestos industry: The text provides a glimpse into the early stages of the Canadian asbestos industry, highlighting its rapid growth, the challenges faced by miners, and the potential for further expansion.
- Example: The author describes the challenges of mining asbestos in Canada, where the irregular veins of chrysotile necessitate open quarry work, often requiring extensive removal of waste rock.
- The importance of skilled labor in asbestos mining: The text underscores the need for experienced miners and engineers to properly extract and process asbestos, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and expertise for efficient and safe operation.
- Example: The author highlights the mistakes made by inexperienced miners in the early days of the Canadian asbestos industry, which resulted in the loss of valuable ore due to improper dumping practices.
Historical Context:
The text is written in 1888, a time of significant industrial growth and technological innovation. The use of steam power was rapidly expanding, driving the need for improved materials for engineering purposes. This context explains the emphasis on asbestos applications for packing, boilers, and high-pressure steam systems. The fear of fires in theaters was also a prominent concern, reflected in the text’s detailed discussion of fireproof curtains and other safety measures. The text also provides a glimpse into the social conditions of the time, highlighting the challenges of labor relations and the prevalence of alcohol consumption in the mining communities.
Facts:
- Asbestos is a fibrous variety of serpentine, closely related to hornblende. (This is a definitive statement about the mineral’s composition.)
- The ancients used asbestos to wrap bodies for cremation, preserving the ashes. (This historical fact demonstrates the long-standing knowledge of asbestos properties.)
- Until the discovery of Canadian mines, the most delicate variety of asbestos was found in the Alps, Pyrenees, and Corsica. (This highlights the rarity of fine asbestos prior to Canadian discoveries.)
- Russian peasants discarded asbestos as worthless material while mining iron ore. (This anecdote highlights the lack of awareness about asbestos’s value in certain regions.)
- The first successful experiments in utilizing asbestos were conducted in Italy in 1850. (This marks the beginning of the modern use of asbestos.)
- Canadian chrysotile is often distinguished by its soft, greasy, soapy feel. (This describes the unique characteristic of Canadian asbestos.)
- The Chevalier Aldini, of Milan, designed a complete asbestos suit for firemen. (This early example demonstrates the potential of asbestos for fire protection.)
- Germany was a major consumer of asbestos in 1888. (This reflects the growing international demand for the mineral.)
- Thetford, Quebec, was the site of the first commercially important asbestos mine in Canada, discovered in 1877. (This marks the beginning of the Canadian asbestos industry.)
- Thetford mines typically produce asbestos with a greenish hue, while Broughton mines produce a pearly yellowish-green variety. (This describes the color variations in asbestos based on the mining location.)
- Veins of asbestos are never continuous and are often affected by faults or slides. (This describes the irregular nature of asbestos deposits.)
- The cost of extracting asbestos varied depending on the location, with Thetford being less expensive than Black Lake. (This reflects the economic challenges of mining.)
- Thetford mines are rich in chromic iron, a valuable mineral often found in close proximity to asbestos deposits. (This highlights the diversity of minerals found in the region.)
- The Anglo-Canadian Asbestos Company owned 325 acres of asbestos-bearing land in Black Lake. (This illustrates the scale of the mining operations.)
- Dr. Reed’s Coleraine Mines, near Black Lake, had promising veins of asbestos of high quality. (This showcases the potential for further discoveries.)
- The Scottish Asbestos Company operated mines in both Black Lake and Broughton, investing heavily in machinery and infrastructure. (This reflects the increasing interest in Canadian asbestos.)
- South Ham, on the Nicolet Estate, was a rich mineral area with deposits of asbestos, antimony, iron, copper, and gold. (This emphasizes the diversity of mineral resources in Canada.)
- The discovery of a large, continuous vein at Broughton, Quebec, sparked excitement in the asbestos industry. (This highlights the importance of finding high-quality veins.)
- Steatite, a type of soapstone, was found in abundance in Broughton and South Ham. (This demonstrates the presence of other minerals alongside asbestos.)
- Canadian asbestos mines relied on open quarry work, employing dynamite or powder to break up the rock. (This describes the main mining method used in Canada.)
- The price of asbestos at the mines varied based on the quality, with No. 1 fetching a higher price than No. 3. (This illustrates the economic value of different grades of asbestos.)
- The French-Canadian workforce in the asbestos mines was prone to absenteeism due to religious festivals. (This highlights the cultural influence on labor practices.)
- Asbestos was used for filtering corrosive liquids, purifying foul gas, and ventilating sewers. (This expands the range of applications for asbestos.)
Statistics:
- The output of the Johnson Company’s mine in 1886 was approximately 375 tons, bringing the total output to 2,500 tons. (This illustrates the growth of a single mine.)
- The Boston Company’s mine in Thetford produced about 400 tons of asbestos per year in 1886. (This shows the output of another significant mine.)
- The combined output of the Thetford mines in 1886 was 1,000 tons. (This provides a figure for the entire Thetford group.)
- The Anglo-Canadian Asbestos Company’s mines at Black Lake produced 330 tons of asbestos in 1886. (This provides data for one of the Coleraine mines.)
- The Scottish Asbestos Company’s mine at Black Lake produced 300 tons of asbestos in 1886. (This provides data for another Coleraine mine.)
- The total output of Canadian asbestos mines in 1885 was under 1,500 tons, increasing to 2,000 tons in 1886. (This demonstrates the rapid growth of the industry.)
- The value of manufactured asbestos imported into the United States from Canada in 1880 was under 10,000 dollars, rising to 48,755 dollars in 1884. (This illustrates the increasing demand for Canadian asbestos.)
- The total production of Canadian asbestos in 1879 was 300 tons, valued at 19,500 dollars. (This provides a baseline for the industry’s growth.)
- The production of Canadian asbestos increased to 3,458 tons in 1886, valued at 206,251 dollars. (This demonstrates the significant growth over time.)
- The cost of extracting asbestos at Thetford was estimated at 20 to 25 dollars per ton. (This reflects the cost of production.)
- The cost of extracting asbestos at Black Lake was higher, estimated at 28 dollars per ton. (This reflects the greater challenges of mining at Black Lake.)
- Wages for men working in asbestos mines ranged from 1 to 1.75 dollars per day. (This provides insight into the labor costs.)
- Wages for boys and cobbers ranged from 50 cents to 1 dollar per day. (This further highlights the labor costs.)
- The cost of cobbing asbestos was about 5 dollars per ton. (This illustrates the cost of preparing the ore for market.)
- The price of No. 2 asbestos at the mines was 50 to 55 dollars per ton. (This provides data on the value of different grades of asbestos.)
- The price of No. 1 asbestos at the mines was 80 to 100 dollars per ton. (This further shows the value of different grades.)
Terms:
- Asbestus: A fibrous variety of serpentine, a type of rock often containing asbestos.
- Chrysotile: The specific variety of asbestos commonly found in Canada, known for its white, silky fibers.
- Serpentine: A type of rock, often green in color, in which asbestos is commonly found.
- Tremolite: A type of amphibole mineral, often fibrous and sometimes used as a form of asbestos.
- Picrolite: A fibrous variety of serpentine that can sometimes resemble asbestos.
- Cobbing: The process of removing waste rock from asbestos ore, often done by hand.
- Slickenside: A smooth, polished surface on a rock caused by the movement of rocks along a fault.
- Steatite: A type of talc known as soapstone, often found in association with asbestos deposits.
- Granulite: A type of metamorphic rock often found near asbestos deposits.
- Magnetite: A type of iron oxide mineral, sometimes found in asbestos deposits.
Examples:
- The story of the worker who wore asbestos socks: This anecdote highlights the early awareness of asbestos properties and its potential for unique applications.
- The experiment with fireproof boxes and gunpowder: This example demonstrates the fire-resistant qualities of asbestos and its potential use for transporting explosives.
- The development of asbestos fireproof curtains for theatres: This example illustrates the growing concern for fire safety in public spaces and the role of asbestos in protecting audiences.
- The use of asbestos cloth for military balloons: This example showcases the innovative applications of asbestos, even in the realm of warfare.
- The incident with the London fireman wearing an asbestos suit: This example highlights the importance of asbestos for fire protection and the development of protective clothing for firefighters.
- The use of asbestos for filtering corrosive liquids: This example demonstrates the chemical resistance of asbestos and its application in industrial processes.
- The use of asbestos yarn for deodorizing sewer gas: This example showcases the unique properties of asbestos and its role in addressing environmental concerns.
Conclusion:
The text, written in 1888, provides a fascinating glimpse into the burgeoning Canadian asbestos industry, highlighting its potential as a key source of this valuable mineral. While the author acknowledges the established presence of Italian asbestos, he emphasizes the unique qualities and growing demand for Canadian chrysotile, paving the way for its widespread adoption in various industries. The text underscores the versatility of asbestos, highlighting its applications in engineering, building construction, fire protection, and other sectors. It also reveals the challenges of mining asbestos, including the presence of impurities, the need for skilled labor, and the environmental concerns associated with its use. By shedding light on the early stages of the Canadian asbestos industry and its potential for further growth, the text offers valuable insights into the development of a major industry and the broader historical context of its rise.