Document RJgmBMEzyg3q9rMyVDy86dOJv

ST " ' i'r L.. fc: P l: : t-- ' ki. . . . v - > * r IP - -? K^'-r: QUEBEC ASBESTOS MINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEETING PE BELLEVIEW-BILTMORE BELLEAIR CLEARWATER, FLORIDA PAPRIL 17 20, 1969 - \ Wsfvs*^; E&kfc* Srrj-.,.; V fftf UMB . . .. rvl . . . :. >> **7,?*r''.'v*V--v .;ii-">\ir:J -- ASBESTOS MtNINO ASSOCIATION ' .. *f: .r _ * i .. - ? *\"i.} - ^ : oSS%if- <i ] c . \ \ i c, f J ..r~ . .<.,- .y. . ... . ;*.**`V-- ' >V>: :'* ' * - = - v ` ASBESTOS CORPORATION LTD., '. , THETFORD MIMES. QUE. ' ; BELL ASBESTOS MINES LTDTM * .... '' -THETFORD MINES. QUE.. ' -CANADIAN JQHNS-MANVILLE CO. LTD.. ;_> - : : . -ASBESTOS. QUE--.. ,'V/.- :y'~~ - ; fCAREY-CANADIAN :MINES.`L,IT)4; ; `1 "' V; .*. -' EAST BROUGHTON. QUE... ;. '/y'"- ; .;;PUNTKOTB MINES LTD., - .;r~ ,-; THETTORD. MINES. QUE. LAKE ASBESTOS OF QUEBEC LTD^ ^.:"BLAQC LAXE.QUE. - .-Ul v--i.-.* .V/' - V- ' NATIONAL' ASBESTOS MINES. LTD., ; .'V r - ;.'.-'THETFORD MINES. QUE. ' Vj ; : "NTCOLET.ASBESTOS MINES LTD.. ' .-NORBESTOS. QUE. .-r. , '"''f r- ''&&"?' v'"~- ' ir ' :. " "' 'JSi: u. k7+RaVnSvc~Z*r-V'.t/*i'1**<**>.. . S5??v"5l *................ vl * < A **: . . --t 1 *4i t; \* * A ;r.<* f|*w ^B5*.v,.w .-K cc fi 4 .. - ; ;. ss H TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. List of Officers and Directors 2. Standing Committees 3. List of Members and Guests 4. Agenda _. 5. Minutes of Meeting of March 25th, 1969 6. Technical Committee Report 7. Uniform Classification and Grading Committee Report B. Industrial Relations Committee Report 9. Traffic Committee Report . 10. Legislation and Taxation Committee Report 11. Public Relations Committee Report 12. Environmental Control Committee Report 13. Occupational and Environmental Health Committee Report 14. The Asbestos Mining Industry in 1968 15. 1968 Asbestos Shipments by Canadian Producers a# 1. LIST or OFFICERS ANO DIRECTORS if \ \ V .,Wj. '.". \' N* x - >\- :^-s '* 'S.- } ' " QUEBEC ASBESTOS miNING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 1969 fir. K.V. Lindell - Mr. R.J. Merrill - Mr. R.S.- Coleman - - Mr. J.A. Main . Mr. M.J. Messel - Mr. UMS. Gughtred - Mr. F.P. Smith - Mr. Ivan Sabourin Mr. George Robinson :- Mr. Paul- A. Filteau - President Vice President Director Director Director Oire'ctor Director General Counsel Treasurer General Manager & Secretary cc ' f'' '/ - il g ev I QUEBEC ASBESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION standing committees 1969 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Chairman - R Oodds-Hebron Members - G.F.A. Brink, J. Ciansante, M.C. Pharo, W.H. .Smith, Ul.P Archer, V.C. Lindsay, J.J. Sztuke, J.C. Blais, R. Lefebvre, R. Gale, ft. Gossetts. UNIFORM CLASSTTICATIQN ANO GRADINC COMMITTEE Chairman - W.H. Foster * Members - R.J. Merrill, V. Lindsay, J.P. Wiser, J.C. Blais, R. Dodds-Hebron, R. Gale, W.H. Foster. * PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman - I.C. Campbell Members - R.S. Coleman, V. Couture, R.J. Merrill, L.C. Piuze. TRAFFIC COMMITTEE Chairman - I.C. Campbell Members - W.J.W. Smith, L.J. Webster, D. Poirier, L.R. Delaney, G.R. Biron, ffl. Roy, .' D.R. Akers. .../2 cc & 2. 'Cl ' -a:: *r. `SSL . . r!*a i to 3- | 1 v .30 -3* JE_` ai T5*' INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman - J.O. Eby Members - H. Gagnon, J.L. Gartshore, W.H. Bonneville, N. La Csuv63, J.G. Mooney, J. Camire, D. Poirier, Y. Bolduc, R. Fillion. LEGISLATION AND TAXATION COMMITTEE Chairman - Michael J. Messel Members ` - G, McCammon, C. Mousseau, G. Vaillanccurt, . C. (Hoad , R.S. Coleman, A1 Dennis, D. Poirier. OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE * Chairman - Karl V. Lindell Members - W.UI. Oughtred, F.P. Smith, M.J. fflessel ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL COMMITTEE Chairman - J.R.M. Hutcheson Members U.H. Foster, L.C. Piuze, m. Prus 2** ^ . ki.* . f 365*3 .\ t. . lb-.-.- c >.. c m iS^f '2SS * .:-st *S*i 2. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman - J.0. Eby Members - H. Gagnon, J.L. Gartshore, W.H. Bonneville, N. La Couvee, J.G. Rooney, J. Camirs, D. Pcirier, Y. Bolduc, R. Fillion. legislation and taxation committee Chairman - Michael J. Messel Members - G. McCammon, 0. Rousseau, G. Vaillanecurt, G. Road , R.5.. Coleman, A1 Dennis, D. Poirie OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE Chairman - Karl V. Lindell . Members - U.W. Oughtred, F.P. Smith, ffl.J. Messel environmental CONTROL COMMITTEE Chairman - J.R.M. Hutcheson Members - W.H. Foster, L.C. Piu2ef n, Prus 9 i* >* t fj : '-Vi-*1**'' .; ! '.TZ4! 1 rsLF a **. .'.'.M.' 1| ^S&Kiu ^ . r *?,,. f-sfeasf- .jS mim/Ti1 /mr6 gBgfseg.gg; 3. LIST OF WEP18ERS AND GUESTS 1 1 i WESI3ERS AND GUtSTS ) Asbestos Corporation Limited: Wr. w. w. Oughtred mr. p., H. Riordon rnr. I.,C. Campbell rnr. w. Foster Bell Asbestos mines Limited: mr. F.,P. Smith mr. R..m. Bateman mr. G.,w. Smith mr. R. Dodds-Hebro mr. u.. J. U. Smith Canadian Jobns-Manville Co. Ltd: mr. c..9. Burnett rnr. D., T. Colton Mr. D. Poutiatine Wr. A.R. Fisher Mr. K, V. Lindell ffir. J.O. Eby Wr. N.UI. Hendry mr. J.R.m. Hutcheson Mr. Y. Couture Carey-Canadian Wines Limited: Wr. R.J. IHerrill mr. A.H. Bagenstose Flintkote Wines Limited: mr. J.A. main Lake Asbestos of Quebec Limited: mr. R.D. Bradford Mr. R.Hennebacn Wr. m.J.PIessel r.r. L.C. Piuze mr. R.P. Gagnon Nations! Asbestos nines Limited: Wr. J.W. Duncan Wr. E.J. Killian i Wr. R.5. Cclesan Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Ltd mr, J.O. Christian Institute of Occupational and Environaental health (QAflA)t Dr. S.U. Wright Dr. P. Pel oar . Quebec Asbestos J5Ining'Association: . JCr. George Robrnson nr. Ivan Sabourin ' hr. Paul-A. Filteau. -r-J ail V. 'A '-.;rX. X. :%*u ' '} ' r r v*?Kr I ? iI '.-,^r''_ ..ij-*-. - -? .,* < g*: 4W V.- 4 SPECIAL MEETING 0T THE QUEBEC ASBESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION TQ BE HELD APRIL 18th & 19th, 1969. AT 9.30 a.m, IN THE BELLEAIR ROOM OF THE BELLEVIEUt-BILTWORE, CLEARWATER. TLORIOA ACE iv DA APRIL 18th. 1969 1. Minutes of the Meeting of March 25, 1969, 2. Committee Reports: a} Technical b) Uniform Classification and Grading cj Industrial Relations d) Traffic . e) Legislation and Taxation f) Public Relations g) Environmental Control _ 3. New Business. 4. Comments on General Business Conditions. 5. Adjournment. APRIL 19th. 1969 1. Occupational and Environmental Health Committee. a) Report from Secretary of Executive Committee. b) Remarks by Chairman of Scientific Committee on developments up to dote. c) Review by Scientific Secretary of his activities ana status of projects under direction of: Or. J.C. Pic Dona Id (2) Or. e.C. Vigliani Dr. B. Pernia Dr. L. Noro Or. Oustant '. 2. Adjournment c A f. I *.-> i* } 1* j8 i ;i i 3Bg^*w*>jS MINUTES or THE 109th MEETING OF THE QUEBEC ASBESTOS MINING ASSOCIATION HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 25th, 1969, AT THE MOUNT ROYAL HOTEL, MONTREAL , P 0. Present: K.V. Lindell R.S. Coleman J.A. Main M, JT'' Messel W.W. Oughtred F.P. Smith I.C. Campbell M.C. Carpenter R. Oodds-Hebron . J.O. Eby Ul.H. Foster D. Poirier M. Frus P.H. Riordon Ceo. Robinson I. Sabourin P.-A. Filteau Th? President, Mr. K.V. Lindell, chaired the meeting. Comments, if any, as to minutes of Meeting of January 28th, 1565, were requested and in this connection it was Moved and seconoed that minutes of January 28th be corrected to reflect the appointment of Committees as previously constituted. / CARRIED. The President jelabor*4^ on the matter of the medical research ex- penoiture* lef* unsolved at meeting of January 2Sch.(5ee page 6 of minuses) To this effect* he distributed a list of approved research expenditures to date and for Future years, indicating that Johns*. - Jiar.ville was prepared to put up of 1% of sales in addition to the approved budget of the I.O.E.H., and hoped that other coapani.es * 4~` /2 c C- 2. * &*8tt*s>s2 wB*w8ri5^&B would follow. Naturally, this is a pledge and any recommenced commitment by the Scientific Committee has to be approved by the Executive Committee of the Institute. Following an expression of views by all directors, it was Moved and seconded that member-companies share the expenses of the total budget cf the I.Q.E.H. on the basis cf i of l of sales, with companies reserving the right to limit their allocation to 2$% of net profits. Sales figures to be prepared by Riddell, Stead, Craham and Hutchison. . ADOPTED. Approval of minutes cf meeting of January 20th was then carried. TECHNICAL CSKMITTEt The technical committee met on March 19th,`and because of the absence of two sub-committee chairmen, only a partial report can be given at this time. 1. Filtration of asbestos-cement-silica mixes - The sub-committee visited the Pulp 4 Paper Institute, and after conferring with krawledoeabie research members the committee found that no procedure or work of the institute was of assistance to them. At the next meeting of the sub-committee it is planned to reviaw Mr. Nemeth's report alone with the comments from member-companies. 2. Editorial Sub-Caroittee - The translation of the summary of the tests in the ftenual of Testing Procedures for Chrysotile Asbestos has bean completed. It is.planned to circulate copies to the meobercospantes to obtain comments on how laboratory technicians interpret .the_ suaaary.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .------------- ------------ --------- ...73 cc f t . .. ,1 ' 3 3. Magnetic Rating - The round robin involving twelve laboratories showed the apparatus to ba reliable and that most of the difficulty lies in sampling or other operator variances from the procedure. The Asbestos Textile Institute is planning to propose the use of the Turner Newall Magnetic Rating Apparatus for an A.S.T.M. test. * 4. A.S.T.M. Meeting - Mr. Cossette reported on the meeting of Com mittee 0-30 which took place in New Orleans. The Q.A'.M.A. Rotap Procedure will shortly be submitted for A.S.T.M, approval once it has been rewritten in the proper format. ' 5. Miscellaneous - Report on the activities of the F.5.U., Color . Test, and Wet Classification sub-committees to be submitted at the next meeting. The Chairman also tabled a letter from the Indian Standards Insti tution requesting authorization to incorporate certain procedures appearing in the manual of Testing Procedures in developing tests for amphibole asbestos. The matter to be referred to the Committee for recommendation to the Directors. . UNIFORM CLASSIFICATION AND CRAPING COMMITTEE The Chairman reported as follows: 1. Sherbrooke Laboratory - Stork is progressing favourably on the Zeiss Particle Size Analyzer and on the laage Shearing. Moat technical pro blems have been solved and clarity of photos has improved. It appears' tshave real promise for osi fibres except some that are very open ' . end which will not align for measuring* cc s > * ;,'L3 4. 2. Fibre Inspector - The Fibre Inspector has taken on the task of standardizing Colour Reflection meters for those Companies who request the service. 3."Random Production Q.S."Testing - A series of tests have been per formed, by the Sherbrooke Laboratory, on a comparison of banging the Q.S, 10 mesh screen (which is not too consistent) vs using a rubber stopper on the screen during the test cycle. The latter approach holds promise and will probably be adopted for future "Random Production Q.S." testing. The first "Comparison Report - Shipping Tests and Random Production Q.S. Tests", for the 3 month period Oct.-Dec./68, was issued on Feb. 20; such will be issued every 3 months in future. 4. Research Assistance - A copy of Appendix l.of the U.C. & C. Com- ` mittee fllinutes of Jan.22/69 was given to each Director. Subject to some further checking it is proposed to press for official recognition, in Ottawa, for the need for this research and the need for a planned ' program with these objectives. Eventually the assistance of some C.A.W. Directors may be necessary to get the program to the ministerial 1-vel. As to the "National Committee on Wining and metallurgical Research" the only industry representative on this Committee is the President of the Wining Association of Canada. No doubt, additional representatives will be offered on sub-committees that will eventually be appointed. . Further to the report of the Chairman, a proposal was placed before ' v` the meeting that all Qroupe of fibres be reported by grades for`each company on the monthly Fibre Inspector's report. The U.C. 4 C.C, to * m _atudy this proposal as to possible difficulties involved. , `' * /5 c / c '/ < The Chairman tabled a letter from Nieolet Industries requesting that minutes of the meetings of the U.C. 4 C.C. be forwarded to the Direc tor of their technical service; such a request was unanimously refused and the General Manager directed to advise accordingly* INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE Reporting on present labour negotiations, the Chairman pointed out that negotiations had been hampered by arbitration procedures taking place at the same time and also because of sickness suffered by certain negotiators. So far no particular problem has been detected and it i3 not known what sort of settlement would satisfy the Union. V The question of hearing tests conducted at the time of pre-employment and annual physical exams was discussed at length. It was emphasized that such should be required, if companies wished tn avoid future com pensation claims. . . In the case of the employees of Nieolet Asbestos nines, who have been laid off as a result of the closing down of the Wins, Counsel stated that so far no claims had been submitted to the Workmen's Compensation Board. However, because of presumed exposure to asbestos and possible future esbestotic lung neoplasia, the Board would very likely grant a 10 incapacity, even if no incapacitating condition were detected at this time. Counsel has been eeked to makB an investigation as to any liability to the Industry as a result of future claims. Since the last meeting the President and Counsel visited with the President and Commissioner Bellamare of the Workmen's Compensation _ Board. It wee agreed to organize a meeting of our company doctors and those of the Workmen's Compensation Board to diacues points of . , view on various matters. This would take the form of a limited infer ------ mal aeseion,-possibly-at the Seigniory- Club,----------------------------------- ------------------ .../6 .. / \ c *i- + 6. Wine Rescue Resolution - Counsel was directed to settle the matter on behalf cf Asbestos Corporation Limited and the Association with the Department of Natural Resources. TRAFFIC COMMITTCC The Chairman reported that several meetings of the Traffic Committee had been held since the last meeting of the Association in January, and that arrangements had been made with the Wallenius Line to carry asbestos to Continental ports, excluding French ports, at a rate of 120. (groups 1,2,3,4 and 5) and 518. (groups 6 and 7), which repre sents a 75 cent^'lncrease per ton over the rates prevailing last year. Other negotiated rates wers as follows: United Kingdom - $1.25 Australia/New Zealand - $1.50 Far Cast ' - 5% West Coast/South America - 10% ' Mediterranean - + $3.00 (temporary) Several of the Conferences have Introduced allowances for palletized or unit loads. It would appear that e longshoremen strike at St.Lawrenc ports is inevitable and will likely commence on April 6th unless there is government intervention. In anticipation of this emergency, inland rates have been negotiated to Cast Coast ports effective April 1st. l The Agreed Charge railroad rate to St. Lawrence River ports has been renewed for another year with no change in the rates. Railroad container rates to Montreal on a truck competitive basis have been established, and it le anticipated that similar rates will be negotiated to other. St._Lawrence_River .ports.______________________ :__ ___________ cc i X l i < i I l V I .4 M i. N-f 7. Domestic inland rates within Canada have been increased between &% and 6%, LEGISLATION AND TAXATION CODDITTCC A sub-committee on taxation has been formed under the chairmanship of Dr, G. DcCammon to study the position of the Industry with regards to federal, provincial, municipal taxes and mining duties. Taxation, reported the Chairman, is presently in a state of flux upwards; at the local level for instance, school taxes are increasing substan tially from year to year. The sub-committee plans to continue to act on a joint basis with the . Q.D.D.A. and the Dining Association of Canada. The latter is actively - preparing representations for any general tax reform which the federal Government may decide to propose in the near future. In this connec tion, the Chairman stressed the importance of' having industry tax figures available for discussions with government people and hoped that the companies would file the questionnaire on tax data with Riddell, Stead, Graham & Hutchison as soon as possible. PUBLIC RELATIONS COWWITTCC Pursuant to decision taken at the last meeting of the Association, Dr. J. Gossip has been hired as of April 1st, 1969.: The change over should be quite smooth with no hard feelings expressed. A job description has been approved by the Committee for Dr. Gossip's guidance. Nomination for the "Dining Wan of the Year" for 1969 are requested . for submission to the-Joint Q.D.D.A. - Q.A.ffl.A. Committee. ' \.td : ; N* <: J.* ;Vi"T. .. . r "r y INSTITUTE Of OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE s. Hi The Chairman explained that he would not make a report at this time, c ? since he expected to submit a complete review at the coming meeting in Florida. He advised the meeting, however, that Dr. McDonald hoped to complete hi9 survey in August or September next, but he could not I' say how long it would take to prepars his report. :-i A Conference on Pneumoconiosis will be held in Johannesburg, S.A., from April 23rd to May 3rd. . First three days are devoted to the 5 discussion on asbsstosis, which has thus been given top priority. Wost of the doctors who have attended previous conferences on the biological effects of asbestos will take part. J.-M. has decided to print 8 cautionary label on all bags of fibre shipped in U.5.A. and Canada, as per letter of February 24th to its customers. The company is presently investigating responsibility in this regard in foreign countries, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL COMMITTEE . The Chairman is presently attending a Copant Meeting in Santiago, Chili. He has asked to report as follows: 1. Dryer Dust Projects - The fibre glass bags under test at Lake Asbestos are not proving up to initial expectation. More informa e tion will follow at the next meeting. i i 2. Tailings Dumps - A very good film on INCQ practice was shown to the members at the lest meeting of the Committee. A* Coeaette is presently conducting an information search on-all methods of control that can be found_in the literature.___________________ __________ .../9 * cc > .t 9. new business Brief on the position of the french language in Quebec - As per letter of march 11th from the General manager it was explained that our Asso ciation should submit its views and comments in a brief of its own to the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Provincial Government. It was-moved end seconded that the P.R. Committee prepare such a brief for approval of the Directors, prior to its submission to the Commis sion very likely to take place in the latter part of June. Treasurer - As a result of discussions he had on the occasion of the hiring of Gossip, the Treasurer suggested that a study be made of the present pension plan benefits to the permanent employees of the Association. It was moved that his report be tabled at the Tlorida meeting. . DATE Of NEXT MEETINC The next meeting will be held on June the 9th, at the Mount Royal Hotel. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was formally adjourned. Paui-A. filteau, General Manager 4 Secretary. c ---- -- - - -- 1 j'. '';. "V.. i cr'--:Jv>S . X' ' wi i- ':.w^Vfc.v.jw A . >?*_____ 1 -w W-: .' '-.-.t '*:rw;-; ; - -vi..; ' rl r^:;VU-: -w i. _;-U v- -;.7. ..t-.-ty ' .*:< | y-y^t . ' : iriflv'.f.rr-'*'- i' ..-V *<<^*1f. r*A-<**** #.* ; SPHgjSg 6. TrrmiCflL CQtWlITTEE REPORT Ls-m tuk r J b & u ii : ' . ' c `W' * n QUEBEC ASBESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEETING - eELLEUIEHJ-SILTKORE. CLEARUfflTER. FLORIDA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPORT - The technical committee met on March 19 and, because of the absence of two sub-committee chairmen, our review of the work in progress is not so detailed as we would have wished. FILTRATION OP ASBESTOS. CEMENT firJD SILICA MIXES \ The sub-committee that is working toward a test to mea sure the rate of filtration of a mixture of fibre, cement and fej silica visited the Pulp 4 Paper Institute. After conferring with knowledgeable research members the committee found that no procedure or work of the Institute was of assistance to them. At this sub-committee's next meeting it is planned to re view Mr. Nemeth's report of the Department of Mines along with the comments from member companies. ; FRENCH TRANSLATION . The translation of the summary of the tests in the Manual of Testing Procedures for Chrysotile Asbestos has been completed. It is planned to circulate copies to the member comoanies to have comments on how laboratory technicians interpret the sum mary. Some editorial changes may be needed before the trans lation is -released for wider circulation. .../2 :V-.. w ' i \ i i xm 6 of the difficulty lies in sampling or other operator variances from the procedure. The Asbestos Textile Institute is plan ning to propose the use of the. Turner Newall magnetic Rating Apparatus in an A.S.T.Ifl. test procedure. THE A.S.T.W. WEETINC A resume of the last meeting of the A.S.T.W. Committee D-30 which tod1< place in Neu> Orleans was given by fflr. Cossette. The G.A.ffi.A. Rotap Procedure is.now to be tabled for A.S.T.W. approval once it has been rewritten in the proper for mat. . .. WET CLASSIFICATION SUS-COWTTEE A program of comparative testing on both the Sauer fflcNett Classifier and the T & N Classifier was conducted at two labo ratories subsequent to a statistical analysis. These results will be reviewed by the sub-committee at their next meeting. COLOR TEST SUB-COWWITTEE The procedure for this test has been reviewed and is being rewritten to suit an improved apparatus from the same manufacturer which is found to be more accurate than the model in use at the .present time. . ' iHtnntMw.t 4/3 cc C MrX':V^` ; *.; y^'. r^: : , ** * * .* *'^*^^*, ; :V '>: : y J`.` * * *.:v_r . * ting Is planned In the near future to compare the approaches taken to this and by the various companies. R. Dodds-Hebron, Chairman. sty.s*: r wt 9 >**,*? ; d \ cc r 7. UNIFORM CLflSSI TICATI ON AND GRADING COMMITTEE REPORT i : *->.. .r-Sr-v R'i ; ;>;r .->* ---- * a &HSsES.SI * W - *>></ . SSB3SR# Isaaac;;s.:-. H SSSSSi?rtH c ^J-4: -'V.V \ ..... v ; c o -.'VS-r.' -.? ,.T` L. .Ar:;' : : V- i- ' 3Basftg*33 QUEBEC ASBESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEEITIMC - BELLEVIEfl-BILTKORE. CLEARUATEfT, FLORIDA UNIEORM CLASSIFICATION AND CRAPING COMMITTEE REPORT 1. SHERBROOKE LABORATORY The Zeiss Particle Analyser work (fibre length) combined with image shearing (fibre diameter) is being pushed. Two tech nicians are working full time on the project. Probably some th*1"* is. iSayV whs ^ni visi prGQrS'T* will be far enough advanced to ceil for two girls on full time counting of pnotograpns (this has been so budgeted). ' 2. MONTHLY SHIPPINC TEST REPORT As per instructions the U.C.&C. Committee discussed, at a meeting on April 10, Mr. fflessel's proposal. A decision was not possible, but has been requested for the next U.C.&G.Com mittee meeting. It was pointed cut, however, that this pro posal would reveal the exact tannage shioped of most members' sub-grades, as in a lot of cases there is only one sub-grads undsr the name grade testing. However, this is exactly the same situation now for all sub-grades of group 7 fibres, due tc the detailed manner in which these are now reported. 3. BASIC RESEARCH On April 10, the U.C.&C. Committee agreed that the Basic Research needs are those listed on the appendix I sheet given to Oirectors on-Hareh-25th;--These needs are-;----------- /2 \ I- . J-:- ' . Vf. 'v - - i- '- r ~g-T V-' C / . * ' '' '*\. ' .V .,.1*. . , . c Vi-. : ' t vrv'r-^ vrr/-1 xir . * . .. ..*/. %; v. . 2. Length Diameter Openness Crudiness Harshness Softness Amount of true fibre (or converse) The Committee also agreed on the "methods of measuring with the most promise". The Chairmen of the Technical and U.C.&G. Committees will visit Ottawa (with the Sherbrooke Laboratory Director) early in Way and will discit** our needs with Sir. 'JiiOdiwoff= as a preliminary move to a latsr meeting with Or. Convey or Mr. Drolet. This latter meeting would include perhaps the Q.A.ffl.A. President and General Manager? 111.H. Foster, Chairman. -H  -- .5 o DUE3EC ASBESTOS MINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEETINC - BELLEVIEU-9ILTMORE. CLEARWATER, fLORIOA INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT - The regular reports of the Association's Dust and Sound Control Engineer have been circulated as issued periodi cally. Copies of the dust counting method description as used by our engineer were distributed for the perusal of the direc tors and members of subject committee. Correlation tests are pre sently being jaede between the membrane filter type of counter and the Midget Impinger unit. fr>. A study was also conducted in the open air with SnoJets to evaluate noise levels and exposure of those who use these machines. It was found that such units are very noisy and that prolonged exposure could result in hearing losses for those who practice this sport. Labour negotiations meetings held so far have touched on non-monetary clauses only. The meeting schedule with various companies has been disrupted by arbitration proceedings conducted simultaneously and also because of sickness suffered by certain union negotiators. It is not known at this time what sort of settlement would satisfy the Union. . As to arbitration of grievances, the recent eenten. cea rendered suggest that the employer must have an extra strong . case in order to expect a favorable decision. The third arbitra tion always seems to lean toward the employee's position. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- . ./2 c< c i * 4 * 2. A meeting of the "Conseil du Patronat du Quebec" (Quebec Employers Council) was held recently to discuss the .general thinking and most urgent action to undertake in the field of labour relations. A policy statement and operating mechanisms were defined for the purpose of properly approaching problems end consultatione with the Governments to which the Council might be exposed at this stage and in the immediate fu ture. A visit with the Treasurer and President of the Workmen's Compensation Board was made jointly by the U.ft.ft.A. and Q.A.ffl.A, managers recently to discuss, assessment rates for 1969 as well as charges for hospitalization and medical assistance. It was explained that, in the first case, com pensation for accident and industrial disease claims had increased by some 38,000,000. in 1969 and, in the second case, industrial accidentees are not covered under the Canadian Provincial Hospitalization Plan; consequently such expenses are charged to the employer. J.Q. Eby, Chairman. c< c c, I I*!- vs.'. '*** r.':^ *. QUEBEC ASBESTOS MINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL MEETING - BELLE VIEUJ-BILTKORE. CLEARU1ATER. FLORIDA TRAFFIC COMMITTEE REPORT* 1. - At the time of writing a St. Lawrence River waterfront strike seems likely and no estimate as to its duration is presently possible. Arrangements have been mads to estabiish emergency rail rates to Halifax and St. John in the event that the strike drags on for any length of time, and it may be* possible to negotiate reductions in ocean freight rates to match the reduction made by the Railways provided that the shippers and the customers would agree to absord a like amount of the overall increase in the inland freight brought about by using these ports. At the moment both Halifax and St. John are experiencing congested conditions as an aftermath of the New York dock strike, and depending upon the solidarity of the I.L.A., shipment through these ports may not be possible. 2. As a result of the anticipated strike and the uncertainty created concerning stevedoring rates in the St.Lawrence, we have been unable to negotiate firmly to the Baltic or the Mediterranean, both of which Conferences prefer to wait until after the strike, if any, has been settled. 3. The first vessels of the Uallenius Line, with whom member companies have contracted for carriage of asbestos to the Continent, have already taken place and the expe rience gained in using the roll-on type of vessel has been > 'r 2. valuable. It would appear that this sort of arrangement may well be a better answer in the long run for shipment of asbestos than containers. The Wallsnius Line has indi cated that they would seriously consider absorbing part of the increased inland freight to Halifax and St. John in the event that there was a strike so that shipment for Conti nental Europe could conceivably continue provided that the customer and the shipper are willing to each absorb 25% of this additional cost, which would come to approximately $2.20 per ton. ' I.C. Campbell, Chairman. Subsequently, last minute negotiations resulted in a set tlement between the ship owners and longshoremen, which agreement was ratified by the working force on April 9 last. The contract provides for an increase of B5 cents/ hour over a period of 3 years (S4.6Q per hour for third year), a guaranteed annual work season of 37-39 weeks, no restriction on the use of containers and a technological displacement fund. The latter will be established through contributions of.ship owners based on a certain amount for each ton of cargo handled at the ports of Montreal, Trois- Rivi&rss and Quebec. cs 3SS3 \' . 25juzu~.~.-i QU8CC ASBESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEETING - BELLEVIEbJ-BILTMQRE. CLEARWATER, FLQRTPA ' LEGISLATION fiNO TAXATION CQWffrTTCE REPORT future trends in government taxation policies are at this moment in a pretty nebulous state* The Honorable E.J. Benson, in the House of Commons, declared that the government had not made up its mind whether tc impose a capital gains tax, and that if such a tax were decided, it could not be made retroactive. A tax on capital gains was recommended by the Carter Commission and has been predicted for 1970 by several financial analysts. As for corporation taxes, the future treatment of capital cost allowances, depletion and the three year tax exempt period are still of major concern to the whole mining industry in Canada, and the Wining Association of Canada is actively studying these problems. Wr. Benson promised a white paper before enacting any reformed tax system, so that interested groups and provincial governments may submit their views in pu blic debates and consultations. A similar approach should be adopted at the Provin cial level. The provincial budget recently tabled makes one wonder how the government will finance its expected deficit of $350,000,000. Some of the provincial mining tax problems that have not as yet been clearly solved have to do with the the definition of processing assets, the tax treatment of cc * . 2. development and exploration expenses and the treatment of losses carried forward with respect to mining duties. , With regards to the general economy of the coun try, unless there is a prompt cooling-out on the prices front we may be faced with an extremely unpleasant dose of anti inflation medicine. This could well take the form of new or higher taxes rather than an increasingly severe squeeze on credit. .. The Committee plans to continue, to the fullest extent practicable, to act on a joint basis with the Q.ft.ft,A and the Mining Association of Canada on all matters of mu tual interest in the field of taxation and fiscal policies. ' Michael J. ftessel. Chairman. A  s v ' ` -- * QUEBEC ASeESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEETING - BELLEVIEW-BILTfflORE, CLEARWATER,FLORIDA PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES Since the taking over of the P.R. and Information services by April 1, there has been no discussion with the Com mittee as to concrete proposals for a continuing public rela tions programme. Until a continuing programme is developed with the help and approval of the Committee, it is proposed to concentrate activities in the following areas: 1. Asbestos Producer Editorial emphasis will be placed in coming months on the .following subjects: ' (a) The essential function of management in the operation . . of an asbestos mine: how a mine's ability to generate employment and prosperity depends on the efforts of management, and, in this context, the interdependent functions and interests of all salaried and hourly ' paid personnel. ' (b) ' To stress the interdependent socio-economic interests of all regions of this country and to convey the concept that the whole of Canada is greater then the sum of its parts. This will be undertaken by high lighting where feasible Canadian themes affecting both industry operations and the private activities of employees and residents of the asbestos-mining communities, . r% (c) The critical importance of the contribution by the Canadian mining industry, including asbestos mining, to provincial and national CNPs and the relevance of this contribution to the well-being and security not only of the industry's employees but of all citizens of this country: how, in terms of asbestos mining, this contribution can only be achieved by continued unrestricted access to overseas markets. (d) The inevitability of increased automation in face of steadily rising costs and the resultant demand for increased efficiency: the present and projected consequences of this process on the-working condi tion's" and job requirements of all employees, hourly- paid and salaried. - 2. Press Relations The series of feature acticles on the state of the industry prepared by Canadian Press staff reporter Oavs McDonald ard currently appearing in daily newspapers across Canada points up the need for all Canadian writers on business and mining matters to be provided with a "kit" of basic background information, accurate, up-to-date and concise, on the current organization and situation of the industry, its value to the country, present problems and development projects and the future outlook for the industry. These "press kits" should include a selection of recent photo graphs and comparative statistics. Distribution of the kits should be supplemented by s continuing flow of positive news and statistical material regarding the induatTy'a performance. ,../3 cc r. I^ v yt.' aaSct 3, 3. Public Information Production of the inexpensive folder containing basic facts about the industry and suitable for economical mass distribution should be proceeded with. 4. Information for Schools Attention should be directed to developing a programme by which more primary and secondary school pupils in Quebec may be ecsnomieally and effectively informed, through their school teaching staffs, about the exis- . tence of.the industry and its direct and indirect values to the Province. ' 5* Public Relations Committee To guide these and other projects through to implemen tation and completion, it is suggested that the Public Relations Committee meet more frequently than hitherto, ideally on a monthly basis. John Gossip, Director of Information Services m >*a1 ^vnuMcPaimRUuai^iaH ~K* cc i i 12. eWIftOMffOTAL CONTROL COftiWITTCC REPORT cc r QUEBEC ASBESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEETING - BELLEVIEW-BILTfflORE. CLEARWATER, FLORIDA ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL COMMITTEE REPORT A. DRYER STACK CONTROL 1. Sag Collectors C.J.ffl. unit operating with virtually 100/6 efficiency. Lake Asbestos unit, efficiency continues at more than 9956. The attainment of a solution to the continuing problem of having to by-pass the filters during the periods of high gas temperatures now looks much closer with the fibre-glass filter bag. The test installation at Lake Asbestos has run four months and results now look more encouraging. The cost . is only slightly more and temperatures can go to 6OQ0F rather . than present limitation of 250or. Expect to be able to make a firm recommendation by mid-Summer. 2. met Collector Rotoclone testing continues at C.J.ffl. with the unit running well under Winter conditions. Efficiency still to be improved with the current level running at about 83^. This represents a reduction from 124 to 20 lbs. per hour emission. B.-TAILINGS STABILIZATION A 'litteraturs search has been-made of all -known'method* of stabilizing the surface with chemical additives and with * varioustypes of_plant Qrowth,________________= cr i We are nour ready to embark on a modest laboratory program as follows: 1. Install a control growth chamber at the Sherbrooke Laboratory at a cost of SI,500.00. Test grow some 24 types of grasses, 3 types of grains, 5 legumes, 5 bushes and 6 trees, all to be done on flower pot scale. 2. Bench top experiments on consolidating characte ristics of some 14 chemical binders. A modest field'program could go as follows: . 1. Test plots of plant growth, presuming a likely candidate is found in the laboratory. 2. Test applications of a chemical binder, should and economically feasible candidate be developed. Both of these tests could be done at one or more of the member companies. A firm program will be proposed and volurteers sollicited. 3. field examination of old dumps will be made this Summer to determine what, if any, natural vegeta tion has been able to establish itself. The Committee recommends for your approval the installation of e control growth chamber with its associated plant growing equip- . ment at the Association laboratory at .a .cost net to exceed 81,500. _ - _J. B.ffl. Hutcheson, '" Chairman'.' ' 4- cr 4 QUEBEC ASBESTOS WINING ASSOCIATION SPECIAL SPRING MEETING - BELLEVIEW-BILTinORE, CLEARWATER. FLORIDA ' OCCUPATIONAL A NO EAH/IROWtSNTAL HEALTH CQWWITTCE REPORT GENERAL This is meant to be an overall report as to the Health Problem status as of April 1969 but will not cover the various pending studies being conducted by the Scientific Committee as such re porting falls rather within the immediate purview of Dr. Wright and as the latter has recently communicated a very comprehensiv; report and study with appropriate recommendations (a report for which Dr. Wright and the members of his committee should be highly commended). It can be stated that whilst the "Asbestos .Health Problem" as such is now spreading over a territory greater than ever. said problem however is gradually terring under relative control and this visibly so. Such "relative control" of the health problem as a whole is chiefly due to the formidable task being accomplished by Dr. Wright's committee but ii is only fair to signal that there are nevertheless also at work certain other factors in this respect. One important factor is that resulting from the combined endeavours of Johns-Manville Corporation and of the undersigned as officers of your 1.0.E.H. executive committee. At times results are achieved mainly because of the combined team-work of Or. Wright's committee, on the one hand, and of J.-H. on the othar hand working with a somewhat "third wing" formed by K.V. Lindell and I* Saocurin. c \/ c \ 2. This combination has been existing throughout 1967, 1968 and 1969 (up to this date) and has made possible an advance on the whole health front. Planking the orbit o^ respon sibilities of the Scientific Committee as such Johns-Manville has subsidized several undertakings of importance, setting up special committees, to such ends, headed by key t officers and formed of skilled technicians in various fields of activities, such as for example Research and Public Relations, such committees meeting regularly and, in between meetings, devoting much time and energy to the study of the tasks entrusted to them, such work and study paving the way for a constructive implementation of a General Program of Action. Such programming was and is 'destined to circumscribe and curb the damaging effects of the accusations incriminating the esbestcs fiber generally V (whether in mining, milling, manufacturing, processing or the mere uses of the asbestos fiber). Whilst Jrtt. in so doing is prompted by the extent of its interest in the asbestos industry it is proposed that nevertheless its participation is contributing significantly to a question which in fact is vital to the industry as a whole and to every member thereof. Tor instance, it is with that orientation that J.-ffl. did retain Or. Wright as a constant special consultant at Headqtnrtsrs. Par instance it was due to the above factors that a joinder was successfully effected with the "Dr. Selikoff - and Heat k frost asbestos insulating forces*', said joinder functioning now regularly under an important committee comprising amongst its members Or. Wright, Dr.. Selikoff, Or. Pundscck and Dr. Hammond. One .result is that the views of Dr. Selikoff have now a definite tendency to harmonize themselves with those of Or. Wright. .../3 I J j ! ) l _.vr;-c-* ' U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND BODIES . 3- These bodies are undoubtedly the most influential and powerful body on the Continent on acccount of the impact it has, via regulatory measures on production procedures and on uses of materials. A noticeable and rathsr uniform sympathetic attitude is now detectable in the respective jurisdictions of U.S.P.H. across the Nation. In this respect the presence on our Scientific Committee of such a prominent scientist as Dr. Kotin has been of great help (Dr. Kotin is one of the very highest officers of U.S. in the field of etiology and control of cancer in U.S.A. and he has become familiar uiith the multiple angles of our health situation). - - Incioentally, Dr. Piurray Srown who was heading an important U.S.P.H. service at Washing ton (and who attended our last Antigua meeting) has now retired.- - .. MCSOTHCLIOmA In Europe, last Tall, the undersigned met with Or. Wright and discussed there the asbestos health problem with outstanding scientists and laboratory heads, this in France and Western Germany (laboratories and institutions which Dr. Wright had not hitherto visited). It is the impression of the undersigned that neither in France nor Western Germany can it be said that mesothelioma is the mounting "ogre" of the proportions given same in South Africa, England or U.S,A, Although scientific investi gation is of course needed, it does not seem however that the climate in France or Germany is bad. . . . .../4 v ( i ii * I >'4 4 ` *1 i. : t. 4. In South Africa mesothelioma figures seem to be on the wane, as a substantial portion of tumors hitherto labelled as mesothelioma are being counted out, this because of verification in depth of said turners (mesothelioma as we ell know must not be secondary to other tumors but by all means primary). The point is that the very diagnosis of mesothelioma is still a matter, often enough, of mere conjectures as no uniform norms, standards have been agreed upon as yet. In Canada, at least in our asbestos mining industry populationsr'mesothelioma would not. be as yet much of a threat if we consider that r.c mesothelioma has appeared end withstood verification since 1960 on the books of our Clinics (either at Thetford Wines or at Asbestos). And only four mesotheliomas have been raised in the period anterior to 1960, two of which might well vanish after prooer verifi cation (which verification has not as yet taken place). These statements concur with the opinion expressed by Or. Cartier and Or. Guy who heads the Canadian committee for.the diagnosis cf mesothelioma and who is our top pathologist in the field of malignancies related to asbestos exposure. ppnoostp ftiCCTINC At Montebello (Seignory Club), next June likely, it has been agreed that our Quebec Workmen`s Compensation members and advising medical staff (Or. Gr^goire et al., - Or. Gr6goire sits also on our Scientific committee --) are to meet in a friendly colloquial fashion for a few days V +-/ cc 5. with the members of our Scientific committees and their guests so that the results of studies and observations can be exchanged and discussed. This move uias arranged by the undersigned and the Quebec Government representatives in view of the considerably mounting number of claims being filed lately by persons who would have been exposed in our mining industry. A meeting of the kind is according to our usual procedure, such meetings being in order at about every ten years (former meetings have taken place since 1935 in Carolina, New York, Thetford Wines, Saranac,' Cartierville and Montreal). . . ` COMMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS . ' We are now entering the most serious and active phase of the investigation field recommended by cur Scientific committee. We are to reach into the depths of our problems. A few years ago we were not equipped as we .are today to face the struggle. Today we have and the personnel and enough accumulated data to go into the battle field and paint what might well be an image vindicating at least chrysotile asbestos as such. The prongs of attack are getting to be more and more numerous and it might necessitate some two years before enough of the smoke arising from unwarranted fires has been cleared: a scientific problem cannot be solved until the smoke of ignorance has disappeared. The report of Or. Wright's committee speaks for itself and if the recommendations are not carried into effect the industry might well suffocate to death in soma of its important sectors. There ere symptoms to that effect. But if the programming proposed is implemented the industry as a whole will have come out intact in most of its now strong'po'sition's. */G \ > 'V -w W ---W * `*'>1 *"'' s 6. At Ottawa your undersigned were represented at the second meeting of the committee organized across Canada to search t 4J for the bio-physical properties of asbestos. Dr. fllcOonald and Or. Cartier also attended. ' We should now be (on account of the final report of Or. Wright's committee study) in a position tc effectively seek from Quebec and Ottawa Governmentsrespectively subsidies to support the implementation of said programme. The members of the association are earnestly enjoined to give adequate financial support for the further implement ation of Or. Wright's programme. The money contribution (of the respective members) it seems should come out of the "sales figures" irrespective of profits arising out of said sales. It might be also opportune to plan a further Antigua meeting for the Winter 1970-1971 so as to keep alive our feeding line of information across the world. I.O.C.H. Executive Committee. . Karl V. lindell, Chairman. . Ivan Saoourin, Secretary. ! ,* i i 14. THc /9S5C5T0S KilNIKG ItiDUSTnY Ih 1965 cC j i i 4 . *. Si >* :ici THE ASBESTOS WINING INOUSTRV IN 1968 ~ - - ~ ... . 11 As Asbestos goes, so goes the economy of the country. As a corollary, it could be stated that among mining products asbestos is a good bellwether or a reliable indicator of the trend of the economy of the North American continent, because of its close relationship with the construction and automotive industries. With the renewed growth of these two industries in 1968, the demand was such that both production and exports of Canadian asbestos for the first time exceeded the 1,500,000-ton mark, with total- asbestos shipments from the mines reaching a record figure of more than 1,580,000 tons. Unlike gold, copper, zinc on lead, asbestos is not an element; the term embraces a number of.fibrous mineral silicates which differ in chemical composition. Dined `in Russia, Rhodesis, South Africa, Cyprus, Italy, the U.SwA., Japan, China and several other countries, asbestos ranks among the leading minerals produ ced in Canada. The most abundant variety, chrysotile, and also the most valuable form of asbestos produced, makes up 90 per cent of the world's supply* In Canada, chrysotile is found in the pro vinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland as well as in Quebec, the latter accounting for almost 8? per cent of all the fibre produced in this country, A number of developments have made 1968 e record produc tion and export year for Canada's asbestos mining industry. As bestos fibre consumption has been increasing in the U.5., Canada -up 10 per csnt last year- Japan and in Latin America. Demand In \ ,../2 c 'r a t i 5 \ U-t. ' * ( i % * i v I j | ii 1 Y ' z&Ssm Western Europe was again on the up-swing, following a cut-back in 1967. As a result, shipments from Canadian mines during 1968 reached some 1,580,026 tons or an unprecedented high of 1180,000,000 versus 1,444,885 worth some 8163,000,000, in 1967, an increase of 135,141 tons or 9,3 per cent which compares favorably with the 196S national average increase in value of mineral production of 7,7 per cent. Forecast are that Canadian asbestos production is expected to. maintain a similar growth pattern in 1969, It should be noted here that in spite of the fact that Canada's share of world asbes tos production has declined from 50% to some 55% over the last ten years, the output of the Canadian asbestos industry has increased by 50% during the same period, from 1,046,086 tons in 1957 tc 1,560,026 tons in 196B. (1968 figures are preliminary). Russia, which reported shipments of some 2,015,000 tons in 1967, has given no indication of any sizeable increase in produc tion in 1968, judging from an analysis of their export figures. Zt would seem that either the new plants at Asbiest and Aktrovak are not yet fully operational, or that the additional production capacity thus provided has been absorbed by the expansion of the Soviet economy, leaving little for increased exports. Unlike Canada, the Soviets use most of their own asbestos to supply building materials for the vast construction programs in their own country and in other Soviet bloc nations. ' South Africa, which i9 pretty well self-sufficient, is expected to produce some 280,000 tons again in 1966. Southern Rhodesia's output has not been reported sines 1965, but is placed at approximately 170,000 tons. ' In the U.S. total asbestos fibre production in 1968 amounted to some 121,000 tons slightly lese than in 1967. Over 50% of this production comes from California which has become the largest .asbestos .producing - stata .in _the. U S,__---------------------------------- :-- /3 ; j-sa'. t i ' i o i i 3. As to production of asbestos in other producing countries, no significant increase had been forecast for 1968 nor has there been any actual expansion reported at the time of writing. Total tonnage for these countries should fail in the neighbourhood of 350,000 tens in 1968. WARKET PATTERN Ah'D EXPORTS i Asbestos has a variety of uses -some 3,000 applicatione- making it practically ubiquitous in modern society. It goes to virtually every industrialized nation on earth, major uses include ; ; asbestos textiles, asbestos paper, floor tile, friction materials (brake linings,clutch facings, etc.), plastics, paints, sealers, sound-deadeners, and roofing coumpounds. The most significant out let, however, is the asbestos cement industry. It is estimated that 50 per cent of all types of asbestos including chrysotile, amosite and erocidolite, is consumed in the production of asbestos cement building materials and asbestos cement pipe. . In practically all countries of the world, asbestos cement products are ideally suitable for construction of buildings and hou ses.' In countries not well endowed with timber resources, usually I cement is readily available and asbestos consequently is the only ! raw material to be imported, moreover, asbestos cement plants can be sat up relatively inexpensively. This is why in recent months new plants have been built throughout Europe, the middle East, ! Africa, South and Central America and Asia, as well as many additions i to existing plants. Transportation of water ia assuming more and mors impor- tanca in most countries and it can be anticipated that growth of this line of product will develop at an interesting rate in future 1 -i ST:..! /4 cc i j V-,;. . -r\j i1 I i J i ' .. 5. Leaders in the industry have a great deal of confidence in the long term oerformance of the construction end automotive indus tries of the U.S. and other industrialized nations. For 1968 alone, U.S. economists had predicted that the activity in their construction industry would increase by some eight (8) per cent -1,4 million hou sing units- end that car and truck production would climb from the 7,4 million unit level of 1967 to 8,5 million units this year. Indeed, the demand from the U.S. -biggest single customer of Canadian asbestos mines- hae been strong throughout the year. Shipments to Latin America in 1966 exceeded 100,000 tons an indication that mere asbestos product manufacturing capacity is being added. Elsewhere, the demand for Canadian fibre is good. Japan, by far the largest asbestos-cement producing country in Asia, outside Russia, has increased its asbestos imports from Canada during the past two years. Japan provides a classic case of a market short of lumber resources, long on cement production and with amazingly large growth in construction for industry and homes- In Europe, West Germany, France, Belgium and Holland have all increased their asbestos imports in 1968. United Kingdom, however, showed no improvement in demand for asbestos. -Shipments of Canadian asbestos to the socialist countries of Eastern Europe are increasing snmswhat from year to year. Exports of Russian asbestos to these countries do not adequately fulfill the demand resulting from their increased capacity for asbestos-cement production. Russia ex ported 285,DOC tens of asbestos in 1967 and approximately half of these exports went to non-communist countries, of which 43,500 tons to West Germany alone. In general, a 5 per cent growth In the production of asbestos-cement building materials was forecast for Europe in 1968. In tne developing countries of Asia, Latin America and Africa the demand is there, but imports are relatively small, because -of.economic-problems; however, more asbestos product manufacturing capacity is gradually added. Obviously, RhodBsia, South Africa and _Swazi la nd_supply ..asbestos -to many-perte- of- Africa.'---------------------- 1-------------- ../ ' y 4. years. It is in the latter area that U.S. production is growing at a faster rate than for other asbestos products. Obviously, the characteristics of asbestos cement pipe -corrosion resistance, ex cellent strength properties, ease of installation- assist in market development and in increased application of asbestos cement conduit. The very qualities of asbestos cement products, in particular thsir resistance to heat, humidity and termites as well as low maintenance, make them most adaptable to the urgent needs of the developing countries. Thus asbestos is a "natural" when considereo as a trade commodity with the developing nations, especially in its basic use in irrigation, sewage and drainage projects and as a comparatively low cost building material. In brief, for the long term future, the growth potential of the demand on the part of these countries is enormous. v But the asbestos industry is not only concerned with the developing countries, it has an equal role to play In the more sophisticated world markets. At present, Canada is exporting asbestos fibre to some 04 countries. Despite competition from materials with no mineral content, from newly developed synthetic materials and from new techniques that could reduce the need fcr asbestos, these markets are expected to continue to grow. ' One of the peculiarities of selling asbestos cn worldwide markets is that wnat you lose in one pert of the world, you often make up in another. A construction industry slump in the U.S.A. can occur at the same time es a building boom in Japan. In 1967, for instance, thers was e minor slowdown in Canada and the U.S., as well as In Germany and Britain. This resulted In reduced purchases of fibre from Canada. At the same time, however, the economies of . Japan, India and several European countries perked right up. These countries ordered relatively more asbestos fibre than usual. * /5 M... ?55! CANADIAN INDUSTRY EXPANDS Although new materials and techniques are competing foi the same markets with asbestos fibre, the demand for the latter to meet world needs is expected to grow for the next several years. To cope with projected requirements, Canadian producers are taking steps to expand existing capacities as well as to bring in new mines. Cana dian Johns-Nanville should complete its program to increase productive capacity at its Jeffrey Nine, Asbestos, Que. by some 100,000 tons cf fibre per year by the end of 1969 or early 1970. In addition, its Reeves Nine in Ontario which went into operation last year has now- reached its rated capacity of some 35,000 tons of fibre per year. The Company is also carrying out underground exploration at a Garrison Township property in Ontario, some 16 miles east of its former Munro Nine. - Asbestos Corporation Limited plans to develop to pro duction a new asbestos property -The Penhale orebody- near Thstfcrd Ninesj if.current exploration work is successful, this new under ground operation is expected tc reach by late 1971 an ore output rate of 6,200 tons daily. In Thetford Mines also, Bell Asbestos Nines Limited is planning to erect a new surface plant beside a new shaft being sunk to the 1450 level. Lake Asbestos cf Ouebec Limited is nearing completion of the open pit enlargement program commenced two years ago. Clinton Creek Nine, in the Yukon, of Cassiar Asbestos Corporation which had started commercial production in December 1967 reached its annual objective of 60,000 tons (actually 64,279 tons) in 1968. As planned the parent Cassiar Nine, however, reduced its production tc sens 75,000 tons from the 92,000 ton rate achieved in 1967. . Another asbestos producer which may make Its debut in 1969 is the Hedman Nine, near Netheson, Ont. The capacity of the mill ia rated at 600 tons of ore per day. ' Several other asbestos discoveries in various parts o* 'Canada""are presently being explored and assessed as to their economic pcesibilitiec. . c '/ ** d OUTLOOK 7. The massive needs of housing and industry in practically all countries of the world point up to an encouraging trend line for the future consumption of asPestos in its major outlets. The year 1969 seems headed indeed for a continued growth in usage of Canadian asbestos fibre of approximately 5?S. And this pattern is forecast to carry over in the early 70*5, For the Canadian asbestos industry, this means more planning, core exploration and development efforts, in order to meet successfully the challenge of suoclying an expanding market for asbestos in the years immediately ahead. This is a stimulating situation, because it benefits everyone closely or remotely connected with the industry. ' Paul A. Filteeu, General Manager, Quebec Asoestos Mining Association. Quebec, January 27, 1969. 1 4 ji.>**-T*-.11 cc c V'_> 1966 ASBESTOS SHIPMENTS by CANADIAN PRODUCERS Asbestos CorDoration Limited Bell Asbestos nines Limited Canadian Johns-fflanville Co. Ltd. Carey-Canadian nines Limited Flintkote Wines Limited Lake Asbestos of Quebec Limited National Asbestos mines Linitec Nicolet Asbestos nines Limited 272,461 52,262 593,933 196,854 34,423 139,488 57,290 23,105 tons tons . .:ns tons tons tons tens tons QAffiA SHIPMENTS Advocate Wines Limited Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Ltd Reeves nine (j.-M.) TOTAL (Prel.) * 1.371.836 tons 69,104 124,770 14,236 tens tons tons 1.590.026 tons 1966 Total Canadian Production 1967 " " " 1,489,055 tons 1,444.865 tons -Quebec, February 10, 1969, w ijmhmi. jj?