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+-.UIQ.c-L ii (mbb rna) Xaveetigatlon diaeloeed that In cartain e*aantial uni i Canadian long fiber aabeatoa out not fora a aultibia aub- / titut* for tha varletlaa obtainad from Rhode*la and South T Africa. Stockpile raeoonandntion to liatala Diaem Conpany la for purehaaa of 3,000 tone of Rhodesian crysotila, 9,000 tone of anooita and 8,000 tone of blue fiber, liatala Reaarve haa contracted for 1,560 tone of blue fiber, and other large faotora in the trade are now ineeetigating to detamine what amount* of these grade* will be available over and above induetry reouiraaent*. Inporta froa South Africa arrived in record volume In 1940, but eonauaption i* aleo inereaaing rapidly and we will not kaor until the coapletion of the current eanvaaa by the Bureau of Minea what tha current denand-eupply piotura 1*. Ariaona oan produce anail aaount* of high-grade cryaotile, but only at extreoely high price*. ^2 5/10/41 t \ -2- I. USES AKD SOURCES A. Umi 1. Chrreotllo. Dm bulk of the world's production of both long and snort fibr la of thia type and ia mined principally in Canada and Rhodesia. This variety ia characterised by ita strength and flaxibility that permit tha uaa of ita longer fibraa for apinning. Tha long flbraa of this type are uaad in textiles, such aa brake lininge, clutch facings, cloth, tape, tubing, and oord. Tha shorter fibres are used in insulation products, such aa building naterials, aabestos cement products, and pipe covering. 2. Blue (Crocidolite). This type occurs in commercial Quantities in South Africa, with small quantities now coming from Australia. Blue asbestos, which is very high in iron content, is characterised by its resistance to the action of acids and is the only type having this quality. It is used principally in acid packings, filter cloth, and asbestos cement pipe. 3. Amoslte. This type is found only in South Africa and is characterised by its unusually long fibres, averaging about L to 5 inches in length. It is used primarily in fireproof board, high temperature insulation pipe covering, and blankets for insulat ing turbines on combat ships. There are other types of asbestos fibres which are mined in email quantities but which are unimportant commercially. B. Sources 1. Domestic. Tne domestic production of asbestos amounted tc about 20,000 short tons in l?bO, which was an all time high and a 30 percent increase over 1939; yet this tonnage was only about 8 perc. of our total requirements. This production of `lie Chryeotile type was chiefly from Vermont and consisted mainly of short fibres uaad principally in paper, compressed sheet packings, and moulded brake linings. Arizona produces small quantities of long fibre Chrysotile which can be substituted for similar South African types, though at a higher cost. The Johns Manville Corporation is reopening s property in Arisona which should increase its production from that state from some 300 tons to $00 tons per year. During September 19U1, Ur. J. R. Thoenin, of the U. S. Bureau of Uines, and Ur. A. L. Granger, of the 'J. S. "col-jgical Cui-vcy, made a eurvey the better known producing ainee in Oila County, % 1 3- Arlaona. Th* results of this survey indie*tod that some 1,000 short ton of th* critical grades of tho Chrysotile typo could bo produoed during 19b2. To ineroaso thio amount would call for intonalvo Mining development) and even ao. It la doubtad If th* district would aora than doubla this production except ever a parlod of years. Asbestos la found In many other autos but in such aaall quantities as to bo nagllglbla. 2. Foreign. Canada producaa tho bulk of tho world's asbestos, but Its production consists solely of the Chrysotile type. About 88 percent (226,000 short tons in 19U0) of our Chryaotil* inports are froa Canada. Sons aradas of this type can be used In place of Ilka aradas of South. African Rhodesian fibres,. Th* chief nines in Canada are those of the Johns Manvllle ioapany, I.td.j Asbestos Corp., Ltd.) Johnsons Coapany) Bell Asbestos Corp., Ltd.) Quebec Asbestos Corp.) and the Nicolet Asbestos Mines. The Union of South Africa produces most of the world's "Blue" and all of the world's supply of Amosite fibre. The Blue type is used in the nanufacture of acid-resisting packings, asbestos oanent pipe, and is currently being used experimentally in gas nask filters. Th* Anosite type is used in high tenperature /pip* ooraring, in blankets to insulate turbines on cowbat ships, aod in the Manufacture of flaws proof boards. The principal producer of this type is th* Cape Asbestos Company, Ltd., with offices in Mew fork. In addition, Rhodesia produces various grades of Chrysotile asbestos. Th* principal producer is Turner and Newell, Ltd,, of England. About 17,000 short tons were imported from South Africa during the yesr l?ltO. Imports froa Australia and India were Insignificant during 19bl, although we are advised that shipments from these places could be increased to 25 tons per month if 1 needed. Australia lias ooUi Blue and Chrysotile types) the latter, free from iron, could be substituted for Rhodesian Chrysotile) the Blue is suitable for products such as gas nask filters and textiles. Imports froa Russia during 19U0 were exceedingly saall. Ihiring 19ltl about 500 short tons hare been received. This fibre is of the Chrysotile variety and ooapares with the Canadian types. % i .* { .r %