Document bajxvkwLOwkyGKz4ZJy90ZNmO

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF MINES WASHINGTON, D.C. 2024-1 Thomas S. Kleppe, Secretary Thomas V. Talkie, Director For information call Robert A. Clifton Telephone: (202) 634-1206 Annual, Preliminary ASBESTOS IN 1976 Production of asbestos in the United States during 1976 was 24% more than in 1975, according to the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior. The total production of all asbestos in 1976 was 123,000 short tons. The total value, $25,805,000, was 81% higher than in 1975. The average value per ton. decreased slightly from $197 in 1975 to $194 in 1976. Production was derived from four States with California first and Vermont second in rank. Apparent consumption totaled 725,000 tons, 20% above that of the previous year. This increase reflected settlement of the miners' strike in Quebec. Canada continued to be the major supplier of asbestos consumed in the United States; imports increased from a total of 539,000 tons in 1975 to 652,000 tons in 1976. Based on imports for 9 months, the Republic of South Africa supplied 9,300 tons of crocidolite and 1,700 tons of amosite. These tonnages indicate a decrease of about. 34% in crocidolite and 66% decrease in amosite uses over 1975. The price of Quebec asbestos did not change during 1976 despite new con tracts with the miners* unions and other economic forces. Canada's largest producer announced a 14% price hike effective January 1, 1977. nk- r i \r : ;; j. l ' "; .ij Prepared in the Division of Nonraetallic Minerals, .January 4, 1977. 6 SPNY 003429