WR Grace Libby Mine

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This was a vermiculite mine that operated from 1923 to 1990. Vermiculite, a mineral similar to mica, expands when heated into featherweight pieces that have been used commercially for decades in attic and wall insulation, wallboard, fireproofing, and plant nursery and forestry products. It was also used in scores of consumer products, such as lawn and garden supplies and cat litter.

The mine has become a source of controversy, due to the presence of asbestos in the mineral and the hazards from inhaling the asbestos-laden dust. Hundreds of miners, their family members and townsfolk have died and at least 1200 have been sickened from exposure to the dust. It has been called the worst environmental disaster in US history.

WR Grace and seven of its executives have been indicted on charges that they knowingly put workers and the public in danger. The trial has been postponed several times...

In 2008, Grace agreed to pay $250 million to reimburse the federal government for the costs of the investigation and cleanup of asbestos contamination in Libby.

See this website for a special report on the legacy:

seattlepi.nwsource.com/uncivilaction/

and the charges: seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/211169_libby08.html

and from the company's perspective: www.grace.com/About/EHS/Libby/Default.aspx