Copperopolis Asbestos Mine The Copperopolis Asbestos Mine in Calaveras County, California extracted chrysotile asbestos from serpentine rock deposits in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The mine supplied raw fiber to insulation and construction material manufacturers during the mid-20th century.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Asbestos mining in the Copperopolis area grew out of the region's broader mineral extraction history, which included copper and gold. Chrysotile deposits in the serpentine belt of the western Sierra foothills were commercially mined from the 1940s through the late 1970s. Operations ceased as federal regulations and declining demand made continued extraction uneconomical. Remnant tailings and waste rock remain at the site.
Open-pit extraction and dry-processing methods created heavy dust exposure for workers. Drilling, blasting, and crushing serpentine rock released chrysotile fibers into the air. Workers in the bagging and shipping areas faced some of the highest concentrations. Waste rock used for local road surfacing extended exposure to the surrounding community.
The following job categories at Copperopolis Asbestos Mine had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Workers from the Copperopolis mine have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The dry processing methods used during peak production generated particularly high fiber counts. Long latency periods mean new diagnoses continue to appear among former workers.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Copperopolis Asbestos Mine may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Copperopolis Asbestos Mine between 1950s–1970s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
If you were exposed to asbestos at Copperopolis Asbestos Mine and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in California may be able to help.
Yes. Copperopolis sits in the Sierra Nevada serpentine belt, which contains naturally occurring chrysotile asbestos. Any ground disturbance — including construction, grading, or off-road activity — can release fibers into the air.
Workers exposed to chrysotile asbestos at the mine face increased risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases typically develop 20 to 50 years after initial exposure.
Liability may rest with former mine operators, property owners, and companies that purchased raw asbestos from the site. An asbestos attorney can investigate the chain of ownership and identify responsible parties.
If you or a loved one worked at Copperopolis Asbestos Mine and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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