Western Mineral Products Plant Western Mineral Products operated a vermiculite expansion plant in Minneapolis that processed ore from the contaminated Libby, Montana mine. The facility produced Zonolite insulation and other vermiculite products for decades, exposing workers and nearby residents to tremolite asbestos.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Western Mineral Products was a key distributor and processor of Zonolite vermiculite in the upper Midwest. The company expanded raw Libby ore into finished insulation products from the 1930s through 1988. The EPA's nationwide investigation of Libby vermiculite processing sites identified this facility as a significant exposure source. Soil contamination was found in the surrounding area.
The expansion process heated raw vermiculite in furnaces, releasing tremolite asbestos fibers that had been trapped in the ore. Workers breathed contaminated dust throughout their shifts. Loading docks and outdoor storage areas created additional exposure pathways for nearby residents and passersby.
The following job categories at Western Mineral Products Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Occupational exposure at the Western Mineral Products plant led to elevated rates of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and pleural disease among workers. Health screenings of former employees confirmed asbestos-related abnormalities in a significant percentage of those tested.
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 Western Mineral Products Plant 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 Western Mineral Products Plant between 1940s–1988 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 Western Mineral Products Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Minnesota may be able to help.
The plant produced expanded vermiculite products, primarily Zonolite attic insulation and loose-fill insulation for residential and commercial use. The raw vermiculite came from the asbestos-contaminated Libby, Montana mine.
Yes. EPA soil testing in the area surrounding the plant detected asbestos contamination. Residents living and working nearby may have been exposed to airborne tremolite fibers from plant operations and waste disposal.
Former workers may file claims with the W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust and may also pursue lawsuits against other responsible parties. Medical monitoring and screening programs may also be available through EPA public health initiatives.
If you or a loved one worked at Western Mineral Products Plant 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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