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W.R. Grace Libby Operations

W.R. Grace Libby Operations

W.R. Grace Libby Operations W.R. Grace's Libby, Montana operations mined and processed vermiculite ore contaminated with deadly tremolite asbestos. The contamination devastated the small town of Libby, causing hundreds of deaths and creating one of the worst environmental health disasters in American history.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
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Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
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30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Libby, MT
Industry
Vermiculite Mining & Processing
Exposure Era
1960s–1990s
Primary Asbestos Products
Zonolite vermiculite insulation, Zonolite attic insulation, Monokote fireproofing, Vermiculite ore (tremolite-contaminated), Horticultural vermiculite
Job Categories at Risk
Miners, Processing plant workers, Truck drivers, Equipment operators, Maintenance workers

History & Asbestos Use

W.R. Grace & Co. acquired the vermiculite mine near Libby, Montana in 1963 from the Zonolite Company and operated it until 1990. The mine produced vermiculite ore that was naturally contaminated with tremolite and other amphibole asbestos fibers. The ore was processed at a facility in town and shipped to processing plants across the country, spreading contamination far beyond Libby. Hundreds of Libby residents have died from asbestos-related diseases, and the EPA declared a public health emergency in 2009—the first such declaration under Superfund authority. W.R. Grace filed for bankruptcy in 2001 and executives were criminally indicted, though ultimately acquitted.

Exposure Details

Mine workers and processing plant employees were exposed to extremely high concentrations of tremolite asbestos in dust generated during mining, crushing, and processing operations. The entire town of Libby was contaminated—vermiculite waste was used on running tracks, baseball fields, driveways, and in home gardens. Dust from the processing plant settled across the community, and workers carried contaminated clothing home, exposing family members.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at W.R. Grace Libby Operations had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Miners
  • Processing plant workers
  • Truck drivers
  • Equipment operators
  • Maintenance workers

Health Effects

Libby, Montana has experienced catastrophic rates of asbestos-related disease. Hundreds of residents have died from mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, and over 400 have been diagnosed with asbestos-related abnormalities. Tremolite asbestos is an amphibole form considered extremely dangerous, and the Libby disaster demonstrated that community-wide exposure—not just occupational exposure—can cause widespread disease. The EPA has screened thousands of current and former residents for asbestos-related conditions.

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.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at W.R. Grace Libby Operations 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.

1 asbestos trust fund have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at W.R. Grace Libby Operations?

Workers who were employed at W.R. Grace Libby Operations between 1960s–1990s 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.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at W.R. Grace Libby Operations may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in Libby, Montana?

W.R. Grace operated a vermiculite mine near Libby from 1963 to 1990 that produced ore contaminated with tremolite asbestos. The mining and processing operations contaminated the entire town, causing hundreds of deaths and one of the worst environmental health disasters in U.S. history.

What is Zonolite insulation?

Zonolite was the brand name for vermiculite insulation products made from ore mined in Libby, Montana. Because the ore was contaminated with tremolite asbestos, Zonolite insulation installed in millions of homes may contain dangerous asbestos fibers.

Is Libby a Superfund site?

Yes, Libby was designated an EPA Superfund site and in 2009 became the first location to receive a public health emergency declaration under Superfund authority. Cleanup and medical screening efforts continue to this day.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at W.R. Grace Libby Operations 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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Sources:

  • EPA Superfund records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • EPA public health emergency declaration — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Montana DEQ records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • U.S. DOJ criminal indictment records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • ATSDR health studies — accessed 2026-03-09
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