Lowell Asbestos Mine The Lowell Asbestos Mine on Belvidere Mountain was operated by the Vermont Asbestos Group (VAG) and was the last operating asbestos mine in the United States when it closed in 1993. The mine produced chrysotile fiber for decades.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Asbestos mining on Belvidere Mountain dates to the 1890s, with large-scale commercial operations beginning in the 1930s. The Vermont Asbestos Group operated the mine through its final decades, producing chrysotile fiber primarily for the Canadian and American markets. It was the last asbestos mine to close in the United States, shutting down in 1993 as demand collapsed under regulatory pressure and liability concerns.
Underground mining and surface milling operations exposed workers to high concentrations of airborne chrysotile fibers. Crushing, screening, and bagging operations were particularly dusty. Tailings piles on Belvidere Mountain continue to release fibers when disturbed, and nearby Eden and Lowell communities experienced ambient exposure from mine operations.
The following job categories at Lowell Asbestos Mine had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Workers developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, with disease rates well above the general population. Studies of Vermont asbestos miners confirmed elevated mortality from respiratory cancers. The long latency period means former workers remain at risk decades after the mine closed.
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 Lowell 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 Lowell Asbestos Mine between 1940s–1993 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.
The mine closed in 1993, making it the last operating asbestos mine in the United States. The Vermont Asbestos Group ceased operations as regulatory pressure and falling demand made continued mining economically unviable.
Yes. Tailings piles from decades of mining remain on the mountain and can release asbestos fibers when disturbed by weather, recreation, or construction. The Vermont Department of Health advises caution in the area.
Former workers should inform their physician about their asbestos exposure history and request appropriate screening. If diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, consulting an experienced asbestos attorney can help determine eligibility for compensation.
If you or a loved one worked at Lowell 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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