The owner of an old asbestos mine in Libby, Montana, W.R. Grace, recently offered the state of Montana over $18 million to settle the state’s claims for natural resource damages. Montana has claimed substantial damage to its natural and environmental resources due to the irresponsibility of W.R. Grace & Co.’s business practices while operating the mine. The settlement will relieve the company from many of its liabilities to Montana but will still hold the mining company answerable for its reckless mistakes.
Some Background on the Mine
W.R. Grace & Co. owned and operated a mine that was used to extract and grind vermiculite, a substance found close to asbestos. Because of its closeness to asbestos, it is easy for vermiculite to be asbestos-contaminated.