The University of Minnesota announced yesterday that it is launching a new 3-part study to determine whether there is a definite link between taconite mining and mesothelioma. Taconite rock is a low grade iron ore mined from the Mesabi Iron Range region of Minnesota. Once considered waste rock, interest in Taconite as an iron source steadily increased as supply of higher grade iron ore decreased. However, with the increase in taconite mining also came what appears to be an increase in lung disease, particularly mesothelioma, among taconite workers. The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed that 58 former miners have died from mesothelioma. However, it is still not clear whether the taconite miners have contracted mesothelioma and other lung diseases from the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the production plants, or by asbestos-like fibers in the taconite dust inhaled during the mining process. In the first part of the study, which is set to begin within the next few weeks, researchers will examine taconite samples for the existence of asbestos-like fibers, which may help establish a link between taconite mining and mesothelioma. The study is expected to take approximately three years to complete.

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