Since 2003, 58 Minnesota Iron Range workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The connection between taconite mining and mesothelioma, however, remains unclear. In an effort to get to the bottom of the cause of mesothelioma among taconite miners, in August the University of Minnesota announced the launch of a new 3-part study in association with the state Department of Health to determine whether the workers contracted mesothelioma from the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the production plants, or by asbestos-like fibers in the taconite dust inhaled during the mining process. (See University of Minn. to Study Link Between Taconite Mining and Mesothelioma, posted 8/10/07).

The study, which is expected to take 3 years and several million dollars to complete, received a jump-start on Thursday when the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board unanimously approved a $250,000 appropriation that would help pay for medical examinations, x-rays, MRIs and other diagnostic services for miners. Several Iron Range lawmakers fought hard to move ahead with research that would determine whether iron ore dust causes mesothelioma, and are pleased with the appropriation of funds to jump-start the study. In August Minnesota Health Commissioner Dianne Mandernach resigned after news reports that she delayed for one year the release of important new data regarding the deaths of 35 Iron Range Workers from mesothelioma, which brought the total to 52. (See Minnesota Health Commissioner Resigns, posted 8/22/07). In June of this year, another 6 miners contracted the disease, bringing the total number to 58. The University of Minnesota study will proceed with medical examinations for the miners pending approval of the appropriation by Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty.