The Economic Times

In the 1930s, Australia's Wittenoom was known for mining a highly valued mineral, but over 2,000 deaths brought a tragic end, turning it into a ghost town

For many years, Wittenoom, located in Western Australia, was synonymous with blue asbestos mining. Unfortunately, increasing awareness about the health risks led to the mine's closure in 1966. The government officially restricted access in 2007, and the last resident left in 2023, marking an end to the communitys presence. Today, the site remains marred by millions of tonnes of toxic asbestos tailings, illustrating its troubled history.