2021 was a bumper year for Russian asbestos mining conglomerate Uralasbest, as they recorded a 37.2% increase in sales on the year.
The company produces about 21% of the world's annual chrysotile production and 41% of Russian chrysotile, of which 80% is exported, much of it to India who have banned its production but not its trade and use.
The Russian firm is no stranger to controversy having adorned asbestos materials with images of former President Trump and the text “Approved by Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States.”, after Trump appeared to suggest his support for the asbestos industry.
Uralasbest also have controversial claims on their website stating scientists have confirmed the safety of Chrysotile.
With the current global sanctions against Russia in response to their aggresion against Ukraine, set to hit the country hard and the price of the ruble plummeting, the company will have an uncertain path ahead.
