Thetford Mines

Town in south Québec, Canada, and the site of the world's largest asbestos deposits; population (2001 est) 16,600. It is situated on the River Bécancour, in the Notre Dame Mountains, 80 km/50 mi south of Québec. Thetford Mines is a regional service and mining centre. Dairying, sawmilling, and diverse manufactures also contribute to the local economy.

Asbestos was discovered in the region in 1876; both underground and open-face mines were put into operation, and the town became one of the world's leading asbestos producers, aided by the arrival of the railway in 1879. Originally called Kingsville after a local mine owner, it was renamed Thetford (after the English town) Mines in 1905. Chromium and feldspar are also mined in the area. Concerns over the health problems associated with asbestos led to a decline in mining.