Asbestos and mesothelioma Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that was once widely used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Due to health risks, it is no longer mined, milled or manufactured in Australia. All uses of asbestos in new products are now banned in Australia and no asbestos products may be imported. Strict precautions also govern the removal and disposal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.