Once a bustling mining settlement in Western Australia's Pilbara region, Wittenoom has long been synonymous with tragedy. Now, after decades of abandonment and escalating health concerns, the state government has commenced the demolition of the town, warning that trespassers could face prosecution due to the site's extreme asbestos contamination.

Established in the 1930s as a hub for blue asbestos mining, Wittenoom's operations continued until 1966. The mining activities left behind an estimated three million tonnes of asbestos tailings, contributing to thousands of deaths from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases among workers and residents.

In 2007, the town was officially removed from maps to deter visitors, and the final residents were evicted in 2022 following the passage of the Wittenoom Closure Bill.

Demolition crews have now begun dismantling the remaining structures, with all main roads to the area permanently closed.

Warning signs have been installed, and authorities have stated that trespassers may be prosecuted. All demolition materials are to be buried on-site. 

Despite these measures, concerns persist regarding the millions of tonnes of asbestos tailings that continue to litter the area.

Former resident and retired WA Greens MP Robin Chapple, who suffers from asbestosis, has called on the government to commit to removing the remaining asbestos, according to ABC News Australia.

He suggests that the tailings be buried in the old mine shafts and sealed shut.

The government acknowledges the site's contamination but has not committed to a full-scale cleanup, citing the size of the area and the technical challenges involved. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has stated that remediation is unlikely to be technically feasible.

Adding to the complexity, families connected to Wittenoom have expressed concerns about access to the town's cemetery, which will remain untouched. The state government has not clarified how it plans to manage future access to the cemetery, leaving many in uncertainty. 

As Wittenoom's physical remnants are dismantled, its legacy as a cautionary tale about industrial negligence and environmental health hazards endures. The town's story serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of inadequate safety measures and the importance of addressing environmental contamination.