THETFORD-MINES

city, Chaudire-Appalaches region, southern Quebec province, Canada. Originating after the discovery of asbestos deposits there in 1876, it was called Kingsville and later renamed after Thetford, Norfolk, Eng. Situated 60 miles (100 km) south of the city of Quebec, Thetford-Mines overcame the problems brought about by the encroachment of open-pit mining upon its urban area to become the centre of one of the world's greatest asbestos-producing areas. Other economic activities of the Thetford-Mines area include chromium and feldspar mining, dairying, sawmilling, and the manufacture of fibreglass and jute bags. Inc. village, 1892; town, 1905; city, 1912. Pop. (1991) 17,273.