Since 1948, an industrial metallurgical plant on the French island of Corsica has been discharging waste from ore processing directly into the Mediterranean Sea near the town of Canari. This long-term practice has resulted in the formation of two artificial beaches composed not of natural sand, but of industrial gray residues. These beaches, shaped by pollution rather than natural processes, are a striking example of how human activity can dramatically alter a coastline. Between 1948 and 1965, the site discharged up to 3,500 tons of waste daily, totaling around 12 million tons. One of these artificial beaches, known as Nonza, is more than 1,200 meters long and is nicknamed "la perle noire" (the black pearl) due to its dark, almost lunar appearance. The Canari asbestos mine operated at full capacity from 1940 to 1965, supplying up to 25 percent of France’s asbestos needs during that period. The processing of the ore generated massive quantities of waste, known as mine tailings, which were discharged directly into the sea despite a prefectural decree that had previously banned such practices. This prohibition, however, was not effectively enforced, and discharges continued until the site was permanently closed. The tailings accumulated along the coastline, forming two distinct artificial beaches that now stretch along the shore. The most notable of these is the Nonza beach, where the anthracite-gray sand extends over 1,200 meters in length and up to 100 meters in width. Despite its unusual appearance and the health risks it poses, the beach remains a popular spot for pedestrians who often walk along its shore without being aware of the hazardous nature of the sand beneath their feet. The area’s stark, almost lunar landscape contrasts sharply with the turquoise coves of the Cap Corse region, making it an intriguing yet concerning sight. The French Geological Survey (BRGM), a public organization responsible for geological research, classifies the Nonza and Albo beaches as areas with a very high environmental asbestos risk. These sands are not inert; they contain asbestos fibers that were part of the mining and processing operations. Over 150,000 cubic meters of debris remain at the former factory site, leading to regular landslides along the coastal road. Abandoned buildings at the site are reportedly covered in a layer of pure asbestos, and a 1968 report confirmed the presence of awarnite, a mineral linked to the waste, showing that the pollution has not fully dissipated over time. The local marine ecosystem has adapted to these altered conditions, but the presence of asbestos and other industrial residues continues to affect the biological balance along the coastline. Recently, a new industrial project has reignited the debate, proposing to extract nickel from the area. The local association U Levante has raised concerns about the potential risks of asbestos still present in the sediments. The project’s proponents claim that a technique involving magnetic underwater extraction could eliminate these risks entirely. This ongoing discussion highlights how the industrial past of Canari continues to influence present-day decisions and environmental challenges.