According to the latest figures posted, the James Hardie Industries compensation fund might run out of money by mid 2010. The fund, known as the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) was set up in 2006 by James Hardie.

The aim of the fund is to compensate workers who suffer from asbestos-related diseases and rely on yearly contributions from the firm's free cash flow.

Taking into consideration all the settlements made by the fund so far, and the fact that no contributions were made by James Hardie at the end of the 2009 fiscal year, actuarial firm KPMG has estimated that nearly $84.2 million are remaining in the fund as of September end.

Based on real time estimates, there is a good possibility that the fund might run out of money by 2010 mid. While no comments have been made so far by the company, James Hardie will be providing updated figures when the company releases its half yearly results on November 23.

James Hardie's Chief Executive Louis Gries said in August that if the financial situation allows, the company might make a contribution to the AICF on July 1, 2010, but there were no promises.