Mining Effects

The Mining Company of the North- Eastern United States has recently conducted mineral testing in the Tuscarora mountain range in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. If the test results confirm that there is a precious material within the mountains, the company will request the town of Mercersburg’s approval to construct one or several mines within the region. The landscape of the rural area in which our borough is located, has been described by many to be breathtaking and is treasured by the community. Our town’s economy and business life however, has recently been very slow and attempts at “putting our town on the map” have sadly seen no positive outcomes.

I, Evan Castrianni, am an elected official of our fair town and it is my responsibility and duty to express the town’s views on this opportunity. Many occupants of the town have told me their opinions about the matter and I will do my best to share their thoughts. In the end it will be my job among many other officials to decide what action to take in the idea that it is best for the city. We will either decide to go ahead with the mine in hopes of developing the city, or deny the mining company’s request and help preserve the region’s environment.

A large portion of the community has confronted me with a request to vote to approve the company’s proposal to mine in the range. They strongly feel that mining in the area will only bring with it beneficial outcomes and prospects for our society. For example, the economy would greatly profit if a mine were to be constructed because the financial situation of the area would have some sort of resolution. A mine requires workers in order to operate, so many of the citizens would have the opportunity to acquire a steady job and source of income. Also, the money being pulled in will generate more visitors and tourism which will inevitably lead to the expansion of Mercersburg. When the company starts the mining process, the town will begin to receive extra tax money with which we will be able to improve different aspects of our community.

It has also been pointed out that mining in general is helpful to people and cities on even a global scale. The ores and precious metals gathered from mining are essential to our everyday existence and are used in mostly all significant parts of life. For example, the automobiles that we drive everyday and the bridges we drive over are all made out of iron, steel, or some other material found within the earth. The pipes that are used to heat our houses and bring us water all equally require the earth’s metals to be produced. Not only this, but it has been noted that after a mining company has finished with the mine, they have been known to leave a rugged area more improved and bearable than before. Those who wish for the company’s approval are very stern on their feelings about why mining would be a superior choice for us.