Agreed, we need raw materials for goods and jobs.
Agreed, modern mining methods can reduce damage a bunch compared to the old methods.
The issue I see is insuring modern practices are followed.
It is true that some businesses will do the right thing.
It is true that we the public need all the facts.
What scares me is when the pig farm did it's deal on the Buffalo River drainage in Arkansas, they followed the law basically. But the deal was done without much if any press coverage as to what was going on. Construction was approved before most people knew about the deal. I do not live close to the Smith River so many might consider keeping the Smith River as "pure water" as we can as opposed to some number of short time mining jobs not any of my business. I can understand that. However, the more open to the public knowledge of the process of allowing the mine to operate the better it is for Smith River locals, visitors and the water the Smith River flows into downstream.
Result, the Buffalo River commercial pig farm operation is being set up. Too many details to discuss here but even if the laws are followed as they exist, common sense tells most of us that it is just a matter of time before massive amounts of pig poo will be discharged into the Buffalo River. Then it will be too late.
I may well be jumping the gun advocating caution on the proposed mine on the Smith River drainage.
But, if the entire process is brought out in the open up front, maybe the process can be stopped, altered to better insure the mine does not allow toxic waste into the Smith River or more facts brought out to the public.
I totally believe in intelligent use of our natural resources for both jobs and recreation.
The history or management of mines and use of public lands does have a few "good" examples of proper and safe use of the resource. Much higher history of damage that takes monster amounts of money and time to correct.
Here in NE Oklahoma we have a section of land that was strip mined for coal some time ago. This included a small town. People started getting sick and research showed the mine tailings leaching stuff in the water was the culprit. Fed's moved in and declared the area too dangerous for anyone to live there. Now the tax payers are footing the bill for a massive clean up that many of us doubt will work. I do not want to see that happen to the Smith River.