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Essay / Mining Damages Northern Wisconsin Lands - 2341
A mine is about to take place in the Penokee Range that will damage northern Wisconsin's lands and waters for centuries. These lands and waters are known for their exceptional environmental standards and quality. The land is part of the identity of indigenous people. The damage caused by the mine is permanent. Mining companies have so much money that they feel like they can talk their way through anything. Mines often take over a large piece of land and destroy it and all surrounding areas; there is no environmentally safe way to mine. A mine is good for economic purposes, but if a large portion of the land is wasted like the Penokee Range will be, then the mine should not happen. With the mine considered unprofitable, it would make no sense to let this happen. Communities can work together to fight against the mining company. There have been numerous reports of community complaints due to mining companies promising things to communities that they did not deliver on. Mining companies have also failed to pay for damages or invest in communities. These are multi-billion dollar companies that are running amok on everyone, with no one to stop them. Many scientific factors must be taken into account or studied. Before they start mining the area, they must fully understand the consequences. Crushed pyrite can be exposed to oxygen and water, allowing it to oxidize more quickly. When pyrite is oxidized, it generates sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid from the Penokee Mine will leak into the environment, threatening Cooper Falls State Park, the Bad River, Lake Superior water quality, aquatic lands and wetlands. Sulfuric acid comes from “waste rock” which is iron pyrite. Waste rock mixed with rainwater...... middle of paper ...... the region is crossed by seventy-one miles of rivers and streams. Researchers found that there were "more than 150 Indian lots on the ore deposit issued between 1858 and 1887" (Northern Wi, Mining). The Penokee range has been considered “an Important Bird Area and a Conservation Opportunity Area of Continental Significance” (Davis). The Penokee is a unique monument that should be left alone for future generations. The mine should not be built, especially in a place as majestic as the Penokee Range. Anyone who has seen the range will understand why stopping the mine would be a good thing. Nothing good comes out of the mine except silver. Many bad things will happen due to water pollution, air pollution and mine water usage. Communities can work together to fight the mining company, and together people can make their voices heard..