More than 250,000 people visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness every year, according to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. But as a result of proposed sulfides mines, this may soon change.

The highly visited area faces the threat of unacceptable destruction and pollution from this mining.

Besides causing vast amounts of pollution and human health risks, the mining will hinder Northeastern Minnesota tourism, which in 2009 alone provided 18,000 jobs and $800 million in sales, according to Earthworks.

Sulfide minerals create sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water, according to Earthworks, When uncontrolled, the acid causes harm to fish and other aquatic life. According to Save the Wild U.P., an organization protecting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the process may contaminate water for 2,500 years or more.

The detriment caused by unsustainable decisions would affect humans today, but would also leave generations to come with the responsibility of dealing with the repercussions.

According to Save the Boundary Waters, sulfide mining would cause forest and native biodiversity loss and impair the connection between water and forest in the Boundary Waters. Sulfide mines also increase the acidity of water, preventing certain species from surviving. Just one mine alone would pollute the watershed of the Boundary Waters for at least 500 years.

According to a report conducted by Conservation Minnesota, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, arsenic, manganese and thallium are all possible by-products of acid mine drainage. These by-products can cause humans to face a higher risk of cancer and other illnesses when present in high levels.

Although sulfide mines create employment opportunities, they would negatively affect the economy of Northeastern Minnesota.

According to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, taxpayers often face the burden of paying the costs if mining companies go bankrupt, which they often do.

According to Earthworks, in 2012 tourism provided 12 percent of northeastern Minnesota’s jobs, while mining only provided 3.3 percent. Compared to mining, tourism holds a higher importance in the economy of the Boundary Waters area by a significant amount. The Boundary Waters would not continue to receive 250,000 visitors every year in the presence of sulfide mines. Mining would damage the tourism and economy of the area.

Any benefits of sulfide mining do not justify the consequences. Instead of misusing time and money developing environmentally degrading processes, innovations in sustainable and green practices must be explored.

Eco-friendly processes must exist to meet the wants and needs of humans, otherwise Minnesotans will see one of the state’s great wonders get destroyed.

Along with more sustainable developments, students have the power to make a change in the communities they care about.

Young adults must get involved by signing the petition to prevent sulfide ore mining from taking place in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Watershed.

Students must take action and make their voices heard in order to give the Boundary Waters the respect it deserves.