It is something a lot of people have been hoping for at a time when the economy is fragile, to say the least.

The plans are impressive; more than 100 jobs, contracts worth a lot of money to local companies and gold and antimony worth millions or even billions. It’s not quite the mining boom seen in places like Narrabri, the Hunter Valley or Western Australia but the impact it will have on an economy the size of Armidale’s will be massive.

While some people would probably prefer the resources upsurge would pass the New England by, the reality is the rest of the country, by and large, is benefiting from mining and it does the region no good to miss out.

Many in the employment field have been desperate for another industry or major employer to come along as retail and other traditional sectors feel the pinch of a more general economic malaise.

Other industries will also receive some flow-on from the mine and its operations.

Of course not everyone will be happy.

As with any operation that alters the natural environment there are issues relating to the safety and security of water, top soil and native wildlife. Those issues exist at Hillgrove as well.

The company has gone out of its way to stress its environmental credentials and the work it has done to treat water. It knows it is under scrutiny. 

In this day and age miners are just as aware of the need to balance economic and environmental interests as politicians and the general public.

And the fact is, this enterprise is so valuable to Armidale it is worth supporting.

Letters to the Editor

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The Armidale Express

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Armidale

NSW, 2350

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lydia.roberts@fairfaxmedia.com.au