There is no doubt that mining is an important economic activity in many countries. Mining involves a number of common phases or activities, each of which has potentially negative impacts on the natural environment, society and cultural heritage, and the health and safety of miners and communities. The findings indicate that mining has created a multitude of income opportunities for the state's residents, but has caused problems in mining communities such as air and water pollution, housing collapse, or land destruction. In Wisconsin, mining has become a hot topic for many who live in the state due to the impact on jobs and the area's environment. Mines located in northern Wisconsin have had a significant impact on the state for many years. Wisconsin mining was discovered in 1,200 BC by Native Americans who mined copper for tools, jewelry, and hunting implements. Northern Wisconsin's mines remained largely untouched by white settlers until 1885. Mining companies became major businesses that developed all aspects of the state's economy, including furniture, paint, mining equipment manufacturing, and banking by the late 1990s. 60 in the late 90s. For example, in the six months following mining development in the Gogebic mountain range, mining alone supported and promoted agriculture, retail, manufacturing, logging and tourism throughout northern Wisconsin. Today, domestic and global demand for the metals has grown, spurring exploration of potential future mining projects in Wisconsin. According to a recent study by North-Star Economics, Wisconsin's largest mining-related economic development opportunity is found in the Norther Gogebic Mountain Range... middle of paper... one example is Rhonda Olkonen, a teacher from Hurley, broke down in tears as she described how her husband now lives in a trailer in North Dakota and works in a mine there, even though he would be qualified to work in a mine in Wisconsin (Glaze, 2013). Gov. Walkers said in a statement, “On behalf of the unemployed, our state's skilled workers will benefit from thousands of mining-related jobs in the coming years.” It is clear that many on both sides are waiting for a decision that will hopefully satisfy them. Mining supporters hope the bill will lead to more jobs and economic development, while opponents fear the bill rolls back environmental protections under current mining law. Naturally everyone wants to live in good economic and environmental conditions. However, we will have to wait for a decision.