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The proposed Rosemont copper mine on the eastern slope of the Santa Rita Mountains is a study in competing interests.

On one hand, it would bring much-needed, high-paying jobs to Tucson and Southern Arizona for about 20 years, but it would take away some recreational opportunities and permanently deface a mountainside.

The mine would produce a valuable commodity needed by the United States and the world, but could lower the water table near the Santa Ritas.

The mine would stimulate the economy of Southern Arizona and the state, but could increase water, air and noise pollution in the area close to the mine.

These are some of the competing interests Southern Arizonans must keep in mind as the debate continues over whether an open-pit mine should be built by Vancouver, Canada-based Augusta Resource Corp. at the former Rosemont Ranch. The property is located about 25 miles southeast of Tucson along Arizona 83.

While the mine's main facilities would be located on private property, the mine needs federal approval because it would occupy about 3,400 acres that are part of the Coronado National Forest.

There seems to be no middle ground concerning the mine, but there should be. The pluses and minuses should be recognized and discussed. The question of whether the mine will be good or bad for the community depends on an individual's perceptions and interests.

If you're an avid hiker, mountain biker, bird watcher or all-terrain-vehicle user, it's a bad deal because the mine would forever alter a remote area that is off many people's radar.

If you're a miner with a family or a young person looking for a good-paying job, the mine could provide years of decent pay and a career. If you're a Tucson business owner who sells goods or services to the mining industry, you would also stand to gain a steady customer.

The mine isn't the black-and-white issue many opponents make it out to be.

Mine executives emphasize that the mine will create 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs and boost the Tucson-area economy to the tune of about $250 million a year. However, they acknowledge that mining is a dirty business that causes environmental side effects.

Opponents of the mine, however, talk about the mine in gloomy terms and seem to dismiss the varied efforts by Augusta Resource to be a good corporate citizen and reduce the mine's environmental impact.

Augusta is discussing giving the Community Water Company of Green Valley up to $15 million to extend a Central Arizona Project pipe to the community. The company has also donated more than $25,000 to the Arizona Trail Association to build and plan a section of the trail that runs through the area.

Still, the mine opponents' concerns are real and Rosemont Copper and the U.S. Forest Service, which will ultimately approve or deny the mine, need to pay attention to them.

Gayle Hartmann, president of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, a coalition of groups opposing the mine, said the top concerns are: ● The mine's impact on water availability and water quality; ● The tourist- and recreation-centered economies of small communities like Elgin, Sonoita and Patagonia; ● Traffic going to and from the mine on Arizona 83; and ● The noise, dust and light pollution the mine would create.

"I'm not against mining," Hartmann said. "But this is the wrong place and a wrong time for a copper mine."

For those unfamiliar with the Rosemont area, we encourage a visit. On a recent tour, we found the area is indeed rugged and beautiful, but it is not pristine.

The land bears evidence of mining activity from the early 20th century — tall slag heaps, chunks of hillsides gouged out, and at least one vertical mine shaft about 100 feet deep.

The area also has a small network of roads and is a prime destination for all-terrain vehicle riders, said Heidi Schewel, a spokeswoman for the Coronado National Forest.

It's mostly natural, but the land has a significant human footprint. It isn't as beautiful, for example, as Madera Canyon on the other side of the mountains.

The ultimate question remains "Should a mine be built here?" Answer that for yourself by visiting the area or educating yourself about the project at: ● www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/ ● www.rosemontcopper.com ● www.scenicsantaritas.org

Then tell the Forest Service what you think.