PROSPECT — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will conduct an informal public meeting Tuesday to discuss a mining application submitted by Allegheny Mineral Corp. for an area in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at Moraine State Park Regional Office No. 2, 195 Park Road.

Permit materials for the proposed 252-acre surface mine, about one mile southeast of Princeton, Lawrence County, will be available for review, and DEP staff will be available to answer questions from the public regarding the proposed project.

Comments during the informal conference will be recorded, and the time allotted to each speaker will be limited based on the number of speakers and the time available.

Mark Gordon, Butler County director of economic development, said expansion of the company's mining operation is near the county's border.

“That's a positive,” Gordon said. “As long as it's in the general region, the region benefits from it.”

Gordon said people need to think in terms of regions because, even if the company is outside Butler County, it could foster growth in Butler County. He said companies that could benefit from an influx of coal could see a boost, by decreasing costs or added demands.

“There's not only those being employed, but there is also the spinoff effect of it,” Gordon said.