How can I support my thesis with compelling arguments and counterarguments?

Question

Here is my thesis statement?
Although many coal industries argue that mountaintop removal coal mining is more cost effective than underground coal mining, MTR is destroying the beautiful mountains and woodlands of the Appalachian Mountain Region. These industries are blowing the tops off these beautiful mountains because for them it is a more rapid and less expensive way of obtaining their coal. However, the one cost these industries are not calculating is the long term effect MTR has of the residents and wildlife of this region.

Answer 1

That's not a thesis statement. It's an introduction.

Which ONE SENTENCE states what you intend to prove in your paper?

Answer 2

You can convert this to a thesis really well, relook at your last sentence.