How did the mining industry affect future industries in the Indian Territory? A. It encouraged miners and settlers to leave the territory. B. It made it more difficult for railroads to continue to grow. C. It provided a labor force for future oil and natural gas industries. D. It decreased opportunities for new small businesses.

The correct answer is C) it provided a labor force for future oil and natural gas industries.

The mining industry affected future industries in the Indian territory in that it provided a labor force for future oil and natural gas industries.

Many people worked in the mines that were in the Indian territories. Mines were a source of income and people wanted a job to support their families. The mining industry had many people employed that later had some experience in difficult jobs in harsh conditions that they could get a job in industries such as oil and natural gas. These industries also represented a risk and some experience that workers in the mines already had.