Who could think to develope this scenic mountain range into an industrial complex. It wouldn’t be economical to establish utility and transportation infrastructure, let alone the private cost for each facility and the cost of exporting goods. It mkght be eligible for strip mining since you can pop the top and the shit falls right into the hopper while those mountain springs carry all the tailings away for you (see appalachia).
It is much easier to establish an industrial park in a level area, preferable near navigable water. Enter wetlands and low lying coastal forests. Avatar was dead on with this. They make for the most economical places to clear/drain, pave over and exploit. Distance to the port is a major factor in profit margins and long term savings can overcome development costs in shit areas (see New Orleans). Can’t stop the work.