Commission Requests Study On Benefits, Costs Of Lifting 1984 Uranium Mining Ban

摘要

The Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy voted Nov. 6 to request a study that could lead to restarting uranium mining in the state.rnThe commission, chartered by the state General Assembly and made up of legislators and citizens, said the purpose of the study is to assess the benefits and costs of ending the state's ban on uranium mining. Mining of uranium ore has been banned by state law since 1984.rnThe commission called for the study to be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences or similar independent organization, a legislative aide told BNA Nov. 6.rnNew government and industry interest in nuclear power has driven up the price of uranium and energized uranium producers nationwide. Virginia Uranium Mining Inc. owns the mining rights at the Pittsylvania County site in southwest Virginia. The company received a state Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy permit in November 2007 to conduct explorative drilling, according to the agency.