CHATHAM, Va. (AP) — Pittsylvania County’s Board of Supervisors is sponsoring a forum on uranium mining.
The forum is scheduled for Monday night in Chatham, home to what is believed to be one of the largest known uranium deposits in the world.
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The 118-million-pound deposit has sparked a debate over Virginia’s 30-year ban on uranium mining. A Chatham company, Virginia Uranium Inc., has proposed tapping the deposit.
The proposal has sparked a fierce debate in Virginia over whether the radioactive ore can be safely mined and milled. Milling involves separating the ore from rock.
Critics argue that the mining and milling pose an environmental threat. Virginia Uranium says it can be done safely and create hundreds of jobs.
A state panel is amid a broad examination of the issue.