GRETNA - Gretna Town Council heard a presentation Monday night by Virginia Uranium Inc., which outlined plans to mine a major uranium deposit in eastern Pittsylvania County.
The deposit is located at Coles Hill near Sheva.
"Coles Hill is a significant deposit and worth further study," said Mick Mastilovic, speaking on behalf of Virginia Uranium. "A study will tell us what's there, what can be done, and how it can be done safely."
He indicated a study will also take into consideration new technology available, new regulations and the importance of uranium as an energy source in a changing economy.
A powerpoint presentation showed what is currently being done at Coles Hill. Core samples are being extracted to determine the extent and quality of the deposit.
"We are at the very beginning of what is called uranium exploration," added Mastilovic.
There are approximately 65,000 feet of core samples encased in cardboard boxes in a storage shed on the property. These samples will be used to study the feasibility of mining.
Yellowcake, the uranium oxide extracted during processing of uranium ore, "is something to be careful with and respectful of, but it is not dangerous unless inhaled or ingested," explained Mastilovic.
One of the questions asked concerned containment of tailings, the residue left when ore is mined.
Mastilovic said tailings will be stored in cells similar to landfills. Cells will be designed to suit the area's environment.
Also asked was a question concerning what will be done with the leftover rock after the uranium is extracted.
Mastilovic said it will eventually be returned to the mining pit or mine shafts.
"How long does it stay above ground," asked town attorney Michael Turner.
"That's undetermined at this time," answered Mastilovic.
A question was also asked about how the mining operation would avoid water contamination of area wells, streams and rivers.
Mastilovic explained that the water in the mining process will be treated and contained in tailings ponds which will be monitored similar to landfills.
Virginia Uranium information indicated that the industry should produce 300 to 500 jobs with miner's salaries as much as $100,000 annually. It could also mean significant tax revenue paid to the county.
Mining the deposit could last 30 years.
"It sounds like an amazing project," said council member Wayne Wood.
Virginia Uranium hopes to have an independent study done that will address the feasibility and safety of uranium mining.
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1 comment:
"Greed is the root to all evil", so I have been taught since childhood. The Sheva community has survived thus far without the extraction of this radioactive material, which leads me to the conclusion, "If it's not broken, don't fix it!" Being a grandhild of the late Marion L. Taylor, I am a firm believer in you should only take what you NEED from the land to survive. Does the Coles and Bowen family NEED this uranium to survive?
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