URANIUM MINING Wide-ranging study of Va. uranium mining proposed

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) -

The National Academy of Sciences is proposing a study of the technical aspects of uranium mining in Virginia, as well as the market for the ore and the health risks.

A Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy subcommittee posted the recommendations online Thursday. The panel will consider them later this month.

The study has been sought by Virginia Uranium, which wants to mine a 119 million-pound deposit in Pittsylvania County that is believed to be the largest in the U.S.

Before uranium can be mined in Virginia, the General Assembly would have to lift a ban that has been in place since 1982.

The academy says the study by its working arm, the National Research Council, won't take a position for or against the mining.

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