Socioeconomic study: Uranium mining a major economic windfall for Virginia
This week the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission released its official study of the socioeconomic impacts of uranium mining in Virginia, predicting a major economic windfall for Southside and communities across the state.
The study showed that Virginia and Southside would benefit economically from the Coles Hill project while having negligible impacts on the environment, tourism and agriculture industries, and the health of community residents.
The study found that the proposed Coles Hill uranium mining project in Pittsylvania County would produce over 1,000 jobs annually, with more than half in the economically distressed Southside region. Over the 35-year life of the operation, the Coles Hill project will generate almost $5 billion in revenue for Virginia companies and more than $112 million in state and local tax revenue, according to the study.
Of the approximately 325 workers that would be hired directly by the mining company Virginia Uranium Inc., 97 percent would be hired from the Southside region, the study said.
Click here to read the full study.
“Uranium mining and milling represents a clear path toward the jobs and economic opportunities Southside’s residents and businesses so desperately need,” said Virginia Energy Independence Alliance Chairman Ray Ganthner.
In a region that has been hit hard with factory closings and huge job layoffs this report offers hope for Southside residents for a brighter economic future with long-term job opportunities and new revenues for local companies.
“The study clearly demonstrates the enormous positive economic impact our project will have on businesses, families and communities throughout the Southside region and validates what our company has been all about from the very beginning,” said Virginia Uranium, Inc. project manager Patrick Wales.
The study also found that the local agriculture and tourism industries would be unaffected by the project.
“This study should reassure farmers, educators and the entire business community they can coexist safely and thrive together with uranium mining,” said Wales.
Another study by the National Academy of Sciences on the public health and safety impacts of mining is due to be released within days.
“While we are awaiting the results of the National Academy of Sciences study of environmental and public health and safety considerations, this study illustrates the enormous economic benefits Virginia can look forward to if the Coles Hill project comes to fruition,” said VEIA Chairman Ray Ganthner.
