Virginia Uranium Inc. (VUI) and its public kindred firm have framed uranium mining in Virginia as an opportunity for billions in benefits if it can be done safely. But safety is only piece of the issue. The real issue is the indivisible economic and environmental risks of uranium development and who bears these risks. Stakeholders need to think the not so obvious long term costs, as well as the much touted short-term benefits of permitting uranium growth throughout Virginia.
Some advocates, surrendering that uranium mining involves risks, see the real issue as our civic responsibility to provide a reliable source of uranium to make sure state and national energy independence, security, and reduced carbon emissions. However, progress to these goals does not depend on uranium mined in Virginia. The United States, including Virginia, has dependable uranium suppliers, chief among them Canada and Australia, whose known uranium resources have expanded not shrunk as demand has enlarged in recent years.
Canadian, Australian, and U.S. companies also mine uranium in other countries, where it is not only rich, but costs less to produce due to cheap labor and minor environmental standards. Much is made of our trust on uranium from Russia, but we purchase this weapons grade uranium from Russia for a good reason - to keep it from our enemies. Utilities and other businesses buy at the lowest price on the international free market. Even if they desire to, they may not buy uranium from Virginia. Companies mining in Virginia would have to fight with suppliers worldwide.
Some advocates, surrendering that uranium mining involves risks, see the real issue as our civic responsibility to provide a reliable source of uranium to make sure state and national energy independence, security, and reduced carbon emissions. However, progress to these goals does not depend on uranium mined in Virginia. The United States, including Virginia, has dependable uranium suppliers, chief among them Canada and Australia, whose known uranium resources have expanded not shrunk as demand has enlarged in recent years.
Canadian, Australian, and U.S. companies also mine uranium in other countries, where it is not only rich, but costs less to produce due to cheap labor and minor environmental standards. Much is made of our trust on uranium from Russia, but we purchase this weapons grade uranium from Russia for a good reason - to keep it from our enemies. Utilities and other businesses buy at the lowest price on the international free market. Even if they desire to, they may not buy uranium from Virginia. Companies mining in Virginia would have to fight with suppliers worldwide.
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