The Virginia state General Assembly is expected to vote on a proposal that could decide on the fate of a longstanding ban against mining for uranium in the state.
A 1982 moratorium prohibits uranium mining in Virginia, which if ended, will allow exploration company Virginia Uranium to undertake mining at the state’s largest deposit.
The company proposes to mine the 119 million pound deposit valued at $7bn in Pittsylvania County.
Several opposing groups have, however, fiercely appealed for a continuation of the 31 year ban.
The Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors had earlier voted in favor of continuing with the ban.
Opponents against a change in legislature will congregate at the Capitol for a rally on Monday, reported Bloomberg.
A Legislative committee, meanwhile, will also decide on a proposed 3% severance on the gross receipts of uranium produced from the deposit.
Both chambers of the legislature will vote ascertain uranium mining regulations, which may effectively end the moratorium.