I see no reason other than the hope of big profits to mine for gold in Virginia.  Modern mining techniques cause massive damage to the land and the cyanide used threatens the lives and well-being of the people in in the area surrounding the mine.  Others can speak more effectively than I can about the specific environmental health consequences of gold mining, I want to focus on the justification for mining.  The people of Buckingham County, many of whom are minorities without the money or access to power to fight against the mine, have only recently had to live through the threats posed by the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline.  No sooner was that threat removed that the possibility of gold mining came along.  From what I've read, no compelling reason for the proposed mining has been offered.  In contrast, the promoters of the pipeline at least tried to claim they were serving important national needs. Who needs more gold, and why should mining it override the environmental and social damages it is likely to cause?