I urge Virginia not to foster gold mining in the state.  There are many existing abandoned small-scale mines from the early 20th century that have left a legacy of mercury pollution along the Gold-Pyrite Belt, stretching from Northern Virginia to the North Carolina border. Additionally,  the likely sites for new large-scale gold mines are in close proximity to the James River and its watershed, which provides drinking water for 2.7 million people, brings millions of dollars into Virginia’s economy from commercial fishing, and attracts over 6 million visitors annually. Virginia cannot afford these risks to clean water and health.