I strongly oppose gold mining in Virginia.    The risks of permanent damage to our environment far outweigh any potential benefits.  Gold mining entails harmful chemicals & leaves behind toxic tailings that will be held in retention ponds & will be a long-term hazard to clean water in an area with high rainfall & potential for flooding.   The potential long-term harm to drinking water sources is too large to offset the potential profits to industry.  People & clean water should take priority in this decision.