The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) represents over 285 transportation contractors, aggregate producers, consultant engineers, suppliers and service providers who design, build, and maintain Virginia’s transportation network. VTCA’s Aggregate Producer members account for 93% of all the metal/nonmetal mineral production in the Commonwealth.  

VTCA does not currently have any members that mine gold. However, we are cognizant of any efforts that may impede the ability to access critical minerals. Typically, restrictions that are placed on one industry sector tend to carryover to related industry segments. Example – restrictions on mining gold could potentially equate to restrictions in mining other mineral, including construction aggregates.

Mined minerals are critical to everyday life. When society restricts access to mineral deposits, generally access to those resources are lost forever.

The Gold Mine Study Group should strongly consider, as they develop their Statement for Task, studying and identifying the potential positive benefits gold (or any other) mining will have on the community, society, and the economy.

The draft Statement Tasks developed by both the State Agencies and the Press Pause Coalition appear to focus only on the environmental and social concerns and governmental processes.

VTCA supports that the Gold Mine Study Work Group consider adding the social, community and economic benefits that Gold Mining in Virginia may present to weigh against any adverse impacts that arise from mining gold in the Commonwealth.