Hundreds of Storey County homeowners packed a Planning Commission meeting Thursday evening, in protest of mining near Virginia City.
Comstock Mining Inc. is requesting a special use permit to do exploratory drilling operations south of Virginia City, in the Gold Hill area. Residents are up in arms because it is an historic district and they don't believe active mining is safe in their communities. They're especially fearful of open pit mining, which could follow the exploration drilling.
Comstock Mining says its initial data proves there is a substantial amount of ore near Gold Hill, and it could mean a huge economic impact for the county. It estimates at least $2 billion worth of gold and silver can be mined just in that area.
Residents, however, maintain the mining project will negatively affect tourism because of traffic, noise and dust. They worry about their property values as well.
The planning commission has decided to postpone making a decision until August 4th.
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