WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has upheld Virginia’s ban on uranium mining.

In a 6-3 decision Monday, the justices ruled that the federal Atomic Energy Act does not override Virginia’s uranium mining ban, which was enacted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1982.

Chatham-based Virginia Uranium Inc. filed suit in 2015, arguing that the state lacks the authority to enforce a ban on mining and milling the radioactive ore. The company owns the Coles Hill property in Pittsylvania County, which is believed to hold the largest deposit of uranium in the country.

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring hailed the decision, calling it “a big win for the health and safety of Virginians and our environment.” Herring contends the mining operation would have a negative impact on the economy of Southside Virginia.

Herring defended the ban all the way to the nation’s highest court.

Walter Coles Sr., president and CEO of Virginia Uranium Inc., said the company was “disappointed” by the decision and is reviewing its options. Coles added: “We continue to think that Virginia’s uranium mining ban is both unlawful and unwise, and we are reviewing other options for challenging the Commonwealth’s confiscation of Virginia Uranium’s mineral estate.”