Published: November 18, 2021 |

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An Alabama-based mining concern said a resolution by Valdosta’s city council won’t stop them from starting a controversial South Georgia mining project.

“The Valdosta City Council’s resolution has no impact on our plans whatsoever,” said Steve Ingle, president of Twin Pines Minerals, in a statement.

Valdosta City Council voted Nov. 11 to oppose Twin Pines’ plans to start a mining project near the Okefenokee Swamp, about 75 miles from Valdosta. The vote was 6-0; Councilman Sonny Vickers was not present.

Twin Pines has submitted permit applications to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for a demonstration heavy minerals project in Charlton County, according to a fact sheet from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The northern boundary of the proposed site is 2.9 miles southeast of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The Army Corps of Engineers had been involved in permit review for the proposed mine until then-President Donald Trump restricted the types of waterways the Corps had power over. Now state authorities must go it alone in permitting for the mine.

Several organizations, including Georgia’s Sierra Club, have voiced opposition to the mining plan. Both of Georgia’s senators — John Ossoff and Raphael Warnock — have asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to review the project to insure there is no impact on the swamp.

John Quarterman, the Suwannee Riverkeeper with the WWALS Watershed Coalition, believes there would be bad news for the Okefenokee if the mine goes ahead.

“Digging there could stir up mercury that was deposited from the air by a coal plant 100 miles away,” Quarterman said.

Twin Pines has also applied to the state for permission to pump out groundwater from the regional aquifer as part of the mining process.

“Draining water (from the aquifer) impacts drinking water supplies and agriculture. Lowering the aquifer — how does it affect the swamp? No one knows,” Quarterman said.

In its water application, Twin Pines says its water needs will be minor without any significant impact.

Valdosta is concerned about the proposed mine because so many people enjoy visiting the Okefenokee’s scenic beauty and natural resources, said Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson.

“I reached out to the Georgia EPD, which gave an assurance they wouldn’t do anything to endanger the swamp,” Matheson said.

“This is something we promote as a tourist draw … If we didn’t do something, we would have lost an opportunity,” the mayor said in reference to the council’s resolution.

“We are answerable to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The EPD’s experts are evaluating our permit application and the extensive studies that show our mining methods will protect the Okefenokee and surrounding environs. They will make a determination based on the facts and science of our application,” said Twin Pines President Steve Ingle in a statement.

Source: The Valdosta Daily Times

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