Mining Proposal in Georgia’s Famed Okefenokee Swamp Now Open for Public Review

Feb 14, 2023

2/22/2023 Update: The public comment period closes on February 23, 2023.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) recently released a draft plan by Twin Pines, LLC to mine titanium on Trail Ridge in the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the most ecologically significant natural resources in Georgia and the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the Eastern United States. In conjunction with the draft plan’s release, EPD announced the opening of the comment period, allowing the public to weigh in on this proposal.

Given its location outside Tall Timbers’ conservation focal area, Tall Timbers has not adopted a formal position on the proposed Twin Pines mining project. However, given the ecological significance of the Okefenokee Swamp and the challenges of conducting mining operations on Trail Ridge —the geologically unique feature vital to the health of the swamp— we feel it is important for the public to be aware of this proposal and, if appropriate, to weigh in with their perspectives.

Recently, Georgia Representative Darlene Taylor [Rep-173], whose district includes portions of the Red Hills region, filed HB 71, which would prohibit EPD from issuing a mining permit on Trail Ridge.

Please visit our state-wide conservation partner, the Georgia Conservancy, to learn more about the Okefenokee Swamp, the proposed project, and opportunities to submit comments on the mining plan to Georgia EPD.

About the Author
Neil Fleckenstein
For over 20 years, Neil has worked to protect the Greater Red Hills region from toll roads, coal power plants, water bottling companies, and sprawling development, while also partnering with local governments to make our communities better places to live. When he's not at a public hearing or a commission meeting, Neil can often be found hiking or biking with his wife Terri -- far from his cell phone.
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