Agency ruling delivers big setback to Okefenokee mining plan

By RUSS BYNUM
Associated Press

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — A federal agency has delivered a big setback to a company’s controversial plan to mine at the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp’s vast wildlife refuge. A government memo Friday said the Army Corps of Engineers is reclaiming jurisdiction over Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals’ proposal to mine titanium near the bowl-like rim of the swamp in southeast Georgia. The decision halts the company’s effort to mine without a federal permit that was made possible by rollbacks of federal clean water rules under former President Donald Trump. The federal memo says Twin Pines must start a new permit application. Opponents fear mining could damage the swamp’s ability to hold water. U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia declared the Corps’ move has restored protection of the swamp.