SAVANSA, Georgia (AP) – A company that has been at odds with conservationists for years is seeking permission to mine near the Okefenokee Swamp. Before regulators can make a final decision, they must secure a $2 million fund for future site restoration.
Sixty-six months after being informed of the requirements, Twin Pines Minerals has not yet submitted a guaranteed bond or a suitable financial guarantee to the Georgia Environmental Protection Department, demonstrating access to the necessary funds.
This delay has led to an unexpected pause in the project, which was on the verge of approval early last year. In February 2024, Georgia regulators issued a draft permit, despite scientists’ warnings that mining close to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge could threaten this national treasure.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Twin Pines has been trying since 2019 to obtain permission to mine titanium dioxide, a pigment widely used in products ranging from paint to toothpaste.
Following the approval of the draft permit, Georgia regulators informed Twin Pines that they must file a $2 million bond, cash, or letter of credit to cover the restoration of the 820-acre (332 hectares) site.
Environmental protection spokesperson Sarah Lips has completed a review of thousands of public comments regarding the Charlton County Mining Project in Georgia. Now, they are awaiting the submission from Twin Pines before proceeding.
“The financial guarantee is the final element of the permit, after which our staff will review it for a final decision,” Lips told The Associated Press. She noted that Twin Pines is not facing a deadline for securing funds.
Steve Ingle, president of Twin Pines, chose not to comment through a company spokesperson. Ingle maintains that Twin Pines can mine without harming the Okefenokee. Last year, state regulators determined that mining would have a “minimal impact” on the refuge.
However, as mining companies have yet to set aside the $2 million over a year later, concerns are growing about their ability to operate responsibly in ecologically sensitive areas.
“When considering potential damages from this mine, costs could far exceed $2 million,” stated Peter Slag, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. “This raises alarm bells about their ability to meet compliance and make necessary capital investments.”
The Okefenokee is the largest refuge east of the Mississippi River, spanning 630 square miles (1,630 square kilometers) in southeastern Georgia. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, wood storks, and over 400 other animal species.
Scientists have warned that mining near the edges of the Okefenokee could compromise the swamp’s ability to retain water and increase the frequency of drought conditions.
There are additional signs that Twin Pines may be facing financial challenges.
Danish shipping company Lauritzen Bulkers filed a lawsuit against Twin Pines in federal court in Colorado last October, alleging that the company owed $9.3 million after a 2022 contract to transport minerals to Asia. The judge suspended the case in April at the shipper’s request during arbitration proceedings.
Joseph Martinez, the attorney for Twin Pines in that matter, did not immediately respond to an email for comment.
In March, another company filed a lawsuit against Twin Pines in California, claiming that the mining company owed $5.6 million stemming from a 2021 contract for mineral preservation. Twin Pines has denied any legal wrongdoing related to these claims.
Source: apnews.com