Georgia governor won't wade into debate on Okefenokee mining RUSS BYNUM, Associated Press FacebookTwitterEmail 3 1of3Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, right, addresses business owners and local leaders at a chamber of commerce roundtable Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Folkston, Ga. After the event, Kemp declined to take a position on a proposal to mine for minerals near the edge of the nearby Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the largest federally managed refuge east of the Mississippi River. Joining the governor are Charlton County Sheriff Robert Phillips, left, and Folkston Mayor Lee Gowen.Russ Bynum/APShow MoreShow Less 2of3FILE - In this Thursday, April 3, 1997, file photo, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Ga., is is seen. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says he's not wading into the debate over a proposal to mine for minerals near the edge of the vast wildlife refuge in the Okefenokee Swamp. The Republican governor took questions Thursday, April 22, 2021, from business owners and community leaders just a few miles from the federally managed Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. (Stuart Tannehill/The Florida Times-Union via AP, File)Stuart Tannehill/APShow MoreShow Less