Brick Company in Georgia Continues Mining Operation

A new conditional use permit allows Cherokee Brick & Tile to mine the 359 acres west of, and adjacent to the Ocmulgee River. The area is rich in alluvial clay and ensures the continued life of the company.
Photo courtesy of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Cherokee Brick & Tile Company recently received zoning approval that was needed to keep the company in business. The company has been manufacturing brick in Macon and Bibb County since 1877 and needed approval to continue mining alluvial clay from property it owns. Because the property lies in the flood plain of the Ocmulgee River, there was opposition from environmentalists about allowing the mining operation. Kenneth Sams, president of the company, said, ?EUR??,,????'??[The wetland permit] has been looked at and studied by every organization. Contrary to what some people may say, we love this land and will be good stewards of it.?EUR??,,????'??

The proposed mining land is completely owned by Cherokee Brick and will not be accessible by any public roads, according to the commissioner's staff report. Actual mining activities will take place over time in areas of 25 to 35 acres.

Source: The Telegraph