Originally passed in 1974, and amended in 1990, the S.C. Mining Act was enacted to ensure that all lands and waters involved in mining within the state receive the greatest practical degree of protection and restoration. The Regulations (R.89-10 through R.89-350) were promulgated to better define how to enact the Mining Act. These two documents create protections for the surrounding environment and require reclamation of land affected by mining. There are approximately 500 permitted mine sites across the state, mostly mining sand, clay, and topsoil. Other materials mined in South Carolina include granite, limestone, vermiculite, kaolin, sericite, shale, and the only active, industrial-sized gold mine on the east coast. Our Active Mines Viewer is an interactive map that shows the location and basic information for these sites and is updated daily.
What is Mining?
Simply put, the Mining Act defines “mining” as the removal of ores or mineral solids from natural deposits in the ground. It also includes the removal of overburden lying on top of the natural deposits, as well as the breaking of the surface soil to facilitate the removal of said ores or mineral solids for specific purposes.
Mining does not include the following:
- excavation or grading when conducted solely in aid of on-site farming or on-site construction;
- operations engaged in the harvesting of oysters, clams, or the removal of shells from coastal bottoms;
- plants engaged in processing minerals (except as the plants are an integral on-site part of the removal or ores or mineral solids);
- exploration borings or corings;
- geophysical and geochemical sampling and analysis;
- activities of the Department of Transportation (or a person acting under contract with them) when the material is used solely for the construction, repair, and maintenance of the public road system;
- activities of the S.C. State Ports Authority (or a person acting under contract with them) when the material is used solely for the construction, repair, and maintenance of shipping container terminals;
- activities of the Department of Commerce’s Division of Public Railways (or a person acting under contract with them) when the material is used solely for the construction, repair, and maintenance of the public rail infrastructure; or
- recreational gold panning.
Any activity that meets the definition of mining requires a mine permit unless explicitly exempted. If you have any questions on whether your activity requires a mine permit, please contact the Mining & Reclamation Program at askmines@des.sc.gov.
Mining Permits
The Mining Act requires that an operator must first obtain an operating permit before engaging in mining operations. South Carolina offers two types of mine permits and one certificate of exploration. Mine permit applications must be submitting through our ePermitting system. If you have any questions on the permitting process, please direct them to the appropriate staff member for your area by reviewing the map below.