S.C. Code Ann. § 10-9-30: Leases subject to conservation laws; lease of rights upon offshore and other state lands.

Nothing contained in this article shall estop the State from enacting proper laws for the conservation of the oil, gas and other mineral resources of the State and all leases and contracts made under authority of this article shall be subject to such laws; provided, that the Department of Health and Environmental Control may negotiate for leases of oil, gas, and other mineral rights upon all of the lands and waters of the State, including offshore marginal and submerged lands.