S.C. Code Ann. § 48-20-20: Chapter purpose.

The purposes of this chapter are to provide that:

(1) the usefulness, productivity, and scenic values of all lands and waters involved in mining within the State receive the greatest practical degree of protection and restoration;

(2) no mining may be carried on in the State unless plans for the mining include reasonable provisions for protection of the surrounding environment and for reclamation of the area of land affected by mining.