Georgia Surface Mining and Land Use Protection Bond South Carolina have about 500 active mine operating permits. In 1974, the S.C. Mining Act was passed to ensure all mined lands would be returned to some useful purpose and for protecting people and the environment. The Act and regulations outline the application process, how to conduct mine operations and minimum reclamation standards. The Act defines mining as removing ores from the ground for sale (i.e., granite quarries) or uses in a business (i.e., brick manufacturing). Several types of surface mining are done in South Carolina: open pit (i.e., granite, vermiculite), strip mines (i.e., sand, clay, gravel), and sand dredging from river bottoms.