The value of any natural resource is how it is developed to its fullest potential while remaining in harmony with the community and environment around it. The mining industry in South Carolina has fulfilled this important commitment. Areas previously mined are later reclaimed to grass and woodlands, fish ponds, lakes and pastures, residential developments and farm land. As reclamation of mined lands has been carried out over the years, it has become apparent that mined lands can continue to be used productively. Our mining companies have a commitment to the communities in which they operate and their employees live. The commitment is to ensure that operations are safe and environmentally sound before, during and after a mine has served its purpose to the community.

The South Carolina mining industry brings a wealth of benefits to the citizens of our state. Forty-five of our 46 counties are active in mining, spreading the economic benefits throughout the state. The mining industry in South Carolina has a two billion dollar impact annually on our state's economy. The cooperative efforts between our mining companies, state and federal agencies, and local communities have proven that our miners pride themselves on being good neighbors; good neighbors who make positive contributions to the quality of life and economic well-being of our local communities and our fine state. South Carolina is blessed with many natural resources and a modern, healthy mining industry helps us to make the most of them. We in the industry feel that people working together for the good of South Carolina is our greatest natural resource of all.

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Mineral Coloring Book

You may print the 2002 MASC Mineral Book by downloading the documents below. Feel free to print as many copies of the coloring book as you need! While supplies last, copies of this book are available through the Mining Association of South Carolina office by calling 803.772.5354.

Educational Resources

Additional materials available upon request include:

BROCHURES:
General
Limestone
Brick
Clay
Manganese Schist
Fuller's Earth
Peat
Gold
Sand
Granite
Shale
Gravel
Vermiculite
Kaolin
Sericite

VIDEO:"Mining in South Carolina"

TREASURE MAP

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How Mining Affects Our Daily Lives

Where does the average citizen think the materials come from to build highways and buildings; or the electricity to prevent us from freezing in the dark; or the metal and minerals to make our cars, computers, electrical appliances, glass windows, medicines, telephones, air conditioners, televisions, etc?

All of these materials come from mines and without mines we could not enjoy the lifestyles we have today. The table below shows the consumption figures for various minerals and metals in 1776, when the United States was formed, compared with today.

You will note that aluminum and phosphate usage in 1776 was nil. Coal consumption amounted to only 40 pounds per person and was mostly used by blacksmiths.

In 1990 we used 56 pounds of aluminum per person, 500 pounds of phosphate per person, and about 5,600 pounds of coal per person to enjoy our modern lifestyles. In 1990 we each used about 17,800 pounds of sand, gravel, and stone. This is up from a mere 1,000 pounds per person in 1776. Even in recent years we have seen dramatic rises in the use of sand, gravel, and stone, compared to coal. In 1950 we consumed 7 billion tons of sand, gravel, and stone, compared to 21 billion tons in 1990. Coal consumption has also grown from 807 million tons in 1950.

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Mining in SC - Educational DVD

This 14-minute DVD offers a look at Mining in South Carolina - both past present. It examines the history of mining in SC and the present day operations. It also discusses the everyday items that we use that would not be possible without mining! The DVD was funded by Hanson Aggregates, a MASC member. For more information on how to obtain a copy of this video please contact the MASC office at 803.772.5354 or email us!

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