South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 89 - OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR-MINING COUNCIL OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Section 89-200 - Amount of Bond or Other Security

A. A bond or other security must be provided to cover the land to be affected by mining for a three-year period of operation plus all affected areas including sediment or tailings ponds, stock or waste piles, entrance roads and processing plants. An operator, upon prior approval by the Department, may reduce the required bond amount by reclaiming abandoned mined land.

B. For mining operations with affected lands greater than twenty-five (25) acres, the Department may require the operator to prepare a written estimate of the cost of reclamation activities. Cost estimates prepared by the operator may be used by the Department in establishing reclamation bond amounts. The cost estimate shall reflect the customary and prevailing rate for performing and completing all reclamation requirements.

C. In the event a mining operation with an affected area greater than twenty-five (25) acres exceeds the bonded acreage by more than ten (10) percent, the Department shall be notified in writing. Following notification, the Department shall evaluate the bonded acreage and determine the bond amount for the total affected area.

D. In the event it is found at any time that the amount of disturbed land for which a bond or other surety has been posted is more than the bonded area, the Department may require the operator to file additional bond or surety sufficient to cover the amount of land disturbed by such operation.