South Carolina principal nonfuel mineral producing counties

Abstract

In 1999, South Carolina ranked 24th among the 50 States in the total nonfuel mineral production. The estimated value of 1999 was $574 million, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This was a 2% increase from 1998. The State accounted for nearly 1.5% of the U.S. total of nonfuel mineral production. On the basis of USGS estimates (of the quantities produced in the 50 states) for 1999, South Carolina remained first of two states that produced vermiculite, second in kaolin, fourth in masonry cement and mica (sericite), sixth in common clays, and tenth in Portland cement and gold (only gold-producing state east of the Mississippi River).