As large signs reading “No Rezone, No Sand Mine” were waved throughout Jasper County Council chambers Feb. 2, council proceeded to vote 4 to 1 in favor of two of three readings to move a proposed sand mine forward.
A sand mine is a site where sand is removed for various industrial and construction purposes and is necessary for the manufacturing of materials such as concrete. Mining operations in the state are also regulated and approved by South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES).
Council originally tabled second reading on the matter Jan. 25 to take a field trip to the site of the proposed mine before the Feb. 2 meeting to see the property firsthand…