South Carolina

Summary

Through STATEMAP and Earth MRI, South Carolina is producing geologic maps and datasets that directly support transportation infrastructure, hazard mitigation, and critical mineral exploration. These programs are enabling safer roadways, better seismic design, and new opportunities in rare-earth element (REE) resources.

STATEMAP

  • Transportation & Infrastructure:
    • Mapping requested by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) supports roadway construction and improvement in rapidly growing regions.
    • Along I-73 (proposed) and I-95 (existing) corridors, maps identify sand resources, geologic hazards, and provide depth data for seismic bridge design.
  • Hazards & Subsidence:
    • New mapping near Georgetown delineates stratigraphy and structures that may be driving localized subsidence and karst hazards.
  • Scope & Coverage:
    • Since 2023, produced 500 mi² of new detailed geologic mapping.
    • Delivered digital map databases for over 2,700 mi², much previously unmapped at this detail.
    • Compilations of 1:24K maps have resulted in four new 1:100K maps, with more underway.
  • Impact: Data products are widely requested and distributed to end users across the state.

Earth MRI

  • Critical Minerals & REEs:
    • Mapping and geochemical/geophysical studies in the Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont are targeting heavy mineral placer deposits with rare-earth elements (REEs).
    • Geochemical analyses help discriminate light REE (LREE) vs heavy REE (HREE) sources.
  • Airborne Geophysics:
    • High-resolution surveys revealed new REE source areas and identified regional fold structures.
    • One buried fold structure, fault-activated, was the source of a recent earthquake swarm.
  • Mining Districts:
    • Mapping in Haile-Ridgeway and Brewer gold districts is shedding light on porphyry Cu-Mo-Au systems and associated critical minerals.
  • Granite Weathering Deposits:
    • Reconnaissance studies are testing whether weathered granites in South Carolina host REE deposits—similar to models in China and Brazil, where they are major HREE sources.
  • Impact: These projects are driving new mineral exploration investment in South Carolina:

Impact for South Carolina:

  • Supports safer, cost-effective highway design and constructions.
  • Provides critical data for subsidence and seismic hazard mitigation.
  • Enhances understanding of REE and critical mineral resources, with strong potential for economic development.
  • Attracts industry investment by reducing exploration risk through public geoscience data.