Fearful of lawsuits from wealthy developers, Horry County leaders in late 2020 took a dramatic step: They ceded nearly all local control over mining operations to a state agency.

Before that decision, miners and developers digging the area’s dirt, sand and cocquina for construction projects had to win both state and local approval from Horry County Council.

But after the change in December 2020, miners and developers needed only the state’s OK.

‍