Government Shutdown 2025: Impact on Mining Claims and BLM Services

When the federal government shuts down, it disrupts normal operations across all agencies—including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). For miners and mineral rights holders, understanding how shutdowns affect claim filings, maintenance fees, and deadlines is critical to protecting your interests and maintaining valid claims.

How Shutdowns Affect BLM Operations

During a government shutdown, federal agencies halt all services except those deemed "essential" or "necessary for the safety of human life or the protection of property." According to BLM contingency plans, the agency typically furloughs a significant portion of its workforce—in past shutdowns, approximately 2,400 of its roughly 9,250 employees have been furloughed.

What Stays Open

Certain BLM operations continue during shutdowns:

• Public lands access: BLM's 245 million acres of public lands generally remain open to the public
• Fire suppression: Firefighting and emergency response operations continue
• Law enforcement: Federal law enforcement and border operations remain staffed
• Energy permitting: Staff processing oil and gas permits, coal mining leases, and other energy-related minerals typically continue working
• Wild horse facilities: Staff managing wild horse and burro holding facilities remain on duty

What Closes or Slows

• Field offices: Most offices close to the public or operate with skeleton crews
• Website updates: BLM.gov may not be updated, and the agency cannot respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted
• Transaction processing: Submissions via the website may not be processed until the shutdown ends
• Customer service: Limited or no phone/email support for general inquiries
• Non-essential permits: Processing suspended for activities not deemed essential

Mining Claim Deadlines During Shutdowns

The 90-Day Recording Requirement

FLPMA requires you to record all mining claims and sites with BLM and the local recording office to maintain a valid claim under the General Mining Law. The 90-day clock starts ticking from the date of location—not from when you file with the county. This deadline runs continuously, regardless of whether federal offices are open.

If your 90-day deadline falls during a shutdown:

• File with the county recorder immediately (county offices remain open during federal shutdowns)
• Mail your BLM filing via certified mail with return receipt requested
• Document the postmark date—this establishes your filing date
• Retain all proof of mailing until the shutdown ends and you receive confirmation

Annual Maintenance Fees

The September 1 deadline (for assessment year beginning September 1 and the August 31 payment deadline for the previous year) for annual claim maintenance fees remains in effect. BLM typically processes payments received before or during shutdowns, though confirmation may be delayed. The current maintenance fee is $165 per claim per year.

Protecting Your Claims

Best practices for maintaining claims during government shutdowns:

• File early: Don't wait until deadlines approach—build in buffer time for potential disruptions
• Document everything: Keep copies of all filings, certified mail receipts, and correspondence
• Use certified mail: For any BLM submission, use certified mail with return receipt to establish filing dates
• Monitor announcements: Check BLM.gov for contingency plans and any deadline extensions (rare but possible)
• Consult professionals: If critical deadlines fall during a shutdown, consult a mining attorney about potential legal protections

County Filings Continue

County recorder offices are local government entities, funded by state and county budgets. They remain open and operational during federal government shutdowns. You can—and should—continue to file location certificates, affidavits of assessment work, and other required documents with your county during any federal shutdown.

Long-Term Staffing Concerns

Beyond temporary shutdowns, mining claim holders should be aware that BLM staffing levels affect processing times year-round. Former BLM officials have noted that workforce reductions can impact everything from mineral rights processing to claim maintenance—the agency oversees 245 million acres with what many consider a "shoestring" staff relative to its responsibilities.

Sources: Bureau of Land Management contingency plans, Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), 43 CFR Part 3833, High Country News, Center for American Progress.