Active Claim
A mining claim that is currently in good standing with the BLM, with all maintenance fees paid and filing requirements met.
Detailed Definition
An active claim is a mining claim that is currently in good standing with the Bureau of Land Management, meaning all required maintenance fees have been paid, all annual filings have been made, and the claim has not been abandoned, forfeited, or declared void.
Requirements for active status: - All annual maintenance fees paid by the September 1 deadline (or small miner waiver filed) - All required BLM filings completed on time - All required county recordings completed - No pending contests or invalidity determinations - Claim not subject to abandonment or forfeiture
Rights of active claim holders: - Exclusive possessory right to the minerals within the claim boundaries - Right to occupy the claim for mining purposes - Right to explore, develop, and extract minerals - Right to reasonable surface access - Right to sell, transfer, or lease the claim
Maintaining active status: Claim holders must annually either: - Pay the BLM maintenance fee ($200 per claim for 2025) by September 1 - OR file a small miner waiver and perform assessment work
BLM records: Active claims carry an "A" disposition code in BLM records. The BLM publishes annual lists of claims for which fees were not received, and claimants have a limited period to demonstrate compliance before claims are forfeited.
Monitoring active status: Regular monitoring of claim status through BLM records is essential to ensure continued compliance and to detect any challenges or contests that may affect the claim.
Related Terms
Mining Claim
A parcel of land for which a claimant has asserted a right of possession and the right to develop and extract mineral resources.
Maintenance Fee
The annual fee paid to the BLM to maintain an unpatented mining claim, currently $200 per claim (2025).
Disposition Code
A BLM status code indicating the current state of a mining claim, such as active, closed, or void.
Void Claim
A mining claim that has been declared invalid by the BLM or a court, typically due to a fundamental defect in location or maintenance.
Closed Claim
A mining claim that is no longer active, having been abandoned, forfeited, voided, or patented.