Claim Staking
The physical and legal process of establishing a mining claim, including monumentation, posting notices, and filing with authorities.
Detailed Definition
Claim staking is the process of establishing legal rights to a mining claim through physical marking of the claim boundaries and filing proper documentation with government authorities.
Steps in claim staking: 1. Locate the Claim: Determine boundaries using GPS and PLSS descriptions 2. Post Discovery Monument: Mark the point of mineral discovery 3. Set Corner Monuments: Mark all corners with posts, pipes, or stone monuments 4. Post Location Notice: Display required notice at discovery point 5. File with County: Record claim with local county recorder 6. File with BLM: Submit location notice and pay filing fees
Requirements vary by state but typically include: - Specific monument dimensions and materials - Required information on location notices - Filing deadlines (typically 90 days from location) - Annual maintenance and assessment work
Proper claim staking is essential to establish and maintain valid mining rights.
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.
Lode Claim
A mining claim for minerals found in veins, lodes, or rock in place, such as gold, silver, or copper deposits.
Placer Claim
A mining claim for minerals found in loose, unconsolidated deposits such as gravel, sand, or alluvium.
BLM
The Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency that administers public lands including mining claim filings and maintenance.