Corner Monument
A physical marker placed at each corner of a mining claim to define its boundaries on the ground.
Detailed Definition
A corner monument is a physical marker (post, stone cairn, or pipe) placed at each corner of a mining claim to define its boundaries on the ground. Corner monuments are required to establish the physical extent of a claim.
Requirements: - Placed at each corner of the mining claim - Must be visible and durable - State laws specify minimum dimensions and materials - Typically wooden posts, metal pipes, or stone cairns
Typical specifications (vary by state): - Wooden posts: 4 inches minimum diameter, 4 feet tall, set at least 1 foot in the ground - Metal pipes or posts: of sufficient size to be visible - Stone cairns: at least 3 feet high, with a center post or marker - Must be marked with claim name and corner designation
Marking requirements: Corner monuments are typically marked with: - Claim name or number - Corner designation (e.g., "NE Corner," "Corner #1") - Locator name (in some states) - Date of location (in some states)
Legal significance: - Define the physical boundaries of the claim on the ground - Must correspond to the legal description in the location certificate - Control in boundary disputes (physical markers prevail) - Must be maintained while the claim is active
Corner monuments, together with the discovery monument, establish the physical footprint of a mining claim.
Related Terms
Claim Staking
The physical and legal process of establishing a mining claim, including monumentation, posting notices, and filing with authorities.
Monument
A physical marker placed at a survey corner to permanently identify the location on the ground.
Stake
The act of physically marking the boundaries of a mining claim on the ground by placing monuments at the corners and along the boundaries.
Discovery Monument
The monument erected at the point of discovery on a mining claim, to which the location notice is posted.