Discovery Monument
The monument erected at the point of discovery on a mining claim, to which the location notice is posted.
Detailed Definition
A discovery monument is the physical marker erected at the point of mineral discovery on a mining claim. It is the central monument of the claim, serving as both the marker of the discovery location and the post to which the location notice (certificate of location) is attached.
Requirements: - Erected at or near the point of mineral discovery - Must be substantial and durable - The location notice or certificate must be posted on or attached to it - State laws specify minimum dimensions and materials
Typical specifications: - Wooden post or metal pipe of sufficient height to be visible - Some states require specific minimum dimensions (e.g., 4 inches diameter, 4 feet tall) - Must be set firmly in the ground - Protected container for the location notice (to preserve the document from weather)
Information displayed: The discovery monument bears the posted location notice containing: - Claim name - Locator name(s) - Date of location - Legal description - Type of claim - Other state-required information
Legal significance: - Marks the specific point of mineral discovery - The location notice posted on it provides public notice of the claim - Required element for a valid mining claim location - Must be maintained in place while the claim is active
The discovery monument is distinct from corner monuments, which mark the claim boundaries rather than the discovery point.
Related Terms
Discovery
The finding of a valuable mineral deposit within the boundaries of a mining claim, required to establish a valid claim.
Location Notice
The official document posted at a mining claim and filed with authorities to establish claim rights.
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.
Paper
The act of posting and affixing the certificate of location (location notice) to the discovery monument on a mining claim.
Corner Monument
A physical marker placed at each corner of a mining claim to define its boundaries on the ground.