Mill Site
A type of mining claim for non-mineral land used to support mining operations, limited to 5 acres.
Detailed Definition
A mill site is a type of mining claim located on non-mineral land that is used in connection with mining operations. Mill sites provide a legal means to occupy public land for processing and support facilities.
Key characteristics of mill sites: - Located on land that is non-mineral in character - Maximum size: 5 acres per mill site - Must be used in connection with mining or processing operations - Requires association with a valid mining claim
Common uses for mill sites: - Ore processing facilities - Equipment storage - Camp and living quarters - Tailings and waste disposal areas - Access roads and infrastructure
Mill sites require the same filing procedures as mining claims, including BLM registration and annual maintenance fees.
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.
BLM
The Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency that administers public lands including mining claim filings and maintenance.
Tunnel Site
A subsurface right-of-way for accessing lode claims or exploring for undiscovered mineral deposits, up to 3,000 feet in length.