Mineral Survey
An official survey conducted by a licensed mineral surveyor to establish the precise boundaries of a mining claim, required for the patent process.
Detailed Definition
A mineral survey is an official survey of a mining claim conducted by a licensed mineral surveyor (also called a U.S. Mineral Surveyor) to establish the precise boundaries of the claim. Mineral surveys were historically required as part of the mineral patent application process.
Purpose: - Establish the exact boundaries of a mining claim with legal precision - Create an official plat and field notes describing the claim - Determine the relationship of the claim to the PLSS, adjacent claims, and other features - Provide the legal description required for a mineral patent
Mineral survey process: 1. The claimant applies to the BLM for a mineral survey 2. A licensed mineral surveyor is appointed or approved 3. The surveyor conducts a field survey of the claim boundaries 4. Monuments are set or verified at all corners 5. The surveyor prepares an official plat and field notes 6. The survey is reviewed and approved by the BLM Cadastral Survey office 7. The approved survey is assigned a Mineral Survey (MS) number
Mineral survey numbers: Each approved mineral survey receives a unique MS number (e.g., MS 1234). These numbers are referenced in BLM records and on Master Title Plats.
Current relevance: Although the mineral patent moratorium (since 1994) has largely eliminated the need for new mineral surveys, existing mineral surveys remain important: - Historical mineral surveys define the boundaries of patented mining claims - MS plats are used in title research and boundary determination - Mineral survey records are maintained by BLM state offices
Related Terms
BLM
The Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency that administers public lands including mining claim filings and maintenance.
Patented Claim
A mining claim that has been converted to private ownership through the federal patent process.
Patent
A government document transferring title to public land into private ownership, including mineral patents for mining claims.
Cadastral Survey
An official government survey that establishes and defines the boundaries of land parcels for ownership and management purposes.