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.
Detailed Definition
A mining claim is a parcel of land for which the claimant has asserted a right of possession and the right to develop and extract mineral resources. Mining claims are typically filed on federal public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
- Lode Claims: Used for minerals found in veins or rock formations (e.g., gold, silver, copper)
- Placer Claims: Used for minerals found in loose deposits like gravel, sand, or alluvium
Mining claims do not convey ownership of the land itself, only the right to extract minerals. Claimants must comply with federal and state regulations, including annual maintenance fees and assessment work requirements.
Related Terms
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.
Claim Staking
The physical and legal process of establishing a mining claim, including monumentation, posting notices, and filing with authorities.
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.
Seniority
The priority of one mining claim over another based on the date of location, with earlier claims taking precedence over later ones.
Mineral Entry
The appropriation of public lands under the mining laws for the purpose of mineral exploration and development.
Claim Block
A group of contiguous mining claims held by the same claimant or entity, typically covering an area of mineral interest.
Federal Lands
Lands owned by the US government and managed by federal agencies such as the BLM, USFS, NPS, and others.
Active Claim
A mining claim that is currently in good standing with the BLM, with all maintenance fees paid and filing requirements met.
Claimant
The individual or entity that has located and filed a mining claim and holds the right to extract minerals from the claimed land.