Paper
The act of posting and affixing the certificate of location (location notice) to the discovery monument on a mining claim.
Detailed Definition
In mining claims parlance, "papering" refers to the act of posting and affixing the certificate of location (or location notice) to the discovery monument on a mining claim. The paper document -- typically a location certificate -- is physically attached to the monument post at the point of discovery.
Contents of the posted certificate: - Name of the claim - Name(s) of the locator(s) - Date of location - Legal description of the claim (PLSS or metes and bounds) - Type of claim (lode, placer, mill site, or tunnel site) - Acreage claimed
Requirements: - The notice must be conspicuously posted at the discovery monument - It should be protected from weather damage (waterproof container or casing) - The notice must remain posted while the claim is active - State-specific requirements may dictate additional content or format
Relationship to staking: "Papering" a claim is the documentary step that follows staking. First, the locator sets the monuments on the ground (stake), then attaches the location certificates to the discovery monument (paper). Both steps are necessary to complete the physical act of locating 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.
Location Notice
The official document posted at a mining claim and filed with authorities to establish claim rights.
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.