The Materials Act of 1947, as amended, removes petrified wood, common varieties of sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, and some clay from location and leasing. These materials may be acquired by purchase only and are referred to as salable minerals.
Sales are handled through the agency administering the land upon the request of an interested party or upon the request of an authorized. official. Sales are by competitive bidding if there is more than one interested party, otherwise a sale is negotiated by the authorized officer after the materials are appraised.
The sale of minerals does not limit the right of the U.S. Government to use the surface and to issue permits and licenses that do not interfere with the purchaser's production of minerals. The land must be reclaimed as required by the sale contract or by law when mining is completed.
A mining claimant risks prosecution for trespass and may be liable for damages if he removes salable materials from an unpatented mining claim.
Mineral Materials Program Functions
Process, issue and renew sales and free-use permits
Issue contract cancellations and extensions
Perform and approve appraisals
Establish and close community pits and common use areas
Perform pre- and post-inspections
Perform product verification
Review and approve mine and reclamation plans and modifications
Determine bond amounts
Process unauthorized use or trespass cases
Maintain data entry and case tracking system
Evaluation, coordination, review and oversight
