More Information

Mining Claims, Mining Plans, and Lands Open to Mining BLM:The BLM has the primary responsibility for administering the laws and regulations regarding the disposal of locatable minerals from all federally administered lands. The BLM's statutory authority is derived from the Mining Law of 1872, as amended (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.), the original public land authority in 43 U.S.C,.2, 1201 and 1457, and FLPMA (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.). These statutes, together with the regulations (43 CFR 3800) and numerous judicial and administrative decisions that have interpreted them, make up the body of the mining law system. The law itself may be examined in most BLM State Offices or in public libraries. For information concerning BLM regulations and public lands open to mining in specific areas, contact the proper BLM State or local office. The BLM State Office locations are listed at the back of this pamphlet.

Forest Service: For information regarding Federal land within the National Forest System and Forest Service surface management regulations (36 CFR 228[A]), contact the appropriate Forest Service Regional or local Ranger District Office. Forest Service Regional Office locations are also listed at the back of this pamphlet.

State: Information on State and local requirements and cooperative agreements between the State, the BLM, and the Forest Service may be obtained at local BLM and Forest Service offices. Otherwise, contact the appropriate State or local agency.

Geology and Minerals, Topographic Maps, and Mining Technology

U.S. Geological Survey: The Interior Department's Geological Survey (GS) publishes many topographic maps and geologic maps and reports. The central source of information about these maps and related materials is the Earth Science Information Center, Geological Survey, National Center, Reston, Virginia 22092. Maps and reports are available for purchase from the Branch of Distribution, Box 25286, Geological Survey, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225. In addition, GS publications can be obtained over-the-counter at the Earth Science Information Centers in Alaska (2), California (3), Colorado (1), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Washington, DC (1).

State: Information concerning State mining laws and regulations that supplement the Mining Law of 1872, as amended, plus information concerning the geology and minerals of specific areas in a State, can be obtained from State geologists, State geological surveys, or State mining departments.

Look here for a listing of local BLM State Offices.

Look here for a listing of local Forest Service Offices.

You are encouraged to provide comments on the design and utility of these site materials. In the future a questionnaire will be included to solicit your comments, including need for specific types of additional information.