National BLM > OR/WA > Programs > Minerals

Minerals Program

Sunstone

The Oregon/Washington BLM is responsible for a wide variety of activities within the minerals program. They administer or adjudicate issues on Federal mining claims, validate title evidence, review mineral validity reports, and provide guidance for surface use management and use and occupancy under the mining laws. They retain records of mineral surveys and patents, service Federal minerals contest actions, process lease applications for minerals and mineral materials, review and adjudicate permits to prospect for solid minerals. They retain bonding documentation, conduct oil and gas, geothermal, and coal lease sales. In addition to these functions, they also prepare and service mineral resource decisions, notices and other legal documents.

BLM Minerals Policy Statement

In 1984, the BLM issued its first mineral policy. In 1993, Executive Order 12861 required Federal agencies to reduce their internal management regulations and directives by at least 50 percent. In 1995, as part of this effort, the 1984 Mineral Policy was eliminated. In 2006, the policy was updated and re-issued via Instruction Memorandum 2006-197 more>>