National BLM > OR/WA > Programs > Minerals

Minerals Program

Minerals Info
Report Mining Claim Fraud

The Oregon/Washington BLM is responsible for a wide variety of activities within the minerals program. We adjudicate documents 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. We retain records of mineral surveys and patents, process lease applications for minerals and mineral materials, maintain bonds, and conduct oil and gas, geothermal, and coal lease sales.

The Last Sumpter Floating Dredge, 1934 - 1954

In addition to these functions, we also issue 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>>

Ascot Prospecting Permit

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today that it has issued a decision that approves two hardrock prospecting permits for geological exploration within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest northeast of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (NVM). Beginning in March 2011, Ascot Resources Ltd. (Ascot) - a Vancouver, B.C.-based company incorporated in the State of Washington as Ascot USA Inc. - applied for the two prospecting permits. Earlier this month the U.S. Forest Service issued a Decision Notice consenting to the prospecting work.