BLM announces adjustments to mining-related location and maintenance fees
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WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced that it is adjusting its fees for the location (or “staking”) and maintenance of unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites. The location fee will increase from $37 to $40, and the maintenance fee will rise from $155 to $165.
The Mining Law of 1872 requires that the BLM adjust these fees every five years to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The last fee increase was in 2014; the latest adjustments are based on the change in the CPI from Dec. 31, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2018, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Since Fiscal Year 1993, mining claimants staking new claims or sites have been required to pay a one-time location fee. Claimants must also pay an annual maintenance fee in lieu of performing annual assessment work and making annual filings.
The adjusted annual maintenance fee is due on or before Sept. 1, 2019 for existing claims and sites. For lode claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites, the annual maintenance fee will be $165 per claim or site. For placer claims, the fee will be $165 for each 20 acres or portion thereof for each claim. For instance, if a placer claim contains 40 acres, the fee would be $330.
Mining claimants must begin paying the new location and initial maintenance fees for any mining claim or site located on or after Sept. 1, 2019. Those who have already paid their annual maintenance fee for the 2020 assessment year will be given an opportunity to pay the additional amount without penalty, upon notice from the BLM.
The final rule adjusting these fees is available in the Federal Register at https://go.usa.gov/xy2a7.
Mineral development is an important land use within the BLM's multiple-use mandate, providing economic opportunities and commodities that are essential to maintaining a high quality of life. In Fiscal Year 2017, mining of non-energy minerals from public lands supported more than 48,000 jobs and generated about $13.4 billion in economic output.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.