How to Buy a Mining Claim
- 1). Determine if you wish to purchase a patented or a nonpatented claim. These terms are confusing. A nonpatented mining claim simply conveys the right to extract minerals from a tract of public land. The surface rights and management are retained by the state or federal government. The federal Bureau of Land Management, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, administers all federal public lands open to mineral entry.
- 2). Research the area that you are interested in prospecting. Study the gold history of the area and obtain topographical maps from the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. The maps will show public lands that are open for prospecting and exploration. Study the claim you are considering. Is it in a proven gold-bearing area? Are there previous production records available? Gold is most likely to be found in locations where it has been found before.
- 3). Search the Internet for postings of gold claims for sale. Be wary. There are many reputable sellers with great claims; however, some unscrupulous dealers are marketing claims of dubious value. Do the research. Find out how long the present owner has owned the claim and what work has been done on the claim to date.
- 4). Inspect the claim prior to purchase. Do not buy a claim sight unseen. Visit the site in person or request photos of claim markers and terrain. Review topographical maps of the area. A claim may be located in a rich gold-producing area, but if it is on the face of a cliff, it may be unworkable. Verify access. There are claims available without road access. Determine if you can hike into the location and carry equipment or if the site of the claim prevents mining operations. How many months of the year will you be able to work the claim? Many remote, mountain locations are limited to a small window of time when weather and road conditions permit access. Is there water on the claim? Does it run year-round? Desert claims are often restricted to dry washing and metal detecting only.
- 5). Determine if water rights are conveyed with the claim. Some states have special restrictions on water usage and dredging. Be sure that the rules allow for the mining operations you are contemplating.
Contact local water conservation district offices and the Bureau of Land Management to determine if dredging is allowed on the claim. A large amount of claims located in California are now up for sale since dredging has been prohibited by state regulations.
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