What is a mining claim?

• A mining claim is a very special type of REAL PROPERTY. In July of 1866, in the interest of developing the mineral resources of the Far West, the United States Congress granted the Mineral Estate of the Public Domain to the people of this country. This act, known on the Capital floor as HR 365, gave all U.S. citizens (and those who had declared their intention to become citizens) the RIGHT to explore the mineral lands of this nation and to locate, occupy, develop and patent any valuable mineral deposits which they found. In doing so, states like California, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona quickly established themselves as self-reliant and prosperous, almost overnight.

• In 1870, Congress also adopted the Placer Mining Act, which was later combined with the 1866 Mineral to become the General Mining Act of 1872. For over 125 years, persons in this country have enjoyed the unique rights and opportunities given to us by our most forward-thinking leaders of those days.

• Many people today do not realize that most of our property rights in the Far Western states originate from those Acts of Congress.

• Though there is currently a moratorium on the issuing of patents to mining claims, this will hopefully change in the future. As a mining claim owner, you are entitled to rights to develop your claim in a manner that is suited to its mineral development and you are the exclusive owner of all the locatable minerals on your claim and have the right to the use and enjoyment of the surface of your mining claim. (These minerals are not limited to just gold, nor is gold the most valuable locatable mineral found in northern California).

• Though you also have the right to occupy your claim, please note that your right to occupancy is dependent on whether you are actively mining on your claim and that if you desire to build a cabin on your claim, the District Ranger may require you to submit a Plan of Operations so that the agency can determine the best way that this can be accomplished without excessively impacting the environment.

• Most people simply OBTAIN wealth and are largely subject to the whim of their employer. In trying economic times, a mining claim, especially one with a valuable mineral like gold or platinum, can be a real hedge against a recession or depression. With gold at over $1800 per troy ounce at the time of writing this, anyone willing to work hard and put forth an effort to become more knowledgeable about placer mining can make a fine living as a miner.

• In the State of California, an unpatented mining claim is a form of REAL PROPERTY, meaning that you are free to sell, lease or rent your mining claim, as well as to pass it on to your heirs. Please note that as a claim holder, you are required to file an annual claim assessment with BLM by September 1st of each year. Each 20 acres of claim only costs you $165 per year to maintain, but, if you have less than 10 mining claims, you are eligible for a small miner exemption and can file an affidavit of work performed on your claim and a $10 fee.

• If you want to learn how to stake your own mining claim, sign up the members area and unlock the tools you need to obtain your own wealth! It is quite possibly the best way for a prospector to invest $10 per month... Would you rather purchase a sluice box and a shovel, or would you rather know how to stake your own mining claim from top to bottom? I think that is an easy decision if you ask me! Sign up now!