What are the Governing Laws for mining?
In 1872, congress passed the General Mining Law which stated that all un-appropriated lands were open to entry and purchase. In the ensuing 130 years it has been amended by acts of congress and interpreted by countless court decisions but is largely intact. Currently ores of metallic elements and uncommon varieties of non metallic deposits are available for entry and purchase under that act. Mining claims are located; therefore the term “locatable” mineral. The BLM Montana State Office has a good web site on claims and location procedures. The BLM Colorado State Office is where a mining claim would be filed in addition to the applicable county courthouse. The federal regulations that pertain to the location of mining claims are found in 43 CFR 3830. Federal regulations can now be viewed on line at the Government Printing Office site which also includes federal register notices. There is also a site that contains the federal register notice publishing the regulations. A good description
