Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Stake a claim on federally regulated public land in any of the Western states where gold and public land is still available. Record the measurements and location of the claim and mark its boundaries per the rules and regulations of claiming a stake on public lands.
Survey the claim with a licensed mineral examiner who will record the geologic inference of the claim to prove a valuable mineral deposit exists onsite. Records of this survey will be used to determine the eligibility of the application.
Post notice at the local land offices and to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), notifying your intent to patent a gold claim. Maps can be submitted with the notice to show the location and state of affairs onsite.
Develop the claim with living quarters and a mill site that is adjacent to the claim. Mark the boundaries of the claim to keep all non-mining development off the actual mining property. Spend at least $500 on the claim to satisfy the development requirement of the patent application.
Comply with federal regulation in every way and sustain development of the property during the application process. Submit the application and fees to the Bureau of Land Management for approval.
Receive the patent title for your gold claim and keep a copy onsite at all times. Contest decisions not in your favor. Continue to work the claim during the application and approval process. Your right to mine gold on a proper gold claim on public property is not quashed until a legal contest removes that right by statute.