Arizona Mineral Rights

Process

• Prior to applying for mineral rights, the ownership status of the specific area of interest must be determined. The Arizona Department of Mines and Minerals Resources (DMMR) provides two publications: "Laws and Regulations Governing Mineral Rights in Arizona" and "Manual for Determination of Status and Ownership, Arizona Mineral and Water Rights." They may be purchased or can be studied at the DMMR office and some libraries.

Report

• Approval of an application for mining or a mineral lease depends upon a mineral development report which must provide technical analysis that a valuable mineral deposit is present, the feasibility of mining, an environmental assessment and a plan for mining. The Arizona State Land Department provides guidelines for completion of this report.

Fees

• Certain fees are involved in obtaining mineral rights. For example, as of 2010, DMMR notes that the cost for recording a new federal mining claim is at least $200. In addition, an annual maintenance fee is required by the Bureau of Land Management for mining claims.