Nevada
Overview
Mining claims on federal public-domain lands in Nevada are governed by the General Mining Law of 1872, as amended, and administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Claimants must also comply with Nevada location requirements and record documents with the appropriate county recorder.
Tenure Types
Lode Claims – For hardrock mineral deposits in veins or lodes.
Placer Claims – For unconsolidated mineral deposits like gold-bearing gravel.
Tunnel Sites – Rights to drive a tunnel for exploration.
Mill Sites – Non-mineral land used for processing or support facilities.
Annual Obligations
Assessment year: 1 September to 1 September.
Maintenance fee: $200 for each lode claim, mill site or tunnel site, and $200 for each 20 acres or portion of a placer claim. Payment is due to BLM on or before 1 September. Check the current fee page before filing because federal fees can change.
Small miner waiver: A claimant and all related parties must own 10 or fewer claims and sites nationwide. The waiver certification is due on or before 1 September.
Assessment work: A claimant using the waiver must perform at least $100 of qualifying labour or improvements for each claim and file the required evidence with BLM and the county by the applicable deadline. Mill and tunnel sites use a notice of intent to hold instead of assessment work.
County filing: Location notices, amendments, transfers, annual affidavits and other state-required documents must also be recorded with the appropriate Nevada county.
References and Legislation
- Nevada Division of Minerals mining claim requirements and forms
- Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 517 – Mining Claims, Mill Sites and Tunnel Rights
- BLM Mineral & Land Records System
- State of Nevada - Commission on Mineral Resources: Division of Minerals
- US Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management: Nevada Mining and Minerals
- Nevada Mining Association
- Nevada Division of Environmental Protection - Regulations
Environmental & Operational Requirements
Exploration or mining operations beyond casual use may require a BLM notice or plan of operations, financial guarantee and environmental review. See BLM surface-management requirements.
Reclamation and water use permits may be required depending on the nature of the activity.
Surface use is restricted to mineral development purposes; no exclusive surface rights are granted.
