This week I am posting the 2008 edition of the BLM’s pamphlet Mining Claims and Sites on Federal Lands, which every serious gold miner should read. 

It contains the information about how a gold miner goes about filing a claim under the Mining Act of 1872.  Remember, there is a move afoot in Congress to change the 1872 Act which could be great for the small gold miner.  I would like to see the Mining Act re-worked so the small gold miner could still work a claim, because today most of the claims are held by big multinational companies.

Frankly, I think it has a shot, because an individual gold miner has very little environmental impact compared to the strip mining operations of the big boys and it allows a way for millions of average Americans to benefit from the mineral riches of Federal Lands.  So, any change that makes it easier for the solo gold miner to have a shot has my support. 

So, here’s the link on how to File A Mining Claim

Strike It Rich!

Charlie

Below is a link to a 64 page document about placer mining from about 1880. I believe it is from the United States Bureau of Mines, but I didn’t see anything that said for sure.

However, it is a great document that every gold miner should read, because it has information on the big and small placer gold mines operating at the time in twelve states and the Dakota Territory. It is important for a modern gold miner to remember that those old timers found only a tiny percentage of the gold in place and recovered even less.

So if there was a paying gold mine in a given area in 1880 that’s a great area for you to prospect, because you know the paydirt is there. It’s just a matter of finding it and with modern gold mining technology it is a lot easier to find than it was when you didn’t have anything but a shovel a pan and burro.

The document also points out where gold miners might encounter diamonds, rubies, and other precious minerals.

Here’s the LINK.

Strike It Rich!

Charlie