Land records · Parcel maps · October 5, 2026
How to Look Up a Mining Claim on Public Land
How to look up a mining claim: search the BLM's Mineral and Land Records System, check county recorder filings, and learn what unpatented claims mean.
How to look up a mining claim: search the Bureau of Land Management’s online Mineral and Land Records System (MLRS) by location, claim name, serial number, or claimant, then check the county recorder where the claim’s location notice was filed. Most mining claims are on federal public land in western states. An unpatented claim gives rights to explore and extract locatable minerals but does not make the claimant the owner of the land. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Types of mining claims
| Type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Lode claim | Minerals in veins or lodes, up to about 1,500 by 600 feet |
| Placer claim | Loose deposits such as gold in gravel, often by aliquot parts |
| Mill site | Non-mineral land for processing |
| Tunnel site | Underground tunnel rights |
Where to search
- BLM MLRS: the federal database for mining claims, replacing the older LR2000 system. Search by state, township and range, or claim details.
- BLM state offices: case files and maps.
- County recorder: location notices and affidavits filed locally.
- Mapping layers: some BLM and third-party maps display active and closed claims.
Knowing the township, range, and section helps. See how to read township and range and what is the Public Land Survey System.
Active vs closed claims
Claims require an annual maintenance fee to the BLM, due by September 1 each year, or a small miner waiver with annual work requirements. Unpaid claims are typically declared forfeited and closed. MLRS shows case status.
Unpatented vs patented claims
| Type | Ownership |
|---|---|
| Unpatented | Land remains federal; claimant has mineral rights subject to rules |
| Patented | Federal government issued a patent; land became private |
New patents have been largely halted by Congress for years, but many historic patented claims exist as private land. See what is a land patent.
Using public land with claims
The public can generally still use public land covered by unpatented claims for recreation, but should not disturb mining operations, equipment, or deposits. Rules vary by agency. See how to tell if land is public or private.
Buying a claim
Claims are sometimes sold. Verify in MLRS that the claim is active, fees are paid, the seller is the claimant of record, and the location is correct. Remember you are buying mining rights, not land, unless it is patented.
Claims and mineral rights on private land
Mining claims apply to federal minerals. On private land, mineral ownership follows deeds and reservations. See how to find out who owns mineral rights.
Reading a claim record
A typical MLRS record lists the claim name, serial number, claimant names and addresses, claim type, legal land description by meridian, township, range, and section, location date, and case actions such as fee payments or closure. Matching that legal description with a map confirms whether the claim actually covers the ground you are interested in.
Bottom line
To look up a mining claim, search the BLM’s MLRS by location or claim details and check county recorder filings. Unpatented claims grant mineral rights on federal land, not ownership, and require annual fees to stay active. Find sections and townships on the Platbookmapper map.
How to look up a mining claim FAQ
How do I find mining claims near me?
Search the BLM’s Mineral and Land Records System by state and township, range, and section.
Does a mining claim mean someone owns the land?
An unpatented claim gives mineral rights only; the land stays federal.
How do I know if a mining claim is active?
MLRS shows case status, including fee payments and closure.
When are mining claim fees due?
Annual maintenance fees are due to the BLM by September 1.
What is a patented mining claim?
A claim where the federal government transferred the land into private ownership.