Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is a gold claim? Gold Claims AKA mineral claims, are ownership of the minerals on a piece of Federal Land. You would be the owner and only person allowed to mine the land. But you are not purchasing the land itself. You are welcome to use the land as it is owned by the National Forest Service. They retain ownership, while you would own the mineral rights. (All the minerals in the ground)

Can I live on my gold claim? No, you can not technically live here. However, you may camp indefinitely while you have an active mining operation, Which can be as little as having a gold claim, bucket, and shovel. A couple weeks or a month is short term, but different Forests have different rules, and some areas require a Letter of Intent or a Plan of Operation in order for longer term camping.

Can I build structures? You may only construct temporary structures; under 120 square feet or on blocks or wheels. (RVs are fine)

What is the difference between patented and unpatented gold claims? Patented means the land itself is also being sold. Unpatented claims are the mineral rights only, the land remains federally held. My claims are all unpatented.

What other costs are involved? You will need to registered with the BLM and pay them $274 for the first year. You will then need to renew the claim each year thereafter at a cost of $200 per year. You are supposed to also record the claim with your local county recorder. They will be sending you a tax bill for about $30-50 per year.

How long can i keep it? As long as you keep renewing the claim, it will be active as long as you like it. You may sell it, sign it over to someone, or if you stop paying, it will revert back to just regular federal land.

Is this a time share? No one else would have mineral rights. You would have exclusive use of them in the extraction of gold or other minerals.

What does the staking process look like? All of the claims on my site have had the location notice created, legal description and map made, and the paperwork prepared. I will help guide you through the registration process. The 4 corners could be marked at some point, but have not yet. (Its not required if you use the public land survey system to describe the claim)

Can I keep people out? You can not force people off the land. It's Federal land, and public use is permitted. However, you can do things to DISCOURAGE use; such as hanging signs, or limiting access with natural barriers. You can erect signs to show it is your gold claim, or made handmade signs such as "Danger - Active Mining Claim" and "NO TRESPASSING on Mineral Rights." You could roll logs or boulders to limit access, or apply with BLM for a gate or a right of way.

What can I do out here? You can do legal forms of mining. You can also hunt, fish, 4x4, and enjoy the great outdoors. Claims are nice places to go out to camp.

Can I grow marijuana? No. Its federal land and not legal.

What will i need additional permits for? Large scale mining, gates and fences, permanent structures that relate to mining. A letter of intent and plan of operation is required to make altercations or significant changes to the claim.

How can I tell this isn't a Scam? If you got to Thediggings.com and search my name (Jason Meltzer) You will see the claims i have had recently. I also have a big folder of paperwork and current agreements you are welcome to look through. And I can provide references upon request.

Services I Provide - I sell gold claims that have been registered to me. I provide assistance in doing the mapping and paperwork to register new gold claims directly into the new owners name. I can also assist you in creating a new gold claim at a location that you bring to me.

You are responsible for your actions! I locate and stake claims for small time recreational miners. I do not claim to have all the answers, as federal laws are complicated, confusing and often don't have definitive answers. By working with me, you understand that you are responsible for your actions and you will not hold me responsible. Take time to research how this works. If I am misrepresenting anything or otherwise providing inaccurate information please let me know and I can clarify or change it.

Can I secure a claim that i like? A $100 payment paid via Paypal or other means, will hold a claim for 7 days, until you have the time or funds to sign an agreement or purchase outright. This will prevent others from buying it out from under you. The $100 will be applied to the purchase of any claim but is non-refundable.

Terms & Conditions: Meltzer Mining does not claim liability. You are responsible for your own actions both legally and physically. Please research what it will take to own and renew a gold claim. The start date of terms & conditions is at the time an agreement is reached and payment is sent.

Termination clause: Details will be discussed when an agreement is written up, but in the event of a breach of contract, the buyer will lose their option to purchase the gold claim.