Mining Properties

There are many cases in which a gold bearing land can become the property of the person that finds it, but only for the purpose of mining can mining properties be obtained. Whatever the case, this person would then have the exclusive rights to the mineral deposits on the finding. Another thing to keep in mind is the laws of ownership. Just because you believe a mine is deserted does not mean that it necessarily is and it certainly does not mean that you have the right to go in and begin searching with your metal detector. There are people that have claims to many mines and who would most likely not appreciate you doing some high grading on their property. Be careful because some people might react in ways you do not want to know. Whenever doing this type of work, make sure you first get permission to search. There are some claim holders that do not mind electronic prospecting and are willing to allow it if they are able to get information on any mineral pockets or veins you might find in their property. It is very important though for anyone that is claiming to study up on the documents issued by the Bureau of Land Management in the state they are planning to claim in and additionally check with the county recorder before posting a notice up. If you do happen to find a good mining property and rich deposit you should make sure you are able to locate it exactly on an official map. There are good and very detailed maps that can be found at ranger station in the National Forests, or you can get them from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, or from private concerns. After you have a map of your area, to be able to locate the exact location you are in will require you use a compass, mileage indicator etc. Study the map you have and try to locate the nearest identification area or spot, for example perhaps this location is in between two roads, on a couple streams etc. You can then use your compass and mileage indicator in your vehicle. If you are in your vehicle you can see how far the location is and in what direction it is in from the identification point. If you are walking though, then you will need to estimate the distance. In most cases, maps are separated into squares of one half or a mile on a side, and this should help you be able to find the location to a fraction of a mile.