Minerals

The public lands provide many opportunities for commercially valuable energy and mineral commodities. The BLM is responsible for the leasing of federal oil, gas, and geothermal resources, and for supervising the exploration, development and production operations of these resources on both federal and Indian lands. The BLM is also responsible for maintaining viable policies and processes for solid minerals resources like coal and non-energy leasable minerals, hardrock minerals on acquired lands, locatable minerals, and salable minerals. More general information on BLM energy and minerals responsibilities can be found at the BLM National Energy and Minerals Site.

The BLM maintains records of mining claims and monitors exploration and development activity on mining claims on public lands. The BLM also administers a program that allows for the sale of common minerals such as gravel and crushed rock under a contract process that charges a royalty. Permits for rock, gravel, and sand collection can also be obtained on certain BLM lands in Oregon and Washington.

Operators' mining plans are reviewed and the operations are monitored by the BLM to ensure conservation of mineral resources and protection of other resource values. Operators are required to rehabilitate mined and drilled areas. The BLM has an abandoned mine land program that identifies old mine sites so that they can be cleaned up and any safety problems can be addressed.

Oil and Gas Lease Sale Notices

To view the latest Oil & Gas Lease Sale Notice and Sale Results, click here.