Mineral materials are some of our most basic natural resources and include sand, gravel, dirt, and rock, used in everyday building and construction uses.  Local supplies of these basic resources are vital to economic life of any community.  The BLM’s policy is to make these materials available for the public and local governmental agencies whenever possible and wherever environmentally acceptable.

BLM sells mineral materials to the public at fair market value, but offers these materials for free to states, counties, or other government entities using them for public projects. Also, a limited amount may be provided free to non-profit groups. Materials obtained free of charge cannot be bartered or sold.  BLM shares a portion (usually about 50%) of the revenues from the sale of mineral materials with the state where the minerals are produced.  The regulations that guide BLM’s mineral materials program can be found in Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Group 3600 or at this website: www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06//43cfrv2_06.html.  Regulations governing contracts and permits for mineral materials are contained in 43 CFR subpart 3610 and 3620, respectively.