National BLM > OR/WA > Programs > Minerals

Minerals Program

Minerals Info
Report Mining Claim Fraud

The Oregon/Washington BLM is responsible for a wide variety of activities within the minerals program. We adjudicate documents on Federal mining claims, validate title evidence, review mineral validity reports, and provide guidance for surface use management and use and occupancy under the mining laws. We retain records of mineral surveys and patents, process lease applications for minerals and mineral materials, maintain bonds, and conduct oil and gas, geothermal, and coal lease sales.

The Last Sumpter Floating Dredge, 1934 - 1954

In addition to these functions, we also issue mineral resource decisions, notices, and other legal documents.

BLM Minerals Policy Statement

In 1984, the BLM issued its first mineral policy. In 1993, Executive Order 12861 required Federal agencies to reduce their internal management regulations and directives by at least 50 percent. In 1995, as part of this effort, the 1984 Mineral Policy was eliminated. In 2006, the policy was updated and re-issued via Instruction Memorandum 2006-197. more>>

Ascot Prospecting Permit

In 2011, Ascot Resources USA's (Ascot) submitted applications for a hardrock "prospecting permits" for approximately 900 acres of Mineral Survey lands (often referred to as the "Mt. Margaret Deposit") in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest in the vicinity of Goat Mountain in Skamania County, Washington.

The BLM is working in close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service's Gifford-Pinchot National Forest to process Ascot's prospecting permit application. Following public scoping in February/March of 2012, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared that addresses the proposed exploration plan and reasonable alternatives.

NOTE: The public comment period for the EA has now been extended to August 15, 2012. more>>