Mineral development is an important part of BLM’s multiple-use program. Mineral production on public land in involves three distinct systems: location, leasing, and material sale.

Location involves minerals like gold and silver under general mining laws. Miners locate claims to acquire mineral rights. When a valuable deposit is found, the mining claim may be patented and title obtained to both the mineral and surface land.

Oil and gas, coal, geothermal, sodium, and other similar minerals are available through mineral leasing. Leases are issued for specific periods of time, and the lessee pays a rental fee and royalties on the minerals produced.