Title 25IndiansRelease 119-73

§396a Leases of unallotted lands for mining purposes; duration of leases

Title 25 › Chapter CHAPTER 12— - LEASE, SALE, OR SURRENDER OF ALLOTTED OR UNALLOTTED LANDS › § 396a

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Since May 11, 1938, unallotted tribal lands except those in §§396a–396g may be leased for mining with approval by the tribe and the Secretary of the Interior for up to 10 years and while minerals pay.

Full Legal Text

Title 25, §396a

Indians — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

On and after May 11, 1938, unallotted lands within any Indian reservation or lands owned by any tribe, group, or band of Indians under Federal jurisdiction, except those specifically excepted from the provisions of sections 396a to 396g of this title, may, with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, be leased for mining purposes, by authority of the tribal council or other authorized spokesmen for such Indians, for terms not to exceed ten years and as long thereafter as minerals are produced in paying quantities.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Repeal of Inconsistent ActsAct May 11, 1938, ch. 198, § 7, 52 Stat. 348, provided that: “All Act [Acts] or parts of Acts inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.”

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

25 U.S.C. § 396a

Title 25Indians

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73