§521 Mineral leasing claims

Summary

Protects mining claims filed under U.S. mining laws between July 31, 1939 and February 10, 1954 on federal land when, at the time they were located, they were either inside a mineral lease or permit, had an application or offer for one, or were known to hold minerals that can be leased. This protection applies only if the claim follows the chapter’s rules and does not conflict with valid rights others later acquired under U.S. law. Any work or improvements done after the claim was first located and for its benefit count fully toward the claim the same as if the claim’s validity did not rely on this chapter. If the government later withdraws or reserves the land, that withdrawal is adjusted so the claim is treated as if it had been located on land that was open to location after July 31, 1939 and before the withdrawal.