Nearly 1,000 Acres in Utah Open for Oil Shale Mining Adventure
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting February 23, 2026, nearly 1,000 acres of land in Utah are officially open for mining non-metal minerals like oil shale. This change affects miners and land users by allowing new mining claims under U.S. law, following a careful review to protect the area. It’s a fresh opportunity for mining activities with clear rules and a set start time!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
999.41 Acres Opened for Non‑Metal Mining
If you are a miner or land user in Utah, 999.41 acres in Township 15 S., Range 1 E., Section 31 will be open for location and entry under U.S. mining law for non‑metalliferous minerals starting at 9 a.m. Mountain Time on February 23, 2026. The opening explicitly covers non‑metalliferous minerals such as oil shale on the described lands.
Filing Time and Priority Rules at Opening
If you plan to file a mining claim on these lands, all valid applications received at or before 9 a.m. MT on February 23, 2026, will be treated as simultaneously filed at that time. Applications received after 9 a.m. MT on February 23, 2026, will be considered in the order they are filed, and any appropriation of the lands before that date and time will be rejected.
Only Non‑Metalliferous Minerals Allowed
The opening applies only to location and entry for non‑metalliferous minerals; metalliferous (metal) mining is not authorized by this notice. The opening is also subject to valid existing rights, existing withdrawals, other segregations of record, and applicable law.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The government wants to keep protecting 6,559 acres of land in Utah for another 20 years to support the Diamond Fork water system. They fixed some land details and are inviting the public to share thoughts by May 26, 2026, with a virtual meeting on April 9. This affects local communities and anyone interested in land use, but it won’t change current mining or leasing rules.
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