Feds Scrap New Mexico Land Shield, Mining Party Starts
Published Date: 4/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service have canceled their plan to protect over 164,000 acres in northern New Mexico from mining and leasing. This means the land will reopen for those activities starting May 6, 2026. Local communities and businesses interested in mining or leasing can now move forward without the previous restrictions, with no new fees or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
164,810 Acres Reopened for Mining and Leasing
The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service canceled a proposed 20-year withdrawal for 163,483 acres of National Forest System lands and 1,327.16 acres of public lands (total 164,810.16 acres) in northern New Mexico. Those lands will be opened again to location and entry under U.S. mining laws and to mineral and geothermal leasing, subject to valid existing rights, other withdrawals or segregations of record, and applicable law, effective 8 a.m. local time on May 6, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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