§49e Annual Labor or Improvements on Alaskan Mining Claims; Affidavits; Burden of Proof; Forfeitures; Location Anew of Claims; Perjury

Summary

Each year, and until a patent is issued, at least $100 of work or improvements must be done on every mining claim in Alaska. The claim owner, or someone who knows the facts, can file a sworn statement with the local recorder saying the $100 of work was done. The statement must name the claim and where it is, describe how many days of work, the kind and value of improvements, the dates, who had the work done, and how much was paid and by whom if not the owner. A filed, sworn statement is treated as proof that the work was done. If the statement is not filed on time, the claimant must prove the work was done. The statement must be sworn before an official who can administer oaths and filed no later than 90 days after the end of the year. Federal perjury laws in sections 1621 and 1622 of title 18 apply. If the work or filing is not done as required, the claim is forfeited and others may locate it as if it had never been claimed.