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

Summary

Each year, until a patent is issued, at least $100 worth 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 work was done. That statement must say the claim name or number and location; how many days or what work and its value; the dates; who had the work done; and who paid and how much if it was not the owner. The sworn statement counts as basic proof that the work was done. You must file it within 90 days after the end of the year when the work was done. If you do not file on time, you must prove you did the work. If the required work is not done, the claim is forfeited and others may locate it. The sworn statements are made before an official who can take oaths, and federal perjury laws apply.