The Bureau of Land Management reminds claimants who wish to retain mining claims on public lands through the 2022 assessment year to pay a maintenance fee or file a Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification on or before Wednesday, Sept. 1, to prevent the mining claim from being declared forfeit and void.

This will be the last year the BLM will mail Courtesy Mining Claims Packets to claimants. In future years, the packets will be available upon request through the Information Access Center and field offices.

The maintenance fee for a lode claim, tunnel site or mill site is $165 per claim or site. For placer mining claims only, the fees are $165 for every 20 acres or portion thereof. Claimants who filed a Small Miner’s Waiver in 2020 for the 2021 assessment year will be required to file an Affidavit of Annual Assessment Work form, including the required $15 processing fee per claim on or before Thursday, Dec. 30.

The BLM is following local, state, and federal guidelines on a phased approach to safely reopen in-person public access to visitor centers and public rooms in its California offices. As the BLM continues to operate and serve the public during this time, safety of its visitors and employees is its top priority. The California State Office Public Room in Sacramento remains temporarily closed to in-person visits. Therefore, the BLM encourages submission of mining claims by mail or online.

Mail: Checks must be printed showing the address, with recommended Certified Mail being the preferred method of shipment, to Bureau of Land Management-CASO, ATTN: Accounts/Mining, 2800 Cottage Way, W-1623, Sacramento, CA 95825. Payments or filings by mail must be postmarked on or before Wednesday, Sept. 1.

Online: Visit the BLM’s Mineral & Land Records System payment portal to make a payment with a credit card.

In-Person: Claimants who wish to make filings and payments via mail or in person must make their filing to the proper BLM state office for the state where the claims or sites are located. An appointment must be made at this time for an in-person visit. Check the website for times and telephone numbers for BLM Public Room hours.

For information on the filing deadlines, maintenance fees, Maintenance Fee Waiver Certifications or Federal Land Policy and Management Act filings (Affidavit of Annual Assessment Work or Notice of Intent to Hold) call the Information Access Center (Public Room) at 916-978-4400, or visit www.blm.gov/public-room/california.

To review mining claim fees online visit www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/mining-and-minerals/locatable-minerals/mining-claims/fees.