PLP and Mining Districts
PLP Update
July 2021 by Scott Harn
Public Lands for the People (PLP) provided two updates that our readers need to be aware of.
First, a friend (and member of PLP) advised them that the Tahoe National Forest has embraced PLP’s recent call for reclamation dredging.
PLP has developed a plan to get dredgers back in the water by embracing the fact that suction gold dredgers can provide a valuable service by reclaiming waterways.
Suction gold dredgers are in the unique position to extract and remove mercury, lead, and other contaminants from America’s waterway. PLP laid out a plan of action, and is providing specific instructions on how to establish a partnership that qualifies as a reclamation entity that can dredge in states like California, and the Tahoe National Forest is “on board.” (You’ll have to join PLP to receive instructions on how to establish such a qualifying partnership.)
Second, PLP reminded us that there is such a thing as a “paper hanger.” A “paper hanger” is an individual or entity that files a claim over an existing claim, and then sells or attempts to sell that claim via online companies like eBay.
PLP northern director Clark Pearson stated they have received numerous complaints from prospectors and miners who have purchased such a claim and then learned that the claim is invalid.
The lesson learned is that you should never purchase a claim on eBay without first testing that claim for its mineral potential and without checking the status of the claim with the Bureau of Land Management and with the County Recorder where that claim is located.
There is absolutely no excuse for failing to adequately check the status of a claim. With the price of gold floating between $1,750 and $1,900 per troy ounce, there are plenty of swindlers who will try to take advantage of your lack of research.
The message here is, “Buyer Beware!” Consider this a friendly reminder to do your homework before buying a mining claim.
MMAC & PLP Update
Many miners have failed to exercise their rights by using the power of their Mining Districts and laws that are already on the books, such as 43 CFR 9712.1, which states…
Direct and Constructive Notice
It's a proven civil remedy to put an end to harassment by notifying a person who is either overstepping their authority, or failing to act as required, that they will be sued personally for an act or omission.
MMAC & PLP Update -- 2015 Minerals and Mining Regulatory Reform Act
Is there any hope for a solution? Yes, there is, and we’ve been working with Public Lands for the People, the Minerals and Mining Advisory Council, attorney James Buchal and others on that solution.
PLP Update September 2023
PLP Update: Oktoberfest Weekend
Forty prospectors lucky enough to sign up early spent a weekend looking for gold and talking about gold. And there is nothing better than doing both.
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The Bawl Mill
• Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Ask The Experts - What percentage of the gold price can I get from a buyer?
• Ask The Experts - Is a hookah battery setup legal in California?
• Ask The Experts - Are friends and relatives regulated like employees?
• Ask The Experts - What do you use for flux for melting gold?
• Ask The Experts - Why Isn't There A Dual Coil Detector?
• Ask The Experts - Who has the rights to a vein that goes under a neighboring claim?
• Ask The Experts - Is platinum usually magnetic?
• Ten Detecting Tips for the Savvy Desert Prospector
• All About Hard Rock Drills
• Gold Prospecting for Better or Worse: When a Gold Prospector Goes to a Diamond Mine
• Why So Much Gold in Nevada?
• A Golden Past
• Fire Assay Finish by Silver Nitrate Fusion for PGMs
• Do Gold Nuggets Come Out At Night?
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices