A locatable mineral refers to mineral deposits that can be mined through the process of making a mining claim on public lands.
One of the stipulations of filing a hardrock or placer mining claim is that the mineral deposits found in the area must be considered a locatable mineral. This typically includes most metallic mineral deposits and certain non metallic and industrial minerals.
The laws of a “locatable mineral” are set by the Mining Law of 1872 and its amendments and is a set of federal law governing which mineral deposits may be open for mining claim location.
WHAT DEFINES A LOCATABLE MINERAL?
A locatable mineral includes the following:
- It is recognized as a mineral by the scientific community or standard experts.
- It has been found on Federal lands open to mineral entry.
- Make the land more valuable for mining than for farming.
WHAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE LOCATABLE MINERALS?
There are several locatable minerals available for acquisition through the General Mining Law of 1872 and its amendments. However, uncommon minerals are approved on a case-by-case basis based on project specific economics, making it difficult to put together a complete list of locatable minerals. A BLM Mineral Examiners handbook may be downloaded for more detailed information about this process.
Common locatable minerals include:
- Gold
- Copper
- Silver
- Lead
- Zinc
- Nickel
- Other metallic minerals
- Precious Gems
- Uranium
- Tantalum
- Mica
- Platinum
- Fluorspar
- Bentonite
WHAT ARE UNCOMMON LOCATABLE MINERALS?
Some mineral materials are also considered locatable minerals and subject to the same laws, if they are uncommon and possess a distinct and special value. These are determined on a case-by-case basis by the project economics and location. Some of these uncommon varieties of mineral material include:
- Block pumice having one dimension of 2 or more inches.
- Limestone of chemical or metallurgical grade or that is suitable for making cement.
- Gypsum suitable for the manufacture of wall board or plaster.
WHAT IF MINERALS ARE NOT LOCATABLE?
Minerals that are not locatable may be salable, which means the mining and use of these minerals require a sales contract with the BLM or a free-use permit. Salable minerals typically include widespread, low unit value materials such as sand, stone, and gravel. Sales contracts are typically required for commercial operations while free-use permits may be administered to government agencies or non-profit organizations. The disposal of these minerals may also be regulated.
Leasable materials are minerals that can be federally leased. These are generally awarded through a bidding process and are subject to a production royalty. Leased minerals are generally used for fuel, energy, or other chemical applications, such as oil, gas, oil shale, coal, geothermal resources, potash, sodium, native asphalt, solid and semisolid bitumen, bituminous rock, and phosphate. In some states, sulfur is also considered to be a leasable mineral.
ASK A QUESTION
If you are interested in claim staking services or would like to speak with a mining expert on a potential project, reach out! Our Rangefront experts are happy to help.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRIAN GOSS
President, Rangefront Mining Services
Brian Goss brings over 20 years of experience in gold and mineral exploration. He is the founder and President of Rangefront, a premier geological services and mining consulting company that caters to a large spectrum of clients in the mining and minerals exploration industries. Brian is also a director of Lithium Corp. (OTCQB: LTUM), an exploration stage company specializing in energy storage minerals and from 2014 to 2017, he fulfilled the role of President and Director of Graphite Corp. (OTCQB: GRPH), an exploration stage that specialized in the development of graphite properties. Prior to founding Rangefront, Brian worked as a staff geologist for Centerra Gold on the REN project, as well as various exploration and development projects in the Western United States and Michigan. Brian Goss holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Geology from Wayne State University in Michigan.
You may also be interested in...
Magnetic Surveys in Mineral Exploration: How They Work, What They Show, and Why They Matter
Magnetic surveys, commonly known as mag surveys, are one of the most valuable and widely used geophysical tools in mineral exploration. They provide rapid, cost-effective insight into subsurface geology by measuring variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. These...
The 2026 Mining Career Handbook: Roles, Salaries, and How to Build a Future in a Changing Industry
The mining industry has entered a defining decade. As the world transitions toward clean energy and critical mineral demand surges, career opportunities in mining are expanding across every level from field crew operators to geoscientists, engineers, and project...
Free GPR Feasibility Checklist: Is Your Site Suitable for Ground-Penetrating Radar Scanning?
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a powerful, non-invasive subsurface imaging tool that plays a critical role in industries ranging from construction and environmental consulting to archaeology and mineral exploration. In mineral exploration and mining, GPR can help...
Mining in British Columbia: Opportunities and Challenges
British Columbia (BC) is one of the world’s most geologically rich and mining-friendly regions. Known for its vast mineral wealth and complex terrain, BC is home to some of Canada’s most productive mining operations. This article explores mining in British Columbia,...
Canada’s Critical Mineral Corridors: What’s Next for Lithium, Cobalt & Rare Earths?
As global industries shift toward decarbonization and clean energy, critical minerals have become the new currency of innovation. From electric vehicles (EVs) to wind turbines and advanced electronics, minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements (REEs) are...
Environmental Considerations in Canadian Mining: Best Practices
Mining has long been an integral part of Canada’s economy, providing essential minerals and metals that fuel global industries—from construction and energy to technology and transportation. However, mining also presents environmental challenges, including habitat...
Soil Sampling Techniques Used in Mineral Exploration
Soil sampling plays a crucial role in modern mineral exploration. When properly executed, it provides vital geochemical data that helps geologists and exploration companies assess the mineral potential of a target area with greater precision. Various techniques are...
Indigenous Partnerships in Canadian Geophysics: Best Practices for Ethical Exploration
Across Canada, mineral exploration is moving toward greater transparency, accountability, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. As outlined in the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) protocols, ethical exploration now requires early,...
The Role of Geochemical Soil Sampling in Discovering Ore Deposits
In the evolving landscape of mineral exploration, geochemical soil sampling continues to become increasingly important. As the global demand for critical minerals surges, mining companies and geological services providers are turning to advanced geochemical techniques...
The Future of Mineral Exploration in Canada’s Northern Territories
Canada’s Northern Territories, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, are becoming an important focus point in mineral exploration. These regions contain significant deposits of critical and strategic minerals that are in growing demand globally due to their role...
Highest Paying Jobs in the Mining Industry (2025 Update)
The mining industry in the United States is a vital sector of the economy, supporting infrastructure, technology, clean energy, and more. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from the extraction of coal and base metals to high-demand minerals like lithium,...
How to Stake a Mining Claim in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of staking a mining claim dates back to 1849 during the California Gold Rush, when miners adopted their own rules to establish rights to mine land in the absence of formal regulations. The legal foundation was based on the principle of prior...