Mining Claim Blog

Discover the best places to buy verified mining claims in California. Learn about reputable sellers, online marketplaces, BLM sales, and how to avoid scams when purchasing gold claims.

Learn exactly how to stake a mining claim in California. Complete guide covering BLM requirements, claim markers, GPS coordinates, location certificates, and county filing.

Discover California's richest gold-bearing regions. From Nevada County to the Trinity Alps, learn where gold is still found today and how to access prime prospecting locations.

Complete breakdown of BLM maintenance fees, small miner waivers, assessment work requirements, and all costs associated with owning a California mining claim.

Learn the BLM rules about camping, cabins, and temporary structures on your mining claim. Understand the 14-day rule, occupancy permits, and how to stay legal.

Understand the critical difference between mineral rights and land ownership. Learn what you actually own with an unpatented mining claim and what rights the government retains.

Complete price guide for buying California mining claims. Learn what affects claim values, typical price ranges, hidden costs, and how to determine fair market value.

Understand the two types of mining claims. Learn which is right for you, how they differ in size and staking requirements, and where each type is used.

Realistic look at the financial potential of mining claims. Learn about recreational vs commercial mining, costs vs returns, and whether claims are good investments.

Discover California's top 10 gold-bearing rivers where you can legally pan for gold today. From the Trinity to the Yuba, learn where to find gold, access points, and regulations.

Master the art of gold panning with proven techniques. Learn the shake-and-swirl method, how to read a river, and identify real gold from fool's gold.

Owning a mining claim doesn't mean you own the land — it means you've secured the exclusive rights to extract valuable minerals from public land. Learn how mining claims work under the 1872 Mining Law.

Many prospectors dream of setting up camp near their gold-bearing creek, but the BLM has clear guidelines. Learn the rules about temporary camping, cabins, and permanent residence on mining claims.

There's no set limit on how long you can mine, but there are rules for how long you can stay. Understand the 14-day rule, occupancy permits, and how to extend your stay legally.

When you buy a mining claim, you're purchasing the right to mine it — not the land itself. Learn the critical difference between unpatented and patented claims, and what rights you actually get.

Owning a mining claim gives you powerful, exclusive rights — but within clear limits. Discover what you can and cannot do on your claim, from mineral extraction to surface use and access rights.