96-26398. Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 203 (Friday, October 18, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 54384-54404]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-26398]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    Bureau of Land Management
    
    43 CFR Parts 3500, 3510, 3520, 3530, 3540, 3550, 3560, and 3570
    
    [WO-320-1990-01-24 A]
    RIN 1004-AC49
    
    
    Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale
    
    Agency: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
    
    Action: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to amend its 
    regulations governing leasing of solid minerals other than coal and oil 
    shale. The purpose of the amendment is to comply with President 
    Clinton's Government-wide regulatory reform initiative to eliminate, 
    streamline, or rewrite regulations in plain English. The current rule 
    includes separate sections for all the solid minerals commodities, and 
    the resulting language is repetitive in many instances. The proposed 
    rule will reorganize these solid minerals regulations to eliminate 
    redundant language and streamline the regulations. The proposed rule 
    will also clarify the responsibilities of interested parties.
    
    DATES: You must submit your comments by January 16, 1997. BLM may not 
    consider comments received after this date in developing the final 
    rule.
    
    ADDRESSES: Commenters may hand-deliver comments to the Bureau of Land 
    Management, Administrative Record, Room 401, 1620 L Street, NW., 
    Washington, DC; or mail comments to the Bureau of Land Management, 
    Administrative Record, Room 401LS, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 
    20240. Commenters may transmit comments electronically via the Internet 
    to WOComment@wo.blm.gov. Please include ``AC49'' and your name and 
    address in your message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the 
    system that we have received your internet message, contact us directly 
    at (202) 452-5030. Comments will be available
    
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    for public review at the L Street address during regular business 
    hours, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Horan, (202) 452-5023 (Commercial 
    or FTS).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Public Comment Procedures
    II. Background
    III. Discussion of Proposed Rule
    IV. Procedural Matters
    
    I. Public Comment Procedures
    
        Your written comments on the proposed rule should--
        (a) Be specific;
        (b) Be confined to issues about the proposed rule;
        (c) Explain the reason for the recommended change; and
        (d) Where possible, reference the specific section or paragraph of 
    the proposal which you are addressing.
        BLM may not necessarily consider or include in the Administrative 
    Record or the final rule comments which BLM receives after the close of 
    the comment period (see DATES) or comments delivered to an address 
    other than those listed above (see ADDRESSES).
    
    II. Background
    
        On March 4, 1995, President Clinton issued a memorandum to all 
    Federal Departments and Agencies directing them to simplify their 
    regulations. In response to the President's directive, BLM analyzed 43 
    CFR part 3500 through 43 CFR part 3570 to determine whether the 
    regulations were current and written in clear and understandable terms. 
    As a result, BLM decided that we could reorganize the regulations to 
    achieve significant reductions in length while greatly improving the 
    clarity of the document.
    
    Statutory Basis of BLM's Regulations
    
        BLM's regulatory program relating to solid minerals is based on 
    several different statutes which give BLM authority to regulate mineral 
    leasing on the lands administered by the bureau.
    Mineral Leasing Act of 1920
        The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (the Act), as amended and 
    supplemented (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), provides for leasing of certain 
    deposits of phosphates, potassium, gilsonite, and sodium minerals on 
    public domain lands. The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior 
    to grant to any qualified applicant a permit or lease for certain 
    deposits of minerals on lands owned by the United States.
    Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1946
        Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1946 (5 U.S.C. Appendix) transferred 
    the responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture for the leasing or 
    other disposal of hardrock minerals to the Secretary of the Interior 
    for certain areas.
    Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947
        The Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended (30 
    U.S.C. 351-359), provides for the leasing of certain acquired lands. 
    This statute authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish 
    rules and regulations necessary to grant any qualified applicant a 
    permit or lease to promote mining of phosphate, sodium, potassium, 
    sulphur and gilsonite deposits on Federal acquired lands.
    The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
        The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 
    et seq.) (FLPMA) authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to develop 
    guidelines for the administration and protection of the Federal lands 
    and their resources under the jurisdiction of BLM.
        Other authorities which address programs related to specific 
    commodities and lands include the following:
        (a) Certain lands added to the Shasta National Forest (30 U.S.C. 
    192c);
        (b) Public domain lands in National Forests in Minnesota (6 U.S.C. 
    508(b));
        (c) Gold, silver or quicksilver in confirmed private land grants 
    (30 U.S.C. 291-293);
        (d) Reserved minerals in lands patented to the State of California 
    for parks or other purposes (47 Stat. 1487, as amended);
        (e) National Park Service areas--
        (i) Lake Mead National Recreation Area (16 U.S.C. 460n et seq.);
        (ii) Whiskeytown Unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National 
    Recreation Area (16 U.S.C. 460q et seq.);
        (iii) Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas (16 
    U.S.C. 90c et seq.);
        (iv) Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (16 U.S.C. 460dd et 
    seq.);
        (f) Shasta-Trinity Units of the Whiskeytown-Shasta Trinity National 
    Recreation Area (16 U.S.C. 460q et seq.); and
        (g) White Mountains National Recreation Area (16 U.S.C. 460mm-2 
    through 460mm-4).
    Development of BLM's Regulations
        The last major revision of these solid leasable minerals 
    regulations was published in the Federal Register on April 22, 1986 (51 
    FR 15204). That revision included separate parts covering specific 
    mineral commodities. The commodity-by-commodity format completed an 
    attempt to clarify the regulations that began with amendments published 
    on April 25, 1984 (49 FR 17892).
        Under the 1986 organization of the regulations, processes such as 
    issuance of exploration licenses and mineral leases were addressed in a 
    similar or identical manner under each commodity. This organization was 
    designed to allow parties interested in each commodity to look in only 
    one part of the regulations to find the provisions relating to their 
    commodity. However, not all of the leasing or permitting regulations 
    were included with the commodity, and the regulations were so extensive 
    that the complete body of solid mineral regulations occupied about 100 
    pages of the Code of Federal Regulations.
    
    III. Discussion of Proposed Rule
    
        As part of BLM's response to the administration's regulatory 
    initiatives, we reviewed this extensive body of material and decided to 
    consolidate and to eliminate the duplicative presentation of processes. 
    BLM understands that our readers want to be able to find particular 
    subject matter easily in our regulations. However, we believe that the 
    plain English approach, particularly the expanded table of contents, 
    will make it easy for readers to find material that is of concern to 
    them. The overall reduction in the volume of BLM's regulations achieved 
    by this revision should make it easier for the reader to find 
    particular subject matter.
        BLM believes that a consolidated approach to these regulations 
    offers other advantages. If BLM revises its procedures relating to 
    solid minerals, we would need to undertake only one regulatory action 
    to conform the consolidated regulations to any new revisions in our 
    procedures. This reduces the time it would take BLM to keep its 
    regulations up to date and internally consistent. When several 
    different regulations address one process, as in the current version of 
    43 CFR part 3500, it is difficult for BLM to ensure that changes made 
    to one part get made in all relevant parts. As a result, parts that 
    should be identical diverge over time.
        As a result of these considerations, BLM has determined that we can 
    eliminate the repetition represented by the current regulatory 
    structure, while enhancing our readers' ability to find
    
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    material of interest to them. We are particularly interested in 
    comments on whether it is easy to find particular subject matter in 
    this proposed rule. We would also welcome suggestions for further 
    consolidation and reorganization. We understand that a number of 
    different organizations of these regulations are reasonable, and are 
    interested in suggestions from the public as to the most readable and 
    logical arrangement of these rules. BLM also invites comments from 
    surface management agencies, surface owners, and other interested 
    persons as to whether any of the proposed changes would make 
    substantive changes not discussed in this preamble.
        Most of the changes BLM is proposing today are for the purpose of 
    streamlining and clarifying the regulations. All parts and subparts of 
    what is currently Group 3500, Management of Solid Minerals Other Than 
    Coal, are affected, except parts 3580 and 3590. BLM is not proposing 
    any changes to these two parts at this time, but may propose changes to 
    these parts in the future for purposes of streamlining and 
    clarification. If BLM finalizes these proposed regulations, certain 
    changes will be made in those two parts to conform the cross references 
    to the new numbers.
        The current proposed action eliminates the commodity-specific 
    provisions contained in parts 3510, 3520, 3530, 3540, 3550, 3560, and 
    3570. BLM proposes to expand the general material currently found in 
    part 3500 to incorporate all substantive provisions of those parts. As 
    a result, the new part would contain subparts 3501 through 3517. 
    Details of these proposed subparts can be found in the table of 
    contents.
        In addition to rewriting the regulations for clarity, BLM is 
    proposing to:
        1. Eliminate the requirement to describe the lands for which you 
    are making an application once you have properly described them and BLM 
    has issued a prospecting permit or lease. This would eliminate the need 
    for the applicant to submit a land description with his or her 
    application for a preference right lease or for assignments where the 
    land description duplicates that in the prospecting permit or original 
    lease. BLM would still require land descriptions for assignments of 
    parts of the land described in the original prospecting permit or 
    lease. Applicants would still need to identify the lease or permit by 
    serial number.
        2. Increase the State acreage limitation for potassium leases. 
    Current 43 CFR 3530.3 specifies that there is a per-State acreage 
    limitation of 51,200 acres for holders of potassium leases or permits. 
    BLM proposes to increase this limitation to 80,000 acres. The acreage 
    limitation for potassium is regulatory, and is not based on any 
    statutory requirement. The statute limits the size of individual leases 
    to 2,560 acres per lease. As the potash industry has matured, many 
    mining operations are consolidating or closing. BLM believes that 
    increasing the size of the State acreage limitation would allow for 
    consolidation of mining properties and enhance development of marginal 
    Federal reserves, thereby ensuring the statutory goal of ultimate 
    maximum recovery. This proposed change would not create a situation 
    where one company could monopolize Federal resources. This proposed 
    change is reflected in the table in Sec. 3503.37.
        3. Change a provision currently in 43 CFR 3513.1-2, proposed to be 
    in 43 CFR 3507.16, requiring the applicant for a preference right lease 
    to submit a map showing certain land features, to require three maps, 
    consistent with other provisions in these regulations, and with BLM's 
    need for documentation to facilitate the review of these applications. 
    While it is relatively easy for BLM to make duplicate copies of most 
    application material, it is often difficult to duplicate maps, and 
    obtaining additional maps from the applicant should facilitate BLM's 
    review.
        4. Incorporate uniformly BLM's current practice of not issuing 
    leases covered by current Group 3500 to coal lessees and assignees not 
    in compliance with section 2(a)(2)(A) of the Mineral Leasing Act, as 
    amended. This means that BLM will not issue a lease under this part to 
    anyone not in compliance with the diligence requirements for coal 
    leases found in section 2(a)2(A). This change is the result of the 
    proposed reorganization and clarification of these regulations and is 
    reflected in proposed 43 CFR 3502.20 and 3511.11. Since this provision 
    is consistent with current practice it will not have any significant 
    impact on the industry. To date, BLM has denied fewer than 5 leases on 
    the basis of this statutory provision.
        5. Add a provision at 43 CFR 3502.42 specifying, consistent with 
    the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act, 30 U.S.C.184(g), that BLM 
    will allow unqualified heirs to hold ownership for not more than two 
    years, during which period the heir must either become qualified or 
    divest himself or herself of the interest.
        6. Eliminate provisions authorizing issuance of future interest 
    prospecting permits currently in subpart 3507. BLM has rarely been 
    called upon to issue such permits. We believe that the period of time 
    available to current mineral interest holders, before the minerals vest 
    in the United States, should be sufficient to allow those interest 
    holders to determine whether there is a valuable mineral deposit 
    present. If the mineral holder does demonstrate the existence of a 
    valuable mineral deposit, BLM would continue, under this proposal, to 
    issue future interest leases to the interest holder for these minerals.
        7. Clarify in proposed subpart 3515, particularly Sec. 3515.21, 
    that lands exchanged must be of equal, rather than comparable, value. 
    This change implements the provisions of the Federal Land Exchange 
    Facilitation Act of 1988, which amended section 206 of FLPMA. The same 
    Act also provided the government and any applicant greater flexibility 
    than did previous requirements in achieving equality in an exchange. 
    This flexibility is incorporated into the proposed regulation at 
    proposed Sec. 3515.22. Section 3515.12 clarifies that the exchange-
    specific provisions of 43 CFR part 2200 apply.
        8. Clarify in proposed on Sec. 3501.5 the definition of the term 
    ``valuable deposit''. The current definition at 43 CFR 3500.0-5 is 
    circular in that it uses the phrase ``valuable mine'' in describing the 
    term ``valuable deposit''. The proposed rule would change ``valuable 
    mine'' to ``profitable mine'' and thus clarifies that the profitability 
    of mineral development is an important consideration in determining 
    whether a person of ordinary prudence would be justified in the further 
    expenditure of his or her labor and means with the reasonable prospect 
    of successfully developing the mineral deposit. Accordingly, the 
    proposed section on what information you have to provide to BLM to 
    prove that you have found a valuable deposit, proposed section 3507.26, 
    states that BLM may request supplemental data to determine, among other 
    things, mining and processing costs and the profitability of mineral 
    development.
        9. Modify the requirements found in the current 43 CFR 3502.2-4(b) 
    on the disclosure of the identity and citizenship of major stockholders 
    to add disclosure of the percentage of their stock holdings. This 
    change would assist BLM to enforce acreage limitations against those 
    stockholders. The proposed rule would eliminate a requirement found in 
    the current 43 CFR 3502.2-4(e) to submit such information on the basis 
    of foreign residency. This information is not needed to enforce any 
    statutory limitations.
    
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        10. Clarify at proposed Sec. 3510.21 that BLM can issue 
    noncompetitive fringe acre leases to extract sodium chloride to persons 
    producing calcium chloride from an existing mine, under an 
    authorization issued under 43 CFR part 3800 for locatable minerals. 
    This addresses an issue restricted to a limited geographic area in 
    California, where these two minerals are commingled.
        Additionally, BLM seeks comment particularly on the following two 
    proposals. These proposals are not reflected in the regulatory language 
    published today. BLM may decide to undertake these changes, based on 
    public comment.
        11. Add a discussion of what makes lands ``compact.'' A similar 
    discussion appeared in the regulations prior to the 1986 revisions. We 
    are particularly interested in whether commenters perceive a need for 
    BLM to define this term.
        12. Reduce the number of copies of applications required from three 
    copies to one in cases where there is no specified form, except for 
    copies of maps.
    
    IV. Procedural Matters
    
    National Environmental Policy Act
    
        BLM has prepared an environmental assessment (EA), and has found 
    that the proposed rule would not constitute a major federal action 
    significantly affecting the quality of the human environment under 
    section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
    (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C). BLM has placed the EA and the Finding of 
    No Significant Impact (FONSI) on file in the BLM Administrative Record 
    at the address specified previously. BLM invites the public to review 
    these documents by contacting us at the addresses listed above (see 
    ADDRESSES), and suggests that anyone wishing to submit comments in 
    response to the EA and FONSI do so in accordance with the ``Written 
    Comments'' section above, or contact us directly.
    
    Federal Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        The Office of Management and Budget has approved the information 
    collection requirements in the rule proposed by this action, which 
    affects all the parts currently numbered as parts 3500, 3510, 3520, 
    3530, 3540, 3550, 3560, and 3570 of title 43, under 44 U.S.C. 3507 and 
    assigned clearance numbers 1004-0030, 1004-0121, and 1004-0142. 
    Existing information collection requirements have been consolidated 
    into part 3500 in this proposed rule. No new requirements have been 
    added as a result of this proposal. The information collected under 
    this part is used by BLM to determine if an applicant is qualified to 
    hold a lease, license or prospecting permit for solid leasable minerals 
    other than coal, oil and gas, geothermal, and oil shale on Federal 
    lands. The information is required for the applicant to receive the 
    benefit of a permit or lease from BLM.
        BLM estimates the public reporting burden of these information 
    collection sections to average 3\1/2\ hours for each response. By 
    eliminating the requirement to describe the lands for many assignments 
    and leases, this burden should be reduced for those activities. This 
    estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
    existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
    completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments 
    regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection 
    of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the 
    address listed above (see ADDRESSES) and the Office of Information and 
    Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 
    20503.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) to ensure 
    that Government regulations do not unnecessarily or disproportionately 
    burden small entities. The RFA requires a regulatory flexibility 
    analysis if a rule would have as significant economic impact, either 
    detrimental or beneficial, on a substantial number of small entities. 
    BLM has determined that this proposed rule would not have a significant 
    economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA 
    (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
    
    Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    
        These amendments to 43 CFR part 3500 will not result in any 
    unfunded mandate to state, local or tribal governments in the 
    aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more in any one 
    year.
    
    Executive Order 12630
    
        The proposed rule does not represent a government action capable of 
    interfering with constitutionally protected property rights. Section 
    2(a)(1) of Executive Order 12630 specifically exempts actions 
    abolishing regulations or modifying regulations in a way that lessens 
    interference with private property use from the definition of 
    ``policies that have takings implications.'' Since the function of this 
    regulatory action is to streamline regulations and eliminate 
    unnecessary provisions, there will be no private property rights 
    impaired as a result. Therefore, the Department of the Interior has 
    determined that the rule would not cause a taking of private property, 
    or require further discussion of takings implications under this 
    Executive Order.
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        According to the criteria listed in section 3(f) of Executive Order 
    12866, BLM has determined that the proposed rule is not a significant 
    regulatory action. As such, the proposed rule is not subject to Office 
    of Management and Budget review under section 6(a)(3) of the order.
    
    Executive Order 12988
    
        The Department of the Interior has determined that this rule meets 
    the applicable standards provided in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of 
    Executive Order 12988.
    
        Author: The principal author of this rule is Jim Horan, Bureau 
    of Land Management, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240; 
    Telephone: (202) 452-5023 (Commercial or FTS).
    
    List of Subjects
    
    43 CFR Part 3500
    
        Government contracts, Mineral royalties, Public lands--mineral 
    resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Bonds.
    
    43 CFR Part 3510
    
        Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
    43 CFR Part 3520
    
        Government contracts, Public lands--mineral resources.
    
    43 CFR Part 3540
    
        Public lands--mineral resources.
    
    43 CFR Part 3550
    
        Public lands--mineral resources.
    
    43 CFR Part 3560
    
        Government contracts, Mineral royalties, Public lands--mineral 
    resources, Surety bonds.
    
    43 CFR Part 3570
    
        Environmental protection, Government contracts, Indians--lands, 
    Mines, Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
    
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        Dated: September 27, 1996.
    Sylvia V. Baca,
    Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
        Accordingly, as discussed in the preamble, and under the authority 
    of 30 U.S.C. 181, 43 U.S.C. 1734, and section 402, Reorganization Plan 
    No. 3 of 1946 (5 U.S.C. Appendix), we propose to amend 43 CFR Chapter 
    II as follows:
    
    PARTS 3510, 3520, 3530, 3540, 3550, 3560, AND 3570--[REMOVED]
    
        1. Remove Parts 3510, 3520, 3530, 3540, 3550, 3560, and 3570.
        2. Remove the heading, Group 3500--Leasing of Solid Minerals Other 
    Than Coal and Oil Shale.
        3. Revise part 3500 to read as follows:
    
    PART 3500--LEASING OF SOLID MINERALS OTHER THAN COAL AND OIL SHALE
    
    Subpart 3501--Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale-
    General
    
    Sec.
    3501.1  What is the scope of this part?
    3501.5  What terms do I need to know to understand this part?
    3501.10  What types of mineral use authorizations are allowed under 
    this part?
    3501.16  Does my permit or lease grant me an exclusive right to 
    develop the lands covered by the permit or lease?
    3501.17  Are there any general planning or environmental 
    considerations that affect my permit or lease?
    3501.20  If BLM approves my application for a use authorization 
    under this part, when does it become effective?
    3501.30  Can I appeal BLM's decisions under this part?
    
    Subpart 3502--Qualification Requirements
    
    3502.10  Who may hold leases and permits?
    3502.13  Can foreign citizens hold permits or leases?
    3502.15  Are there any additional restrictions on holdings of leases 
    or interests in leases?
    3502.20  Will BLM issue me a lease if I am not in compliance with 
    the diligence requirements of section 2(a)(2)(A) of the Mineral 
    Leasing Act, as amended?
    3502.25  Where do I file evidence that I am qualified to obtain a 
    permit or lease?
    3502.26  Can I supplement or update my qualifications statement?
    3502.27  If I am filing as an individual, what information do I have 
    to provide?
    3502.28  If I am an association or a partnership, what information 
    do I have to provide?
    3502.29  If I am a guardian or trustee of a trust holding on behalf 
    of a beneficiary, what information do I have to provide?
    3502.30  If I am a United States corporation, what information do I 
    have to provide?
    3502.33  If I represent an applicant as an attorney-in-fact, do I 
    have to submit anything to BLM?
    3502.34  What if there are other parties in interest?
    3502.40  What happens if an applicant for a permit, an applicant for 
    a preference right lease, or a successful bidder to a competitive 
    lease dies before the permit or lease is issued?
    3502.41  What happens to a permit or lease if a permittee or lessee 
    dies?
    3502.42  What happens if the heir is not qualified?
    
    Subpart 3503--Areas Available for Leasing
    
    3503.10  What areas are not available for leasing of any of the 
    minerals covered by this part?
    3503.11  Are there any other areas in which I cannot get a permit or 
    lease for the minerals covered by this part?
    3503.12  For what areas can I receive a sulphur lease or permit?
    3503.13  For what areas can I receive a hardrock lease or permit?
    3503.14  For what areas can I get a lease or permit for asphalt?
    3503.15  How can I lease the gold or silver reserved to the United 
    States on land I hold under a private land claim in New Mexico?
    3503.16  May I obtain permits or leases for sand and gravel in 
    Nevada under the terms of this part?
    3503.20  What if the lands I'm interested in are administered by an 
    agency other than BLM?
    3503.21  What happens if the surface of the lands I'm interested in 
    belongs to a non-Federal political subdivision or charitable 
    organization?
    3503.25  Can BLM issue permits and leases for Federal minerals 
    underlying private surface?
    3503.28  Does BLM incorporate any special requirements to protect 
    the lands and resources?
    3503.30  How should I describe the lands I'm applying for in my 
    application?
    3503.31  What if the lands are in States that are part of the Public 
    Lands Survey System, but have not been surveyed on the ground, are 
    not shown on the records as protracted surveys, or do not conform to 
    the public land surveys?
    3503.32  Are there any alternative methods of describing acquired 
    lands?
    3503.33  Are there any size or shape limitations on the lands I can 
    apply for?
    3503.36  Will BLM issue a lease for unsurveyed lands?
    3503.37  Is there a limit to the acreage of lands I can hold under 
    permits and leases?
    3503.38  How does BLM compute my acreage holdings?
    3503.39  Where do I file my application and other necessary 
    documents?
    3503.40  Will BLM make the information in my application available 
    to the public?
    
    Subpart 3504--Fees, Rental, Royalty and Bonds
    
    3504.11  What forms of payment will BLM and MMS accept?
    3504.12  What payments do I send to BLM and what payments do I send 
    to MMS?
    3504.15  What are the rental rates for the different commodities?
    3504.16  When is my rental due after the first year of the lease?
    3504.17  What happens if I do not pay my rental in a timely fashion?
    3504.20  What are the requirements for paying royalties on 
    production?
    3504.21  How does BLM determine the royalty rate?
    3504.22  How will I know what the royalty rate is on my lease 
    production?
    3504.25  Do I have to produce a certain amount per year?
    3504.26  May I create overriding royalties on my Federal lease?
    3504.50  Do I have to file a bond?
    3504.51  How do I file my bond?
    3504.55  What types of bonds are acceptable?
    3504.56  If I have more than one lease or permit, may I combine bond 
    coverage?
    3504.60  Under what circumstances might BLM elect to change the 
    amount of my bond?
    3504.65  What happens to my bond should I fail to carry out my 
    obligations under a permit or lease?
    3504.66  Will I be required to restore my bond to the full amount if 
    payment has been made from my bond?
    3504.70  When will BLM terminate the period of liability of my bond?
    3504.71  When will BLM release my bond?
    
    Subpart 3505--Prospecting Permits
    
    3505.10  What is a prospecting permit?
    3505.11  How do I obtain a prospecting permit?
    3505.12  How do I complete the application form?
    3505.15  Is there an acreage limit for my application?
    3505.20  Is there a fee or payment required with my application?
    3505.25  How does BLM prioritize applications for prospecting 
    permits?
    3505.30  Can I amend or change my application once filed?
    3505.31  May I withdraw my application once filed?
    3505.40  After submitting my application, do I need to submit 
    anything else?
    3505.45  What is an exploration plan?
    3505.50  How will I know if my application has been approved or 
    rejected?
    3505.51  May I correct or refile my application if BLM rejects it?
    3505.55  What are my obligations to BLM under an approved 
    prospecting permit?
    3505.60  How long is my prospecting permit in effect?
    3505.61  Can BLM extend the term of my prospecting permit?
    3505.62  Under what conditions can I extend my prospecting permit?
    3505.64  How do I apply for an extension?
    3505.65  What information must I include in my request for 
    extension?
    3505.66  If approved, when is my extension effective?
    3505.70  May I relinquish my prospecting permit?
    3505.75  What happens if I fail to pay the rental?
    
    [[Page 54389]]
    
    3505.80  What happens when my permit expires?
    3505.85  Can BLM cancel my prospecting permit for reasons other than 
    failure to pay rental?
    
    Subpart 3506--Exploration Licenses
    
    3506.10  What is an exploration license?
    3506.11  What must I do to obtain an exploration license?
    3506.12  Who prepares and publishes the notice?
    3506.13  What information must I provide to BLM for inclusion in my 
    Notice of Exploration?
    3506.14  What happens after I publish the Notice of Exploration?
    3506.15  Who resolves differences and approves the license and 
    participants?
    3506.20  After my license is issued, may I modify my exploration 
    plan?
    3506.25  Once I have a license, what are my responsibilities?
    
    Subpart 3507--Preference Right Leases
    
    3507.11  What do I have to do to be entitled to a preference right 
    lease?
    3507.15  How do I apply for a preference right lease?
    3507.16  What information must my application for a preference right 
    lease include?
    3507.20  Is there a fee or payment required with my application?
    3507.25  Under what circumstances will BLM reject my application?
    3507.26  What do I need to submit to demonstrate that I've found a 
    valuable deposit?
    3507.30  If I disagree with BLM's reasons for rejecting my 
    preference right lease, may I appeal?
    
    Subpart 3508--Competitive Leases
    
    3508.11  What lands are available for competitive leasing?
    3508.12  How do I get a competitive lease?
    3508.14  How much time does BLM allow for a bid to be submitted?
    3508.15  What information will the notice of lease sale include?
    3508.16  What information will the detailed statement include?
    3508.20  How will BLM conduct the sale and handle bids?
    3508.21  What happens if I am the successful bidder?
    3508.22  What happens if my bid is rejected?
    
    Subpart 3509--Fractional and Future Interest Leases
    
    3509.10  What are future interest leases?
    3509.11  For what lands will BLM issue future interest leases?
    3509.12  What if I am a mining owner or operator, and I am applying 
    for a future interest lease as part of my existing operation?
    3509.15  Who may apply for a future interest lease?
    3509.16  How do I apply for a future interest lease?
    3509.17  What information must I include in my application for a 
    future interest lease?
    3509.20  When does my future interest lease take effect?
    3509.25  Under what conditions would BLM reject my application for a 
    future interest lease?
    3509.30  May I withdraw my application for a future interest lease?
    
    Subpart 3510--Lease Terms and Conditions
    
    3510.15  How long will my lease be in effect?
    3510.20  Do certain leases allow me to mine other commodities as 
    well?
    3510.21  If I am mining calcium chloride, can I obtain a 
    noncompetitive mineral lease to produce the commingled sodium 
    chloride?
    3510.25  What is meant by lease readjustment and lease renewal?
    3510.26  What if I object to the terms and conditions BLM proposes 
    for a readjusted lease?
    3510.27  How will a lease renewal affect my priority as lessee?
    3510.30  If I appeal BLM's proposed new terms, do I have to continue 
    paying royalties or rentals while my appeal is being considered?
    3510.50  How do I renew my lease?
    
    Subpart 3511--Assignments and Subleases
    
    3511.11  Once I am issued a permit or lease, can I assign or 
    sublease it?
    3511.12  Is there a fee for requesting an assignment or sublease?
    3511.13  What do I submit to get BLM approval for an assignment of 
    record title?
    3511.16  How do I assign or transfer a sublease or operating rights 
    to my lease or permit?
    3511.18  Do I have to notify BLM if I intend to transfer an 
    overriding royalty to another party?
    3511.20  Will BLM approve my assignment or sublease if I have 
    outstanding liabilities?
    3511.25  If I assign my permit or lease, when do my obligations 
    under the permit or lease end?
    3511.30  What are the responsibilities of a sublessor and a 
    sublessee?
    3511.33  Does an assignment or sublease alter the permit or lease 
    terms?
    
    Subpart 3512--Waiver, Suspension, or Reduction of Rental and Minimum 
    Royalties
    
    3512.11  Can I be relieved of the lease requirements of rental, 
    minimum royalty, or production royalty?
    3512.12  What criteria does BLM consider in approving a waiver, 
    suspension, or reduction in rental or minimum royalty, or a 
    reduction in the royalty rate?
    3512.15  How do I apply for relief?
    3512.20  What is a suspension of operations and production?
    3512.21  What is the effect of a suspension of operations and 
    production?
    3512.22  How do I apply for a suspension of operations and 
    production?
    3512.25  When will my suspension of operations and production take 
    effect?
    3512.26  When and how does my suspension of operations and 
    production expire or terminate?
    3512.30  What is a suspension of operations?
    3512.31  What is the effect of a suspension of operations?
    3512.32  How do I apply for a suspension of operations?
    3512.33  When will my suspension of operations take effect?
    3512.34  When and how does my suspension of operations expire or 
    terminate?
    
    Subpart 3513--Lease Relinquishments, Terminations, and Cancellations
    
    3513.11  Can I relinquish my lease or any part of my lease?
    3513.12  What should I include in a request for partial 
    relinquishment?
    3513.15  Where do I file my relinquishment?
    3513.20  When is my relinquishment effective?
    3513.25  When does my lease expire?
    3513.30  Can my lease be canceled?
    3513.31  Can BLM waive cancellation or forfeiture?
    3513.32  Will BLM give me an opportunity to remedy a violation of 
    the lease terms?
    3513.50  What happens to a bona fide purchaser if the lease assigned 
    to him or her is subject to cancellation?
    
    Subpart 3514--Noncompetitive Leasing--Fringe Acreage Leases and Lease
    
    Modifications
    
    3514.11  If I already have a Federal lease, or the mineral rights on 
    adjacent private lands, may I lease adjoining Federal land that 
    contains the same deposits without competitive bidding?
    3514.12  What do I need to do to obtain a lease modification or 
    fringe acreage lease?
    3514.15  What does BLM do with my application?
    3514.20  Are there any fees required to modify my existing lease or 
    obtain a fringe acreage lease?
    3514.21  What terms and conditions apply to fringe acreage leases 
    and lease modifications?
    
    Subpart 3515--Mineral Lease Exchange
    
    3515.10  May I exchange my lease or lease right for another mineral 
    lease or lease right?
    3515.12  What regulatory provisions apply if I want to exchange a 
    lease or lease right?
    3515.15  Under what circumstances will BLM consider initiating an 
    exchange?
    3515.18  Will I be notified that BLM is considering an exchange?
    3515.20  Can preference right lease rights be exchanged?
    3515.21  What types of lands can be exchanged?
    3515.22  What if the lands to be exchanged are not of equal value?
    3515.23  Might I be required to submit additional information?
    3515.25  If I agree on the lands to be leased in exchange, what 
    happens next?
    3515.26  When will BLM make a decision on the exchange?
    3515.27  Will BLM attach any special provisions to the exchange 
    lease?
    
    [[Page 54390]]
    
    Subpart 3516--Use Permits
    
    3516.10  What are use permits?
    3516.11  What commodities allow use permits?
    3516.12  What activities can I conduct under a use permit?
    3516.15  How do I apply for use permits?
    3516.16  What must I include with my application?
    3516.20  Is there an annual fee or charge for use of the lands?
    3516.30  What happens if I fail to pay the annual rental on my use 
    permit?
    
    Subpart 3517--Special Provisions Applying to Hardrock Minerals
    
    3517.10  What are development contracts and processing and milling 
    arrangements?
    3517.11  Are leases and permits covered by approved agreements 
    exempt from the acreage limitations?
    3517.15  How do I apply for one of these agreements?
    3517.16  How does BLM process my application?
    3517.50  Can I collect mineral specimens for non-commercial 
    purposes?
    
        Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552; 7 U.S.C. 1011(f); 16 U.S.C. 90c-1, 
    460n-5, 460q-1, 460dd-2, 460mm-3, 508b, and 520; 29 U.S.C. 49g; 30 
    U.S.C. 189, 192c, 293, and 359; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 387, 1733, 
    and 1740; Sec. 402, Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 
    appendix).
    
    Subpart 3501--Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil 
    Shale-General
    
    
    Sec. 3501.1  What is the scope of this part?
    
        This part applies to certain minerals leased under the mineral 
    leasing acts and hardrock minerals leased under Reorganization Plan No. 
    3 of 1946 on any unclaimed, undeveloped area of available public domain 
    or acquired lands where leasing of these specific minerals is allowed 
    by law. Some areas allow only leases, not prospecting permits. Special 
    areas identified in 43 CFR part 3580 are leased under this parts. Check 
    that part to identify any special provisions that apply to those 
    special areas.
    
    
    Sec. 3501.5  What terms do I need to know to understand this part?
    
        You need to know the following terms, which are used frequently in 
    this part:
        Act means one or more of the statutes referred to in the authority 
    citation of this regulation, as appropriate.
        Chiefly valuable means that land is more valuable for the 
    development of sodium, sulphur or potassium than for any non-mineral 
    disposition, or there is not a significant conflict between mineral 
    extractions and any other disposition of lands.
        Hardrock minerals means those locatable minerals for which a 
    mineral patent may be obtained under the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 
    22 et seq.) if the mineral resource is on public domain land. They do 
    not include leasable minerals, nor do they include oil, gas, coal and 
    oil shale or mineral materials covered by the regulations in 43 CFR 
    part 3600. Hardrock minerals do include, but are not limited to, 
    copper, lead, zinc, magnesium, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, 
    bentonite, uranium, barite, feldspar and fluorspar.
        Leasable minerals for this part means the chlorides, sulfates, 
    carbonates, borates, silicates or nitrates of potassium or sodium and 
    related products; sulphur on public lands in the States of Louisiana 
    and New Mexico and on all acquired lands; phosphate, including 
    associated and related minerals; asphalt in certain lands in Oklahoma; 
    and Gilsonite (including all vein-type solid hydrocarbons).
        Leasing includes prospecting permits, unless the context otherwise 
    requires.
        MMS means the Minerals Management Service.
        Permit means prospecting permit, unless otherwise specified.
        Valuable deposit means a mineral occurrence where minerals have 
    been found and the evidence is of such a character that a person of 
    ordinary prudence would be justified in the further expenditure of his 
    or her labor and means, with a reasonable prospect of success in 
    developing a profitable mine.
    
    
    Sec. 3501.10  What types of mineral use authorizations are allowed 
    under this part?
    
        BLM issues several types of mineral use authorizations to qualified 
    individuals. Certain types of authorizations do not apply to certain 
    commodities.
        (a) ``Prospecting permits'' allow you to explore for leasable 
    mineral deposits on lands where BLM has determined that prospecting is 
    necessary to determine the existence of a valuable deposit. Any 
    qualified holder of a prospecting permit is entitled to a preference 
    right lease if he or she discovers a valuable deposit of the mineral or 
    determines the land to be chiefly valuable for sodium, sulfur or 
    potassium as a result of prospecting efforts under the permit.
        (b) ``Exploration licenses'' allow you to explore in areas which 
    contain known deposits of a leasable mineral to obtain data. With an 
    exploration license, you do not obtain any preference or other right to 
    a lease.
        (c) ``Preference right leases'' are issued to holders of 
    prospecting permits who during the term of the permit demonstrate the 
    discovery of a valuable deposit of the leasable mineral or hardrock 
    mineral for which BLM issued the permit; and, for sodium, potassium and 
    sulphur, prove that the lands are chiefly valuable for those minerals. 
    The lease allows you to mine the deposit in accordance with an approved 
    mine plan.
        (d) ``Competitive leases'' are issued for known deposits of a 
    leasable mineral or hardrock mineral by competitive bidding. The lease 
    allows you to mine the deposit in accordance with an approved mine 
    plan.
        (e) ``Fringe acreage leases'' are issued noncompetitively for known 
    deposits of a leasable mineral or hardrock mineral on Federal lands 
    adjacent to existing mines on non-Federal lands when the deposits can 
    only be mined as part of the existing mining operation.
        (f) ``Lease modifications'' are used to add known deposits of the 
    subject leasable mineral or hardrock mineral to an adjacent Federal 
    lease which contains an existing mine provided the deposits can only be 
    mined as part of the existing mining operation.
    
    
    Sec. 3501.16  Does my permit or lease grant me an exclusive right to 
    develop the lands covered by the permit or lease?
    
        No. Your permit or lease gives you an exclusive right to the 
    mineral, but not to the lands. BLM may allow other uses or disposal of 
    the lands, including leasing of other minerals, as long as those uses 
    or disposal will not unreasonably interfere with your operation. Any 
    other permits or leases covering the lands contained within your permit 
    or lease will contain suitable stipulations based on consideration of 
    safety, environmental protection, conservation, maximum recovery of the 
    resource, and other such factors, for simultaneous operation. You must 
    also make all reasonable efforts to avoid interference with other 
    authorized uses.
    
    
    Sec. 3501.17  Are there any general planning or environmental 
    considerations that affect my permit or lease?
    
        (a) BLM will not issue a permit or lease that does not conform with 
    the decisions, terms and conditions of an applicable comprehensive land 
    use plan.
        (b) BLM or the surface management agency will comply with NEPA 
    before issuing you a permit or lease.
        (c) BLM will issue permits and leases only in a manner consistent 
    with any unsuitability designation made under 43 CFR part 1600.
    
    [[Page 54391]]
    
    Sec. 3501.20  If BLM approves my application for a use authorization 
    under this part, when does it become effective?
    
        BLM will approve your use authorization effective the first day of 
    the month after BLM signs it, unless you request, in writing, that it 
    be effective the first day of the month in which it is approved. This 
    applies to all leases, licenses, permits, transfers and assignments in 
    this part, unless a specific regulation provides otherwise.
    
    
    Sec. 3501.30  Can I appeal BLM's decisions under this part?
    
        Any party adversely affected by a BLM decision under this part may 
    appeal the decision in accordance with 43 CFR parts 4 and 1840.
    
    Subpart 3502--Qualification Requirements
    
    
    Sec. 3502.10  Who may hold leases and permits?
    
        You may hold an interest in leases and permits under this part only 
    if you are:
        (a) An adult citizen of the United States;
        (b) An association (including partnerships and trusts) of such 
    citizens;
        (c) A corporation organized under the laws of the United States or 
    of any State or territory thereof; or
        (d) A legal guardian or trustee of a minor.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.13  Can foreign citizens hold permits or leases?
    
        No. Individual foreign citizens cannot hold permits or leases. 
    Citizens of foreign countries may hold stock in United States 
    corporations that hold leases or permits so long as the laws, customs, 
    or regulations of their country do not deny similar privileges to 
    citizens or corporations of the United States. A list of the countries 
    which deny such privileges is available from any BLM State office.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.15  Are there any additional restrictions on holding leases 
    or interests in leases?
    
        Yes. If you are a member of, or delegate to, Congress, a Resident 
    Commissioner, or any employee of the Department of the Interior, except 
    as provided in part 20 of this title, you may not acquire or hold any 
    Federal lease, or interest therein. (Officer, agent or employee of the 
    Department-see 43 CFR part 20; Member of Congress-see R.S. 3741; 41 
    U.S.C. 22; 18 U.S.C. 431-433)
    
    
    Sec. 3502.20   Will BLM issue me a lease if I am not in compliance with 
    the diligence requirements of section 2(a)(2)(A) of the Mineral Leasing 
    Act, as amended?
    
        BLM will not issue, modify or renew a lease, or approve a transfer 
    of any lease or interest in a lease, for any of the minerals covered by 
    this part unless you are in compliance with section 2(a)(2)(A) of the 
    Mineral Leasing Act, as amended (compliance is determined for Federal 
    coal leases in accordance with 43 CFR 3462.1-2(e)). If BLM issues you a 
    lease when you are in violation, BLM will cancel your lease as outlined 
    in subpart 3513 of this part.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.25   Where do I file evidence that I am qualified to obtain a 
    permit or lease?
    
        You must file evidence with BLM that you meet the qualification 
    requirements. You may file this evidence separately from your 
    application for a permit or lease, but you should file it in the same 
    office where you filed your application.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.26   Can I supplement or update my qualifications statement?
    
        After BLM accepts your qualifications, you may submit additional 
    information to the same BLM office by referring to the serial number of 
    the record in which your evidence is filed. You must make any changes 
    to your qualifications statement in writing. It is your responsibility 
    to assure that such evidence is current, accurate and complete.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.27   If I am filing as an individual, what information do I 
    have to provide?
    
        If you are an individual, you must submit a signed statement 
    showing:
        (a) You are a U.S. citizen; and
        (b) Your acreage holdings, including any holding through a 
    corporation, association, or partnership in which you are the 
    beneficial owner of more than 10% of the stock or other instruments of 
    control, do not exceed the limit for the mineral concerned. (See 
    subpart 3503 of this part for a discussion of acreage holdings.)
    
    
    Sec. 3502.28   If I am an association or a partnership, what 
    information do I have to provide?
    
        If you are an association, such as a partnership, a member or 
    authorized attorney-in-fact must submit the following:
        (a) A signed statement setting forth:
        (1) The names, addresses, and citizenship of all members owning or 
    controlling 10 percent or more of the association or partnership;
        (2) The names of the members authorized to act on behalf of the 
    association or partnership; and
        (3) That the association or partnership's acreage holdings for the 
    particular mineral concerned do not exceed the allowable acreage 
    holdings for that mineral.
        (b) A copy of the articles of the association or partnership.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.29   If I am a guardian or trustee for a trust holding on 
    behalf of a beneficiary, what information do I have to provide?
    
        If you are a guardian or trustee for a trust holding on behalf of a 
    beneficiary, you must submit the following:
        (a) A signed statement setting forth:
        (1) The citizenship of the beneficiary;
        (2) Your citizenship;
        (3) The grantor's citizenship, if the trust is revocable; and
        (4) That the acreage holdings of the beneficiary, the guardian or 
    trustee, or the grantor, if the trust is revocable, do not exceed that 
    allowed.
        (b) A copy of the court order or other document authorizing or 
    creating the trust or guardianship.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.30   If I am a United States corporation, what information do 
    I have to provide?
    
        If you are a corporation, an officer or authorized attorney-in-fact 
    must submit a signed statement setting forth:
        (a) The State or territory in which the corporation is 
    incorporated;
        (b) The name and citizenship, and percentage of stock owned, held, 
    or controlled by, of any stockholder owning, holding, or controlling 
    more than 10 percent of the stock of the corporation;
        (c) The names of the officers authorized to act on behalf of the 
    corporation; and
        (d) That the corporation's acreage holdings, and those of any 
    stockholder identified under paragraph (b) of this section, do not 
    exceed that allowed.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.33   If I represent an applicant as an attorney-in-fact, do I 
    have to submit anything to BLM?
    
        You must submit evidence of your authority to act on behalf of the 
    applicant. The applicant must also submit a separate statement as to 
    qualifications and acreage holdings unless the power of attorney 
    specifically authorizes and empowers you to make or to execute such 
    statements on his or her behalf.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.34   What if there are other parties in interest?
    
        If you are not the sole party in interest to a permit or lease, you 
    must submit with your application the names of all other parties who 
    hold or will hold any interest in the application or in the permit or 
    lease, when issued. All interested parties must furnish appropriate 
    evidence of their
    
    [[Page 54392]]
    
    qualifications to hold permit or lease interest.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.40   What happens if an applicant for a permit, an applicant 
    for a preference right lease, or a successful bidder to a competitive 
    lease dies before the permit or lease is issued?
    
        (a) If probate of the estate has been completed or is not required, 
    BLM will issue the permit or lease to the heirs or devisees, or their 
    guardian. BLM will recognize the heirs or devisees or their guardian as 
    the record title holders of the permit or lease. They must file the 
    following information with BLM:
        (1) A certified copy of the will or decree of distribution, if any, 
    and if not, a statement signed by the heirs that they are the only 
    heirs and citing the provisions of the law of the deceased's last 
    domicile showing that no probate is required; and
        (2) A statement signed by each of the heirs or devises with 
    reference to citizenship and holdings similar to that required by 
    Sec. 3502.27. If the heir or devisee is a minor, the statement must be 
    signed by the guardian or trustee.
        (b) If probate is required but has not been completed, BLM will 
    issue the permit or lease to the executor or administrator of the 
    estate. BLM will consider the executor or administrator to be the 
    record title holder of the permit or lease. He or she must submit the 
    following information:
        (1) Evidence that the person who, as executor or administrator 
    submits forms of lease and bond, has authority to act in that capacity 
    and to sign those forms;
        (2) Evidence that the heirs or devisees are the only heirs or 
    devisees of the deceased; and
        (3) A statement signed by each heir or devisee concerning 
    citizenship and holdings, as required by Sec. 3502.27.
    
    
    Sec. 3502.41   What happens to a permit or lease if a permittee or 
    lessee dies?
    
        If the permittee or lessee dies, BLM will recognize as the record 
    title holder of the permit or lease:
        (a) The executor or administrator of the estate, if probate is 
    required but has not been completed and they have filed the evidence 
    required by Sec. 3502.40(b); or
        (b) The heirs or devisees, if probate has been completed or is not 
    required, if they have filed evidence required by Sec. 3502.40(a).
    
    
    Sec. 3502.42   What happens if the heir is not qualified?
    
        Consistent with the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 
    U.S.C. 184(g)), BLM will allow unqualified heirs to hold ownership for 
    not more than two years. During that period, the heir must either 
    become qualified or divest himself or herself of the interest.
    
    Subpart 3503--Areas Available for Leasing
    
    
    Sec. 3503.10   What areas are not available for leasing of any of the 
    minerals covered by this part?
    
        The Secretary of the Interior is prohibited from leasing lands on 
    any of the following Federal areas:
        (a) Land recommended for wilderness allocation by the surface 
    managing agency;
        (b) Lands within BLM wilderness study areas;
        (c) Lands designated by Congress as wilderness study areas; and
        (d) Lands within areas allocated for wilderness or further planning 
    in Executive Communication 1504, Ninety Sixth Congress (House Document 
    Number 96-119), unless such lands are allocated to uses other than 
    wilderness by a land and resource management plan or have been released 
    to uses other than wilderness by an act of Congress.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.11   Are there any other areas in which I cannot get a permit 
    or lease for the minerals covered by this part?
    
        You may not obtain a prospecting permit or lease for the solid 
    leasable and hardrock minerals in the following areas:
        (a) Lands within the boundaries of any unit of the National Park 
    System, except as expressly authorized by law;
        (b) Lands within Indian Reservations, except the Uintah and Ouray 
    Indian Reservation, Hillcreek Extension, State of Utah;
        (c) Lands within incorporated cities, towns and villages;
        (d) Lands within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and oil 
    shale reserves and within the national petroleum reserves;
        (e) Lands acquired by the United States for development of helium, 
    fissionable material deposits or other minerals, except leasable 
    minerals, essential to the defense of the country;
        (f) Lands acquired by foreclosure or otherwise for resale;
        (g) Acquired lands reported as surplus under the Federal Property 
    and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.);
        (h) Any tidelands or submerged coastal lands within the continental 
    shelf adjacent or littoral to any part of lands within the jurisdiction 
    of the United States; and
        (i) Lands located adjacent to or within Searles Lake, California 
    are not available for potassium prospecting permits. BLM will lease 
    potassium in this area by competitive bidding.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.12   For what areas can I receive a sulphur lease or permit?
    
        BLM may issue sulphur leases and permits for any public domain 
    lands in the States of Louisiana and New Mexico. You can also obtain 
    sulphur leases or permits for Federal Acquired lands nationwide, 
    subject to the exceptions listed in 43 CFR 3503.10 and 3503.11.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.13   For what areas can I receive a hardrock lease or permit?
    
        Subject to the consent of the surface managing agency, you can 
    obtain hardrock leases and permits only in the following areas:
        (a) Lands identified in the Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1946, for 
    which jurisdiction for mineral leasing was transferred to the Secretary 
    of the Interior. These include lands originally acquired under the 
    following acts:
        (1) 16 U.S.C. 520 (Weeks Act);
        (2) Title II of the National Industrial Recovery Act (40 U.S.C. 
    401, 403a and 408;
        (3) The 1935 Emergency Relief Appropriation Act (48 Stat. 115 and 
    118);
        (4) Section 55 of Title I of the Act of August 24, 1935 (49 Stat. 
    750 and 781); and
        (5) The Act of July 22, 1937 (7 U.S.C. 1011(c) and 1018) 
    [repealed];
        (b) Lands added to the Shasta National Forest by Act of March 19, 
    1948 (62 Stat. 83);
        (c) Public Domain Lands within the National Forests in Minnesota 
    (16 U.S.C. 508(b));
        (d) Lands in New Mexico that are portions of Juan Jose Lobato Grant 
    (North Lobato) and Anton Chica Grant (El Pueblo) as described in 
    section 1 of the Act of June 28, 1952 (66 Stat. 285);
        (e) Lands in the Shasta and Trinity Units of the Whiskeytown-
    Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Areas;
        (f) The following National Park Lands:
        (1) Lake Mead National Recreation Area;
        (2) Ross Lake and, in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 906-1(b), Lake 
    Chelan Recreation Area;
        (3) Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; and
        (4) Lands in the Whiskeytown Unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity 
    National Recreation Area;
        (g) Lands patented to the State of California for park or other 
    purposes where minerals were reserved to the United States; and
        (h) White Mountains National Recreation Area, Alaska.
    
    [[Page 54393]]
    
    Sec. 3503.14  For what areas can I get a lease or permit for asphalt?
    
        You may obtain leases for asphalt only on certain Federal lands in 
    the State of Oklahoma. You may not obtain prospecting permits for 
    asphalt.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.15  How can I lease the gold or silver reserved to the United 
    States on land I hold under a private land claim in New Mexico?
    
        If you are the holder of the remaining record title interest or 
    operating rights interest in confirmed private land grants in the State 
    of New Mexico you can lease gold and silver reserved to the United 
    States. 43 CFR part 3580, subpart 3581 discusses the requirements for 
    leasing silver and gold.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.16  May I obtain permits or leases for sand and gravel in 
    Nevada under the terms of this part?
    
        You may not get new leases or permits. However, any sand and gravel 
    lease already issued for certain lands patented to the State of Nevada 
    can be renewed at the expiration of its initial term, for successive 
    additional terms of 5 years.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.20  What if the lands I'm interested in are administered by 
    an agency other than BLM?
    
        (a) BLM will lease or permit public domain lands administered by 
    other agencies only after consulting with the surface management 
    agency. When required by law, BLM will also obtain the consent of the 
    surface management agency.
        (b) Before issuing leases or permits on acquired lands, BLM must 
    obtain written consent from the surface management agency. For 
    preference right lease applications, where the surface management 
    agency has consented to the prospecting permit, BLM will consult with 
    that agency before approving the lease. At that time, the surface 
    management agency may request supplemental data regarding surface 
    disturbance and reclamation.
        (c) If a surface management agency requires special stipulations to 
    a lease or permit as a condition of granting its consent, or refuses to 
    consent to the issuance of the lease or permit, you may pursue any 
    administrative remedies provided by that agency. If you notify BLM 
    within 30 days of receipt of BLM's decision that you have requested the 
    surface management agency to reconsider its decision, BLM will suspend 
    the time for filing an appeal under 43 CFR part 4 until a decision is 
    reached by the surface management agency.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.21  What happens if the surface of the lands I'm interested 
    in belongs to a non-Federal political subdivision or charitable 
    organization?
    
        If the United States has conveyed or transferred the surface of the 
    lands included within your permit or lease application to any State or 
    political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, or a college 
    or any other educational corporation or association, or a charitable or 
    religious corporation or association, BLM must notify them by certified 
    mail of your application for a permit or lease. BLM will give the 
    surface owner a reasonable time, not to exceed 90 days, to suggest any 
    lease stipulations necessary for the protection of existing surface 
    improvements or uses, provide reasons for the stipulations, or file any 
    objections to the issuance of the lease or permit. BLM will make the 
    final decision whether to issue or deny the lease and which, if any, 
    stipulations identified by the surface owner will be included within 
    the lease terms, based on how the interests of the United States would 
    best be served.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.25  Can BLM issue permits and leases for Federal minerals 
    underlying private surface?
    
        Yes. Where the United States has disposed of certain lands under 
    specific land disposal statutes, and those statutes reserved certain 
    leasable or hardrock minerals to the United States together with the 
    right to prospect for, mine, and remove the minerals under applicable 
    leasing laws and regulations, BLM will manage and dispose of those 
    minerals under this part.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.28  Does BLM incorporate any special requirements to protect 
    the lands and resources?
    
        BLM will specify stipulations, including those specified by the 
    surface management agency or private surface owner, to your permit or 
    lease to ensure adequate utilization and protection of the lands and 
    their resources. (See also 43 CFR part 3580.)
    
    
    Sec. 3503.30  How should I describe the lands I'm applying for in my 
    application?
    
        If the lands are in States that are part of the Public Land Survey 
    System and if those lands have been surveyed or are included within an 
    approved protracted survey, describe the lands by legal subdivision, 
    section, township, and range.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.31  What if the lands are in States that are part of the 
    Public Lands Survey System, but have not been surveyed on the ground, 
    are not shown on the records as protracted surveys, or do not conform 
    to the public land surveys?
    
        Describe such lands by metes and bounds in accordance with standard 
    survey practices. Connect your description by courses and distances 
    between successive angle points to an official corner of the public 
    land surveys or, for accreted lands, to an angle point that connects to 
    a point on an official corner of the public lands survey to which the 
    accretions belong.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.32  Are there any alternative methods of describing acquired 
    lands?
    
        Yes. You may describe acquired lands in the manner as discussed 
    above. You may instead use the description shown on the deed or other 
    document that conveyed title to the United States. If you are applying 
    for less than the entire tract acquired by the United States, you must 
    describe the land using courses and distances tied to a point on the 
    boundary of the requested tract. Where a tract number has been assigned 
    by the acquiring agency to the identical tract you wish to lease or 
    permit, you may describe those lands by the tract number, as long as 
    you include a map which clearly shows the location of the lands sought 
    with respect to the administrative unit or the project of which they 
    are a part. In States outside of the Public Lands Survey System, you 
    should describe the lands by tract number, and include a map.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.33  Are there any size or shape limitations on the lands I 
    can apply for?
    
        Generally, a quarter-quarter section or a lot is the smallest legal 
    subdivision for which you may apply. The lands must be in reasonably 
    compact form.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.36  Will BLM issue a lease for unsurveyed lands?
    
        All leased areas must be surveyed. If you are applying for a permit 
    or lease on lands for which BLM or the surface management agency 
    determines that a survey is needed, you will be required to pay for the 
    survey. If BLM intends to issue a lease by competitive bidding, BLM 
    will pay for surveying the lands.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.37  Is there a limit to the acreage of lands I can hold under 
    permits and leases?
    
        Yes. The limits are summarized in the table.
    
    [[Page 54394]]
    
    
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           Maximum  
                                                 Nationwide acreage        Maximum acreage in any one    acreage for
                Affected mineral                     limitation                       State              a permit or
                                                                                                            lease   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Asphalt................................  (Applies to OK only)......  2,560 acres...................          640
    Gilsonite..............................  (Not applicable)..........  7,680 acres...................        5,120
    Hardrock minerals......................  (Not applicable)..........  20,480 acres total, 10,240            2,560
                                                                          acres in leases, unless                   
                                                                          increased up to 20,480 for                
                                                                          orderly mine development.                 
    Phosphate..............................  Not to exceed 20,480 acres  (Not applicable)..............        2,560
                                              in permits or leases.                                                 
    Potassium..............................  (Not applicable)..........  80,000 acres (larger if               2,560
                                                                          necessary for extraction of               
                                                                          sodium from concentrated                  
                                                                          brines in connection with an              
                                                                          existing mining operation).               
    Sodium.................................  (Not applicable)..........  5,120 acres (may be increased         2,560
                                                                          to 15,360 acres to facilitate             
                                                                          an economic mine).                        
    Sulphur................................  (Not applicable)..........  1,920 acres in 3 leases or              640
                                                                          permits.                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Sec. 3503.38  How does BLM compute my acreage holdings?
    
        BLM computes acreage holdings as follows:
        (a) The maximum acreage in any one State refers to either public 
    domain lands or acquired lands. Under a lease or permit for acquired 
    lands, you may not hold acreage for leasable minerals greater than the 
    public domain acreage for the same minerals allowed to be held under 
    the Act. BLM will not charge public domain lease holdings against 
    acquired lands lease holdings and vice versa; these holdings are not 
    interchangeable.
        (b) Where the United States owns only a fractional interest in the 
    mineral resources of lands, BLM will charge only that part of the total 
    acreage involved in your lease or permit which is proportionate to the 
    United States' interest as acreage holdings. Example: If the United 
    States holds a 25% interest in 200 acres, you will be charged with 50 
    acres (200 x .25).
        (c) BLM will not charge any acreage in a future interest lease 
    against your acreage limitations until the date the lease takes effect.
        (d) Your acreage holdings for acreage limitation purposes will be 
    proportionate to your direct interest and your indirect interest 
    through stock or other instruments of ownership or control of the 
    association or corporation in the total lease and permit acreage. You 
    will not, however, be charged with your share of any acreage holdings 
    of a corporation or association unless you own 10 percent or more 
    interest through stock or other instruments of ownership or control of 
    the association or corporation in the association or corporation.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.39  Where do I file my application and other necessary 
    documents?
    
        BLM requires that your initial application be filed in the State 
    Office administering the lands for which you are applying or in the BLM 
    office specified in our correspondence with you. BLM considers a 
    document to be filed when it is received in that office.
    
    
    Sec. 3503.40  Will BLM make the information in my application available 
    to the public?
    
        All information that you submit under these regulations is subject 
    to disclosure upon request, unless the information is exempt from 
    disclosure under the regulations implementing the Freedom of 
    Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) at 43 CFR part 2, or unless otherwise 
    provided in this part.
    
    Subpart 3504--Fees, Rental, Royalty and Bonds
    
    
    Sec. 3504.11  What forms of payment will BLM and MMS accept?
    
        Any payment you submit must be by U.S. currency, postal money 
    order, or negotiable instrument payable in U.S. currency. Payments made 
    to MMS may also be made by electronic funds transfer.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.12  What payments do I send to BLM and what payments do I 
    send to MMS?
    
        (a) Filing fees and rentals.
        (1) You should pay all filing fees and all first-year rentals and 
    all bonus bids for leases to the BLM State office with jurisdiction 
    over the lands you are interested in. Make your instruments payable to 
    the Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management. See 43 CFR 
    part 1800, subpart 1821 for a list of BLM addresses.
        (2) You should pay all second-year and subsequent rentals and all 
    other payments for leases to the Department of the Interior-Minerals 
    Management Service.
        (b) Royalties. You should pay all royalties on producing leases and 
    all payments under leases in their minimum production period to the 
    MMS.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.15  What are the rental rates for the different commodities?
    
        Rental rates for prospecting permits for all commodities are $.50 
    per acre. Rental rates for leases for each commodity are shown in the 
    table. The rental payment must be for the total acreage. Round up any 
    fractional acreage to the next highest acre. If you do not know the 
    exact acreage, compute the total acreage by assuming each of the 
    smallest subdivisions is 40 acres. Pay the minimum rental or the per-
    acre rental, whichever is greater. The minimum rental is $20 per lease 
    or permit for all commodities except asphalt, which has no minimum 
    rental.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Sulphur/                           
              Annual lease rental per acre            Phosphate      Sodium     Gilsonite     Asphalt      Hardrock 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1st year.......................................         $.25         $.25         $.50         $.25           $1
    2nd year.......................................          .50          .50          .50          .50            1
    3rd year.......................................          .50          .50          .50          .50            1
    4th year.......................................            1          .50          .50          .50            1
    5th year.......................................            1          .50          .50          .50            1
    6th year through lease end.....................            1            1          .50            1            1
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    [[Page 54395]]
    
    Sec. 3504.16  When is my rental due after the first year of the lease?
    
        Pay the rental in advance each year on or before the anniversary of 
    the effective date of the lease. You must pay rental for each acre or 
    fraction of an acre within your lease as long as the lease is in 
    effect. BLM will credit your rental for any year against the first 
    royalties as the royalties accrue under the lease during that year.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.17  What happens if I do not pay my rental in a timely 
    fashion?
    
        BLM will notify you that unless you pay within 30 days from receipt 
    of the notification, BLM will take action to cancel your lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.20  What are the requirements for paying royalties on 
    production?
    
        You must pay royalties on any production from your lease in 
    accordance with the terms specified in the lease. See Sec. 3504.25 for 
    minimum royalty amounts. You must pay royalty on a percentage of the 
    quantity or gross value of the output of the produced commodity at the 
    point of shipment to market.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.21  How does BLM determine the royalty rate?
    
        BLM determines the royalty rate on a case-by-case basis, subject to 
    certain minimum royalty rates:
        (a) The royalty rate for phosphate and sulphur cannot be less than 
    5% of the gross value of the output of the commodity or related 
    mineral.
        (b) The royalty rate for potassium and sodium cannot be less than 
    2% of the quantity or gross value of the output of the commodity or 
    related product at the point of shipment to market.
        (c) There is no minimum royalty rate for gilsonite and hardrock 
    minerals.
        (d) The royalty rate for asphalt cannot be less than 25 cents per 
    ton of 2,000 pounds of marketable production.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.22  How will I know what the royalty rate is on my lease 
    production?
    
        If BLM offered the lease competitively, the rates are in the notice 
    of lease sale. If you applied for a noncompetitive lease, BLM will send 
    you a royalty rate schedule for your concurrence and signature before 
    we issue the lease. BLM attaches production royalty rates to, and makes 
    them a part of, all leases. BLM determines the rate on an individual 
    case basis before we offer the lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.25  Do I have to produce a certain amount per year?
    
        You are required to produce a minimum amount or pay a minimum 
    royalty in lieu of production each lease year, beginning with the sixth 
    lease year or the first full year of a renewed or readjusted lease. 
    This requirement applies to all mineral leases described in part 3500 
    that BLM issues, reviews, or readjusts after April 22, 1996. The 
    minimum royalty payment is $3 per acre or fraction of an acre payable 
    in advance. BLM will credit this payment to your production royalties 
    for that year only. You are exempt from these minimum production and 
    royalty requirements if you have hardrock mineral leases or development 
    or operating agreements subject to escalating rentals.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.26  May I create overriding royalties on my Federal lease?
    
        Yes. However, if BLM determines that the overriding royalty 
    interest you created might cause premature abandonment of the property 
    or cause marginally economic or low grade deposits to not be mined, BLM 
    will issue a decision ordering you to reduce or suspend the overriding 
    royalty to as little as 1% of the gross value at point of royalty 
    assessment. Where more than one overriding royalty interest is 
    involved, BLM will apply any suspension or reduction to the respective 
    interests in the manner agreed upon by the interest holders. In the 
    absence of an agreement, BLM will apply the suspension or reduction in 
    inverse order of the dates the overriding interests were created.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.50  Do I have to file a bond?
    
        Yes. BLM will establish individual permit and lease bond amounts on 
    a case-by-case basis. In making this determination, BLM will consider 
    the estimated cost of reasonable stabilization and reclamation of the 
    areas to be disturbed and conformance with permit and lease terms. The 
    minimum bond requirement for prospecting permits is $1,000. The minimum 
    bond requirement for leases is $5,000.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.51  How do I file my bond?
    
        File your bond in the BLM State office where you applied for a 
    permit or lease. You must use an approved BLM form. File one copy, 
    executed by you as principal or, in the case of surety bonds, by both 
    you and an acceptable surety.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.55  What types of bonds are acceptable?
    
        You can file either a personal bond or a surety bond.
        (a) Personal bonds may be in the form of:
        (1) Cash;
        (2) Cashier's check;
        (3) Certified check; or
        (4) Negotiable U.S. Treasury bonds of a value equal to the amount 
    of the bond. If you submit Treasury bonds, include a conveyance giving 
    the Secretary full authority to sell the securities in case you default 
    in your performance of the terms and conditions of your lease or 
    permit.
        (b) Surety bonds must be issued by qualified surety companies 
    approved by the Department of the Treasury. A list of qualified 
    sureties is available from any BLM State Office.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.56  If I have more than one lease or permit, may I combine 
    bond coverage?
    
        Yes. In lieu of separate bonds for each lease or permit, you may 
    file a bond to cover all leases and permits for a specific mineral in 
    any one State, or nationwide. BLM establishes the amount of the bond; 
    however, the minimums are shown below:
        (a) Statewide bonds will be no less than $25,000. File these bonds 
    in the BLM State Office for the State where your leases are located.
        (b) Nationwide bonds will be no less than $75,000. File these bonds 
    in any BLM State Office.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.60  Under what circumstances might BLM elect to change the 
    amount of my bond?
    
        BLM may increase or decrease the amount of your bond when BLM 
    determines that a change in coverage is appropriate.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.65  What happens to my bond should I fail to carry out my 
    obligations under a permit or lease?
    
        BLM will take payment from your bond to cover any obligations on 
    which you default. Your bond will be reduced accordingly. If the surety 
    makes a payment, BLM will reduce the face amount of the surety bond and 
    the surety's liability by the amount of the payment.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.66  Will I be required to restore my bond to the full amount 
    if payment has been made from my bond?
    
        Yes. After any default, BLM will notify you of the amount needed to 
    bring your bond up to the required level. We will give you no more than 
    six months to post a new bond or increase the existing bond to its pre-
    default level. You may elect to file separate or substitute bonds for 
    each lease or permit. If you do not replace your bond, BLM may cancel 
    the leases or permits covered by the bond.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.70  When will BLM terminate the period of liability of my 
    bond?
    
        BLM will terminate the period of liability of a surety or other 
    provider of
    
    [[Page 54396]]
    
    a bond at any time. The bond provider must provide 30 days notice to 
    BLM and to the principals whose obligations are secured. You may not 
    conduct any operations after a bond is terminated, without providing a 
    new bond satisfactory to BLM. BLM will also terminate the period of 
    liability on an old bond once a new bond has been filed and BLM accepts 
    it.
    
    
    Sec. 3504.71  When will BLM release my bond?
    
        BLM will release your bond when we have determined, after the 
    passage of a reasonable period of time, that you have paid all 
    royalties, rentals, penalties, and assessments, satisfied all permit or 
    lease obligations, reclaimed the site, and taken effective measures to 
    ensure that the mineral prospecting or development activities will not 
    have an adverse effect on surface or subsurface resources.
    
    Subpart 3505--Prospecting Permits
    
    
    Sec. 3505.10  What is a prospecting permit?
    
        (a) A prospecting permit gives you, as the permittee, the exclusive 
    right to prospect on and explore lands available for leasing to 
    determine the existence of a valuable deposit of:
        (1) Phosphate;
        (2) Potassium;
        (3) Sulphur;
        (4) Sodium
        (5) Gilsonite; or
        (6) A hardrock mineral.
        (b) You may remove only material needed to demonstrate the 
    existence of a valuable mineral deposit.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.11  How do I obtain a prospecting permit?
    
        You must provide three copies of the official BLM application form 
    and file it with the BLM office with jurisdiction over the lands you 
    are interested in.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.12  How do I complete the application form?
    
        Your application must be legible and dated. It must contain your or 
    your agent's original signature. Your application must also include:
        (a) Your name and address;
        (b) A statement of your qualifications and holdings (See subpart 
    3503 of this part);
        (c) A complete and accurate land description in compliance with 
    subpart 3502 of this part;
        (d) Three copies of any maps if needed to accompany the 
    description; and
        (e) The name of the commodity or commodities for which you are 
    applying.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.15  Is there an acreage limit for my application?
    
        The acreage in your application must not exceed or cause your 
    holdings for that mineral to exceed the maximum allowed under the 
    permit. BLM cannot issue a permit or lease if it causes you to exceed 
    the State or nation-wide limits. See the table at Sec. 3503.37.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.20  Is there a fee or payment required with my application?
    
        Yes. You must include with your application:
        (a) A nonrefundable filing fee of $25; and
        (b) The first year's rental, as shown in Sec. 3504.15.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.25  How does BLM prioritize applications for prospecting 
    permits?
    
        BLM will prioritize applications based on the time of filing. Where 
    more than one application is filed at the same time for the same 
    commodity on the same lands, BLM will hold a public drawing in 
    accordance with 43 CFR part 1820, subpart 1821 to determine priority.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.30  Can I amend or change my application once filed?
    
        Yes. However, if your amendment adds lands, BLM will assign 
    priority to your amended application for such additional lands from the 
    date you filed the amended application. You must send the rental for 
    the added lands with your amended application. You do not need to 
    submit additional filing fees. You cannot exceed the acreage 
    limitations specified in Sec. 3503.37.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.31  May I withdraw my application once filed?
    
        Yes. If you withdraw your application in whole or in part before 
    BLM signs the permit, your rental payment will be refunded 
    proportionate to the extent of your withdrawal. BLM will retain the 
    filing fee.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.40  After submitting my application, do I need to submit 
    anything else?
    
        Yes. After initially reviewing your permit application, but before 
    issuing the prospecting permit, BLM will require you to submit three 
    copies of an exploration plan. You must also submit a bond. See subpart 
    3504 of this part, especially Sec. 3504.50, for information on bonds.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.45  What is an exploration plan?
    
        An exploration plan shows how you intend to determine the existence 
    and workability of a valuable deposit. Your exploration plan must, 
    insofar as possible, include the following:
        (a) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons 
    responsible for operations under your plan and to whom BLM will deliver 
    notices and orders;
        (b) A brief description, including maps, of geologic, water, 
    vegetation and other physical factors, and the distribution, abundance 
    and habitat of fish and wildlife, particularly threatened and 
    endangered species, that your proposed exploration may affect, and the 
    present land use in and adjacent to the area;
        (c) A narrative description showing:
        (1) The method of exploration and types of equipment you will use;
        (2) The measures you will take to prevent or control fire, soil 
    erosion, pollution of surface and ground water, pollution of air, 
    damage to fish and wildlife or their habitat and other natural 
    resources and hazards to public health and safety, including specific 
    actions necessary to meet all applicable laws and regulations;
        (3) The method for plugging drill holes; and
        (4) The measures you will take for surface reclamation, which must 
    include as appropriate:
        (i) A reclamation schedule;
        (ii) The method of grading, backfilling, soil stabilization, 
    compacting and contouring;
        (iii) The method of soil preparation and fertilizer application;
        (iv) The type and mixture of shrubs, trees, grasses, forbs or other 
    vegetation to be planted; and
        (v) The method of planting, including approximate quantity and 
    spacing;
        (d) The estimated timetable for each phase of the work and for 
    final completion of the program;
        (e) Suitable topographic maps or aerial photographs showing 
    existing bodies of surface water, topographic, cultural and drainage 
    features, and the proposed location of drill holes, trenches and roads; 
    and
        (f) Other data which BLM may require.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.50  How will I know if my application has been approved or 
    rejected?
    
        If BLM accepts your application, we will issue your lease or 
    permit. If BLM rejects your application, we will issue a decision 
    document to you by certified mail (return receipt requested). In it BLM 
    will:
        (a) Detail the reasons for rejecting your application;
        (b) Identify any items you will need to correct in your 
    application; and
        (c) Describe how you can appeal an adverse decision.
    
    [[Page 54397]]
    
    Sec. 3505.51  May I correct or refile my application if BLM rejects it?
    
        If you file a new, corrected application for the same lands within 
    30 days of receipt of the rejection, BLM will apply the nonrefundable 
    filing fee and rental payment submitted with your original application 
    to the new application, provided the serial number of the original 
    application is shown on your new application. BLM will establish 
    priority for the permit as of the date the new application is filed. If 
    you do not file a new application within 30 days of rejection, only 
    your rental payment will be refunded.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.55  What are my obligations to BLM under an approved 
    prospecting permit?
    
        You must:
        (a) Pay your annual rental in a timely fashion. See Secs. 3504.15 
    and 3504.16;
        (b) Comply with all permit terms and stipulations attached to the 
    permit by the surface management agency;
        (c) Conduct only those exploration activities approved as part of 
    your existing exploration plan; and
        (d) Discontinue activities following expiration of the initial term 
    unless and until your permit has been extended by BLM.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.60  How long is my prospecting permit in effect?
    
        Your prospecting permit will be effective for an initial term of 2 
    years.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.61  Can BLM extend the term of my prospecting permit?
    
        BLM may extend prospecting permits for phosphate and hardrock for a 
    period not to exceed 4 years, and for potassium and Gilsonite a period 
    not to exceed 2 years. Sodium and sulphur prospecting permits cannot be 
    extended.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.62  Under what conditions can I extend my prospecting permit?
    
        Your permit may be extended if you can prove that:
        (a) You have explored with reasonable diligence and been unable to 
    determine the existence and workability of a valuable deposit covered 
    by the permit. Reasonable diligence means that, in the opinion of BLM, 
    you have drilled a sufficient number of core holes or performed other 
    comparable prospecting to explore the permit area within the time 
    allowed; or
        (b) Your failure to perform diligent prospecting activities was due 
    to conditions beyond your control.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.64  How do I apply for an extension?
    
        There is no application form. You must request an extension at 
    least 90 days prior to expiration of the permit. Accompany your request 
    with a nonrefundable filing fee of $25; and the first year's rental, in 
    accordance with Secs. 3504.15 and 3504.16.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.65  What information must I include in my request for 
    extension?
    
        Your request must:
        (a) Demonstrate that you have met the conditions for extension set 
    out in 43 CFR 3505.62;
        (b) Describe your previous diligent prospecting activities on the 
    permit; and
        (c) Show how much additional time you need to complete prospecting 
    work.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.66  If approved, when is my extension effective?
    
        Your permit extension will become effective as of the date BLM 
    approves it, or on the expiration of the original permit, whichever is 
    later.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.70  May I relinquish my prospecting permit?
    
        Yes. You may relinquish the entire prospecting permit or any legal 
    subdivision thereof. A partial relinquishment must clearly describe the 
    exact acreage you want to relinquish. BLM will not accept a 
    relinquishment if you are not in compliance with the requirements of 
    your permit. Once BLM accepts the request, your relinquishment will be 
    effective as of the date you filed it with BLM. The lands you 
    relinquished, if otherwise available, will be open to any new 
    applications immediately after BLM notes the relinquishment on the 
    official status records. If you relinquish part or all of your permit, 
    you lose any right or entitlement to any preference right lease to the 
    lands covered by the relinquishment.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.75  What happens if I fail to pay the rental?
    
        Your prospecting permit will automatically terminate if you fail to 
    pay the rental on or before the anniversary date of the permit. BLM 
    will note the termination of your permit for failure to pay rental on 
    the official status records. Upon notation, BLM will make the lands 
    covered by the permit available for filing of new permit applications.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.80  What happens when my permit expires?
    
        Your permit will expire at the end of its initial or extended term, 
    as applicable, without notice. The lands will be available for new 
    applications 60 days after expiration, unless you timely file for an 
    extension, or you file an application for a preference right lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3505.85  Can BLM cancel my prospecting permit for reasons other 
    than failure to pay rental?
    
        Yes. BLM can cancel your permit if you fail to comply with the 
    Mineral Leasing Act, any of the other acts applicable to your specific 
    permit, these regulations, or any of the permit terms or stipulations. 
    BLM will provide you 30 days notice, within which you must correct your 
    default. If your default continues, BLM may cancel your permit. BLM's 
    waiver of one particular cause for cancellation will not prevent BLM 
    from canceling your permit for any other cause, or for the same cause 
    occurring at any other time. Unless you file an appeal, BLM will note 
    the cancellation of your permit on BLM's official status records, at 
    which time the lands covered by the permit will be available for filing 
    of new applications by any qualified applicant.
    
    Subpart 3506--Exploration Licenses
    
    
    Sec. 3506.10  What is an exploration license?
    
        An exploration license allows you to explore known, unleased 
    mineral deposits to obtain geologic, environmental and other pertinent 
    data concerning such deposits.
    
    
    Sec. 3506.11  What must I do to obtain an exploration license?
    
        Apply by submitting an exploration plan as described in subpart 
    3505 of this part, along with your request for an exploration license. 
    No specific form is required. When BLM approves the exploration plan, 
    we will attach the approved plan to, and make it a part of, the 
    license. You must also publish a Notice of Exploration inviting others 
    to participate in exploration under the license on a pro-rata cost-
    sharing basis.
    
    
    Sec. 3506.12  Who prepares and publishes the notice?
    
        BLM prepares the notice using your information and posts the notice 
    and your exploration plan in the BLM office for 30 days. You must 
    publish the Notice of Exploration once a week for three consecutive 
    weeks in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the area in 
    which the lands are located.
    
    
    Sec. 3506.13  What information must I provide to BLM for inclusion in 
    my Notice of Exploration?
    
        You must include:
        (a) Your name and address;
        (b) A description of the lands;
        (c) The address of the Bureau office where your exploration plan 
    will be available for inspection; and
        (d) An invitation to the public to participate in the exploration 
    under the license.
    
    [[Page 54398]]
    
    Sec. 3506.14  What happens after I publish the Notice of Exploration?
    
        Any person who seeks to participate in the exploration program must 
    notify you and BLM in writing within 30 days after the final 
    publication and BLM posting.
    
    
    Sec. 3506.15  Who resolves differences and approves the license and 
    participants?
    
        BLM does, by issuing the license naming the participants and 
    acreage covered. BLM may also establish core hole spacing and resolve 
    any other issue necessary to minimize surface disturbance and 
    inconsistencies between proposed exploration plans.
    
    
    Sec. 3506.20  After my license is issued, may I modify my exploration 
    plan?
    
        Yes. BLM may approve modifications of your exploration plan upon 
    your request.
    
    
    Sec. 3506.25  Once I have a license, what are my responsibilities?
    
        You must provide to BLM all data obtained during exploration. BLM 
    will consider the data confidential and will not make the data public 
    until the earlier of the following occurs:
        (a) The areas involved have been leased; or
        (b) BLM determines that the data are not exempt from disclosure 
    under the Freedom of Information Act.
    
    Subpart 3507--Preference Right Leases
    
    
    Sec. 3507.11  What do I have to do to be entitled to a preference right 
    lease?
    
        You must have a prospecting permit for the area you want to lease 
    and meet the following conditions:
        (a) Phosphate, Gilsonite and hardrock minerals. You must 
    demonstrate that you have discovered a valuable deposit within the 
    period covered by your prospecting permit.
        (b) Sodium, potassium, and sulphur. In addition to demonstrating 
    that you have discovered a valuable deposit, BLM must determine that 
    the lands are chiefly valuable for the subject minerals.
        (c) Asphalt. You can get only a fringe acreage lease or a 
    competitive lease for asphalt, not a prospecting permit.
    
    
    Sec. 3507.15  How do I apply for a preference right lease?
    
        No specific form is required. You must submit three copies of your 
    application within 60 days after your prospecting permit expires.
    
    
    Sec. 3507.16  What information must my application for a preference 
    right lease include?
    
        Your application must contain:
        (a) A statement of your qualifications and holdings as specified in 
    subpart 3503 of this part;
        (b) Three maps showing utility systems, the location of any 
    proposed development or mining operations and facilities incidental 
    thereto, including the approximate locations and the extent of the 
    areas you will use for pits, overburden and tailings, and the location 
    of water sources or other resources which you may use in the proposed 
    operations or incidental facilities;
        (c) A narrative statement addressing:
        (1) The anticipated scope, method and schedule of development 
    operations, including the types of equipment to be used;
        (2) The method of mining anticipated, including the best available 
    estimate of the mining sequence and production rate; and
        (3) The relationship, if any, between the mining operations 
    anticipated on the lands applied for and existing or planned mining 
    operations, or facilities incidental thereto, on adjacent Federal or 
    non-Federal lands; and
        (d) If your application is for less than the lands covered by your 
    prospecting permit, a complete and accurate description of the lands as 
    described and included in your prospecting permit.
    
    
    Sec. 3507.20  Is there a fee or payment required with my application?
    
        Yes. With your application, submit the first year's rent, according 
    to the provisions in 43 CFR 3504.15.
    
    
    Sec. 3507.25  Under what circumstances will BLM reject my application?
    
        BLM will reject your application for a preference right lease if:
        (a) You did not discover a valuable deposit of mineral(s) covered 
    by the prospecting permit;
        (b) You did not submit requested information in a timely manner;
        (c) You did not otherwise comply with the requirements of this 
    subpart; or
        (d) In the case of sodium, potassium and sulphur, BLM determines 
    that the lands are not chiefly valuable for the mineral commodity 
    specified in the permit.
    
    
    Sec. 3507.26  What do I need to submit to demonstrate that I've found a 
    valuable deposit?
    
        To prove you have found a valuable deposit, provide BLM the 
    information listed in 43 CFR 3593.1. You must have collected the data 
    during the life of the prospecting permit. BLM may request supplemental 
    data to determine the extent and character of the deposit, the 
    anticipated mining and processing methods and costs, the anticipated 
    location, kind and extent of necessary surface disturbance and measures 
    to be taken to reclaim that disturbance, and the profitability of 
    mineral development.
    
    
    Sec. 3507.30  If I disagree with BLM's reasons for rejecting my 
    preference right lease, may I appeal?
    
        Yes. If you believe that the facts in your application are 
    sufficient to show that you are entitled to a lease, you have a right 
    to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge in the Office of 
    Hearings and Appeals, Department of Interior, under the procedures in 
    43 CFR parts 4 and 1840. At the hearing, you will have to show, by a 
    preponderance of the evidence, that you discovered a valuable deposit 
    of the mineral.
    
    Subpart 3508--Competitive Leases
    
    
    Sec. 3508.11  What lands are available for competitive leasing?
    
        BLM issues a competitive lease on unleased lands where BLM knows 
    that a deposit of a valuable mineral deposit exists. In such areas, BLM 
    will issue you an exploration license, but not a prospecting permit. 
    You must compete with any other interested parties to get the lease.
        (a) In general, BLM may offer competitive leases for lands where 
    prospecting or exploratory work is unnecessary to determine the 
    existence or workability of a valuable mineral deposit.
        (b) Lands in and adjacent to Searles Lake, California, are 
    available for competitive potassium leases without regard to quality or 
    quantity of potassium deposits that may be present.
    
    
    Sec. 3508.12  How do I get a competitive lease?
    
        Notify BLM of areas in which you are interested. Additionally, BLM 
    may designate certain lands for competitive leasing. In both cases, 
    upon determining the lands are available for leasing, BLM publishes a 
    notice identifying the lands available, conditions under which bids 
    will be accepted, and the date and time bids will be opened. BLM awards 
    competitive leases only through sale to the qualified bidder who offers 
    the highest acceptable bonus bid.
    
    
    Sec. 3508.14  How much time does BLM allow for a bid to be submitted?
    
        Prior to offering a lease, BLM will publish a notice of lease sale 
    for at least three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general 
    circulation in the area in which the lands are situated. BLM will also 
    post the notice of lease sale for 30 days in the public room of the BLM
    
    [[Page 54399]]
    
    office with jurisdiction over the lands being offered. The notice will 
    specify the date by which bids must be submitted.
    
    
    Sec. 3508.15  What information will the notice of lease sale include?
    
        The notice will include:
        (a) The time and place of sale;
        (b) The bidding method;
        (c) A description of the tract being offered;
        (d) A description of the mineral deposit being offered;
        (e) The minimum bid BLM will consider; and
        (f) Information on where a detailed statement of the terms and 
    conditions of the lease sale and of the proposed lease may be obtained.
    
    
    Sec. 3508.16  What information will the detailed statement include?
    
        The detailed statement will include:
        (a) The proposed lease terms and conditions, including the rental, 
    royalty rates, bond amount, and special stipulations for the particular 
    tract;
        (b) An explanation of how you may submit your bid;
        (c) Notification that you must accompany your bid with a statement 
    of your qualifications (See subpart 3502 of this part) and a deposit of 
    one-fifth of your bid amount;
        (d) Notification that, if you are the successful bidder, you must 
    pay, before BLM issues the lease, your proportionate share of the total 
    cost of the publication of the sale notice. Your share is based on the 
    number of tracts you bid on successfully, divided into the total number 
    of tracts offered for sale;
        (e) A warning concerning 18 U.S.C. 1860 which prohibits unlawful 
    combination or intimidation of bidders;
        (f) A statement that the Secretary reserves the right to reject any 
    and all bids, and the right to offer the lease to the next qualified 
    bidder if the successful bidder fails to obtain the lease for any 
    reason; and
        (g) Any other information BLM deems appropriate.
    
    
    Sec. 3508.20  How will BLM conduct the sale and handle bids?
    
        BLM will open and announce all bids at the time and date specified 
    in the notice of lease sale, but will not accept or reject bids at that 
    time. BLM will not consider bids received after the time specified in 
    the notice of sale. You may withdraw or modify your bid prior to the 
    time specified in the notice of sale.
    
    
    Sec. 3508.21  What happens if I am the successful bidder?
    
        If you are the highest qualified bidder and your bid meets or 
    exceeds fair market value, as determined by BLM through appraisal or 
    other appropriate means, BLM will send you copies of the lease on the 
    form attached to the detailed statement. You must sign and return the 
    lease form, pay the balance of the bonus bid, pay the first year's 
    rental, pay the publication costs, and furnish the required lease bond, 
    within the time BLM specifies.
    
    
    Sec. 3508.22  What happens if my bid is rejected?
    
        (a) If your bid is the high bid and is rejected because you did not 
    sign the lease form and pay the balance of the bonus bid, or otherwise 
    comply with this subpart, you forfeit to the United States your deposit 
    of one-fifth of the bonus bid amount.
        (b) If BLM determines that your high bid must be rejected for 
    reasons beyond your control, the deposit submitted with the bid will be 
    returned to you.
    
    Subpart 3509--Fractional and Future Interest Leases
    
    
    Sec. 3509.10  What are future interest leases?
    
        BLM issues future interest leases to those holders of mineral 
    interests whose present interest will revert to the Federal government 
    at some future date. Future interest leases allow the present interest 
    holders to continue using their present mineral right once the Federal 
    government acquires it.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.11  For what lands will BLM issue future interest leases?
    
        BLM will issue noncompetitive leases for future interests in lands 
    on which there is an existing mining operation or in which the present 
    mineral interest holder has established the existence of a valuable 
    deposit, if BLM determines it is in the public interest.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.12  What if I am a mining owner or operator, and I am 
    applying for a future interest lease as part of my existing operation?
    
        You must meet the qualifications set forth in subpart 3502 of this 
    part, and you must pay fair market value for the mineral deposit when 
    title vests in the United States. BLM will not issue you a lease until 
    you meet those requirements.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.15  Who may apply for a future interest lease?
    
        Only the person who has a present interest in the minerals may 
    apply for a future interest lease. BLM may issue future interest leases 
    to applicants who own all or substantially all of the present mineral 
    interest (over 50%), regardless of whether that person owns as fee 
    owner, lessee, or holder of operating rights.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.16  How do I apply for a future interest lease?
    
        No specific form is required. Include a $25 filing fee with 
    application. Submit the application to the BLM office with jurisdiction 
    over the lands. You must file no less than 1 year before the mineral 
    interests vest with the United States.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.17  What information must I include in my application for a 
    future interest lease?
    
        Your application must include a description of the land and the 
    same information BLM requires when you apply for a present interest 
    Federal lease, including your certification that you meet the 
    qualifications requirements (see subpart 3502 of this part). You also 
    need to include evidence of your title and of the extent of your rights 
    to the present interest in the mineral deposits either by submitting a 
    certified abstract of title or a title certificate. You must submit the 
    names of the other owners of the mineral interests. If you are owner of 
    the operating rights to the mineral by means of a contract with the 
    owner, you need to submit three copies of the mineral contract or lease 
    also.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.20  When does my future interest lease take effect?
    
        Unlike other permits or leases, your future interest lease will be 
    effective on the date the minerals vest in the United States, as stated 
    in the lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.25  Under what conditions would BLM reject my application for 
    a future interest lease?
    
        BLM will reject your future interest application if you do not meet 
    the qualifications in Sec. 3509.15, or for any of the following 
    reasons:
        (a) You filed your application less than one year before the 
    minerals vest in the United States. If, at the time the minerals vest 
    in the United States, BLM has on file an application for a future 
    interest lease that was filed less than one year earlier, BLM will 
    reject the application. After the mineral right vests in the United 
    States, BLM will accept only applications for present interest leases 
    or permits.
        (b) If you as the lessee would have a total interest of less than 
    50% once the future interest lease becomes effective, BLM may reject 
    the application unless we determine it would be in the best interests 
    of the government to issue the lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3509.30  May I withdraw my application for a future interest 
    lease?
    
        Yes. You can withdraw your application as long as you file the
    
    [[Page 54400]]
    
    withdrawal before the lease is signed. BLM will retain the application 
    fee.
    
    Subpart 3510--Lease Terms and Conditions
    
    
    Sec. 3510.15  How long will my lease be in effect?
    
        Your lease will be issued for the term specified in the table.
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Lease term                     Phosphate                Sodium                Potassium           Sulphur/hardrock          Gilsonite      
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (a) Initial lease term (years).....  Indeterminate.........  10....................  Indeterminate........  20...................  20 years, and as long
                                                                                                                                        thereafter as       
                                                                                                                                        Gilsonite is        
                                                                                                                                        produced in paying  
                                                                                                                                        quantities.         
    (b) Periods of renewal or            Readjustment at the     Renewal for 10 year     Readjustment at the    Renewal for 10 year    Readjustment at the  
     readjustment.                        end of each 20 year     term at end of          end of each 20 year    term at end of         end of each 20 year 
                                          period.                 initial term and each   period.                initial term and       period.             
                                                                  10 year period.                                each 10 year period.                       
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Sec. 3510.20  Do certain leases allow me to mine other commodities as 
    well?
    
        Yes. Sodium leases may authorize the mining of potassium compounds 
    as related products, and potassium leases may authorize the mining of 
    sodium compounds as related products. A phosphate lease allows you to 
    use deposits of silica, limestone or other rock on the lease in the 
    processing or refining of phosphate, phosphate rock, and associated 
    minerals mined from the leased lands. You must pay royalty for the use 
    of these materials as specified in your lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3510.21  If I am mining calcium chloride, can I obtain a 
    noncompetitive mineral lease to produce the commingled sodium chloride?
    
        If you are producing calcium chloride in paying quantities from an 
    existing mine which you control, you may apply to BLM for a fringe acre 
    lease to produce the commingled sodium chloride. You must already have 
    authorization, under 43 CFR part 3800, for the locatable minerals. You 
    must also meet the other requirements of this part for the commingled 
    leaseable minerals.
    
    
    Sec. 3510.25  What is meant by lease readjustment and lease renewal?
    
        (a) If your lease is issued subject to readjustment, BLM will 
    notify you of the readjusted terms at the end of each 20-year period. 
    If BLM does not notify you of readjusted terms, those leases continue 
    for another 20-year period under the same terms and conditions.
        (b) If you have a lease that requires renewal, BLM will issue the 
    lease for an initial term as specified in the table in Sec. 3510.15. 
    You must apply for a renewal of the lease at least 90 days prior to the 
    end of its initial term in order to extend the lease for an additional 
    term. If you fail to renew these leases, they expire and the lands 
    become available for re-leasing by BLM.
    
    
    Sec. 3510.26  What if I object to the terms and conditions BLM proposes 
    for a readjusted lease?
    
        (a) You will be given 60 days after receiving the proposed 
    readjusted terms to file any objection. If BLM does not receive an 
    objection the proposed readjusted terms will be in effect. If you file 
    an objection, BLM will issue a decision responding to your objection. 
    If you consider the decision to be adverse to your interests, you will 
    have the right of appeal under 43 CFR parts 4 or 1840.
        (b) Except as provided in the following section, the readjusted 
    lease terms and conditions will be effective pending the outcome of any 
    appeal provided for in paragraph (a) of this section unless BLM 
    provides otherwise.
    
    
    Sec. 3510.27  How will a lease renewal affect my priority as lessee?
    
        BLM bases your priority as a permittee or lessee, as related to 
    other permittees or lessees on the same lands, on the date we issued 
    your initial permit or lease. This applies regardless of the date of 
    any readjustments, extensions, or renewals.
    
    
    Sec. 3510.30  If I appeal BLM's proposed new terms, do I have to 
    continue paying royalties or rentals while my appeal is being 
    considered?
    
        You must continue to pay royalties or rentals at the original rate. 
    Your obligation to pay any increased readjusted royalties, minimum 
    royalties and rentals will be suspended while your objection or appeal 
    is considered. However, any increased charges accrue beginning with the 
    effective date of the readjustment, while final action on your appeal 
    is pending. If the increased charges are sustained by a decision on the 
    objection or on appeal, you must pay the accrued balance, plus interest 
    at the rate specified for late payment by the MMS (See 43 CFR part 
    3590).
    
    
    Sec. 3510.50  How do I renew my lease?
    
        To renew leases, you must file an application at least 90 days 
    prior to the expiration of the lease term. No specific form is 
    required. You must file three copies of your application with BLM 
    together with a nonrefundable $25 filing fee and an advance rental 
    payment of $1 per acre or fraction of an acre.
    
    Subpart 3511--Assignments and Subleases
    
    
    Sec. 3511.11  Once I am issued a permit or lease, can I assign or 
    sublease it?
    
        You may assign or sublease your permit or lease in whole or in part 
    to any person, association, or corporation qualified to hold a permit 
    or lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.12  Is there a fee for requesting an assignment or sublease?
    
        Yes. When you submit your instrument for assignment of record title 
    or operating rights, or for overriding royalty assignment, you must pay 
    a nonrefundable filing fee of $25. BLM will not accept any instrument 
    not accompanied by the filing fee.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.13  What do I submit to get BLM approval for an assignment of 
    record title?
    
        Within 90 days of final execution of the assignment, you must 
    submit three copies of your instrument for assignment of each permit or 
    lease. The instrument must contain:
        (a) The name and current address of the assignee;
        (b) The interest held by you and the interest you plan to assign;
        (c) The serial number of the affected permit or lease;
        (d) The percentage of overriding royalties retained;
    
    [[Page 54401]]
    
        (e) The date and your original signature on each copy, as the 
    assignor; and
        (f) The assignee must also send BLM a request for approval of the 
    assignment which must contain:
        (1) A statement of the assignee's qualifications and holdings, as 
    required by subpart 3502 of this part;
        (2) Date and signature of the assignee; and
        (3) A $25 filing fee.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.16  How do I assign or transfer a sublease or operating 
    rights to my lease or permit?
    
        You must file one copy of the sublease or agreement to assign 
    operating rights between you and the operator within 90 days from the 
    date of final execution of these agreements. The assignee must also 
    file a signed and dated request for approval accompanied by a statement 
    of qualifications and holdings and a $25 fee. BLM will notify you with 
    a formal decision indicating approval or disapproval.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.18  Do I have to notify BLM if I intend to transfer an 
    overriding royalty to another party?
    
        Yes. Although BLM does not approve these transfers, you must file 
    all overriding royalty interest assignments with the BLM within 90 days 
    from the date of execution. Your filing must be accompanied by the 
    assignee's statement of qualifications as provided for in subpart 3503 
    of this part and the $25 filing fee.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.20  Will BLM approve my assignment or sublease if I have 
    outstanding liabilities?
    
        No. Before BLM will approve your assignment of a lease or permit, 
    your account must be in good standing or the assignee and his or her 
    surety must provide written acceptance of your outstanding liabilities 
    under the permit or lease. In addition, the assignee must either 
    furnish a new bond equivalent to your existing bond or obtain consent 
    of the surety on your bond to substitute the assignee as the principal.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.25  If I assign my permit or lease, when do my obligations 
    under the permit or lease end?
    
        You and your surety remain responsible for the performance of all 
    obligations under the permit or lease until BLM approves the 
    assignment. Even then, you will continue to be responsible for 
    obligations that accrued prior to BLM's approval of the assignment, 
    whether or not they were identified at the time of the transfer.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.30  What are the responsibilities of a sublessor and a 
    sublessee?
    
        After BLM's approval of a sublease becomes effective, the sublessor 
    and sublessee become jointly and severally liable for performance of 
    all obligations under the permit or lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3511.33  Does an assignment or sublease alter the permit or lease 
    terms?
    
        No. An assignment or sublease will not extend the life of the 
    permit or the readjustment or renewal periods of the lease, or alter 
    other terms or conditions of the permit or lease.
    
    Subpart 3512--Waiver, Suspension, or Reduction of Rental and 
    Minimum Royalties
    
    
    Sec. 3512.11  Can I be relieved of the lease requirements of rental, 
    minimum royalty, or production royalty?
    
        Yes. BLM has a process which may allow you temporary relief from 
    the lease requirements of rental, minimum royalty, or production 
    royalty.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.12  What criteria does BLM consider in approving a waiver, 
    suspension, or reduction in rental or minimum royalty, or a reduction 
    in the royalty rate?
    
        BLM may approve an application for a waiver, suspension, or 
    reduction in rental or minimum royalty, or a reduction in the royalty 
    rate, if approval:
        (a) Is in the interest of conservation;
        (b) Will encourage the greatest ultimate recovery of the resource; 
    and
        (c) Is necessary to promote development of the mineral resources or 
    the lease cannot be successfully operated under existing terms.
    
    
    Sec. 12.15  How do I apply for relief?
    
        You must file two copies of an application with BLM which contain 
    the following information for all leases in the application:
        (a) The serial numbers;
        (b) The name of the record title holder(s);
        (c) The name of the operator if different from the record title 
    holder(s);
        (d) A description of the lands by legal subdivision;
        (e) A map showing the serial number and location of each mine or 
    excavation and the extent of the mining operations;
        (f) A tabulated statement of the minerals mined and subject to 
    royalty for each month covering a period of not less than 12 months 
    immediately preceding the date of filing of your application, and the 
    average production mined per day for each month;
        (g) If you are applying for relief from the minimum production 
    requirement, complete information as to why you did not attain the 
    minimum production;
        (h) A detailed statement of expenses and costs of operating the 
    entire lease, and the income from the sale of any leased products;
        (i) All facts showing why you cannot successfully operate the mines 
    under the royalty or rental fixed in the lease and other lease terms;
        (j) For reductions in royalty, full information as to whether you 
    pay royalties or payments out of production to anyone other than the 
    United States, the amounts so paid and efforts made to reduce them;
        (k) Agreements of the leaseholder(s) and the non-Federal royalty 
    holders to a permanent reduction which ensures that the non-Federal 
    royalty interests do not exceed one-half the proposed reduced royalties 
    paid to the United States; and
        (l) Any other information needed by BLM to ascertain whether the 
    request satisfies the standards in Sec. 3512.12.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.20  What is a suspension of operations and production?
    
        A suspension of operations and production is an action by which BLM 
    orders or allows you to cease operations in the interest of 
    conservation.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.21  What is the effect of a suspension of operations and 
    production?
    
        BLM will extend the term of your lease by any periods of suspension 
    of operations and production. BLM will reduce the minimum annual 
    production requirements of your lease proportionately for that portion 
    of a lease year in which a suspension of operations and production is 
    effective. You do not have to pay rental and minimum annual production 
    royalties beginning the first day of the lease month if the suspension 
    becomes effective that day or beginning the first day of the following 
    lease month if the suspension becomes effective on any day other than 
    the first day of the lease month.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.22  How do I apply for a suspension of operations and 
    production?
    
        You must submit two copies of an application to BLM that explains 
    why it is in the interest of conservation to suspend your operations 
    and production.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.25  When will my suspension of operations and production take 
    effect?
    
        Your suspension takes effect on the date specified by BLM.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.26  When and how does my suspension of operations and 
    production expire or terminate?
    
        Your suspension will end on the first day of the lease month in 
    which you
    
    [[Page 54402]]
    
    resume operations or production, or upon expiration of the suspension, 
    whichever occurs first. All lease terms and obligations resume on this 
    date. If you have paid rentals in advance, BLM will allow credit on the 
    next rental or royalty due under the lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.30  What is a suspension of operations?
    
        A suspension of operations is an action by which BLM may, upon your 
    application, suspend operations on your lease when marketing conditions 
    are such that your leases cannot be operated except at a loss.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.31  What is the effect of a suspension of operations?
    
        A suspension of operations does not affect the term of the lease or 
    the annual rental payment. BLM will reduce the minimum annual 
    production requirements of your lease proportionate to that portion of 
    the lease year for which a suspension of operations is effective. You 
    do not have to pay minimum annual production beginning the first day of 
    the lease month if the suspension becomes effective that day or 
    beginning the first day of the following lease month if the suspension 
    becomes effective on any day other than the first day of the lease 
    month.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.32  How do I apply for a suspension of operations?
    
        You must submit an application in duplicate to BLM which contains 
    sufficient information to establish that your lease cannot be operated 
    except at a loss.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.33  When will my suspension of operations take effect?
    
        Your suspension will be effective on the date specified by the BLM.
    
    
    Sec. 3512.34  When and how does my suspension of operations expire or 
    terminate?
    
        The suspension of minimum annual production ends on the first day 
    of the lease month in which you resume operations, or upon expiration 
    of the suspension, whichever occurs first. Your obligation for minimum 
    annual production resumes at this time.
    
    Subpart 3513--Lease Relinquishments, Terminations, and 
    Cancellations
    
    
    Sec. 3513.11  Can I relinquish my lease or any part of my lease?
    
        If you can show that the public interest will not be impaired, you 
    may relinquish your entire lease or any legal subdivision included in 
    your lease upon BLM's approval. Notify BLM in writing that you intend 
    to relinquish all or part of your lease. Include your signature and 
    date. If you relinquish your lease, you will be subject to a continued 
    obligation to make payment of all accrued rentals and royalties and to 
    provide for the preservation of any mines or productive works or 
    permanent improvements on the leased lands in accordance with the 
    regulations and terms of your lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.12  What should I include in a request for partial 
    relinquishment?
    
        Any partial relinquishment must clearly describe the lands you are 
    relinquishing and give the exact area involved.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.15  Where do I file my relinquishment?
    
        File the relinquishment in the BLM office that issued the lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.20  When is my relinquishment effective?
    
        When BLM accepts your relinquishment, it will be effective as of 
    the date you filed it.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.25  When does my lease expire?
    
        (a) Sodium, sulphur, asphalt, and hardrock mineral leases expire at 
    the end of the lease term, unless you file a timely application for 
    lease renewal, or at the time your application for renewal is rejected.
        (b) Potassium, phosphate and gilsonite leases continue for so long 
    as you comply with the lease terms and conditions which are subject to 
    periodic readjustment.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.30   Can my lease be canceled?
    
        Yes. BLM may institute appropriate proceedings in a court of 
    competent jurisdiction to forfeit and cancel your lease if:
        (a) You fail to comply with the provisions of the Act, or of 
    regulations in effect when your lease is issued or readjusted; or
        (b) You default in the performance or observance of any of the 
    terms, covenants, and stipulations of the lease and continue to fail or 
    default for 30 days after BLM notifies you in writing of your default.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.31   Can BLM waive cancellation or forfeiture?
    
        Yes, but BLM's waiver of any particular cause of forfeiture will 
    not prevent BLM from canceling and forfeiting the lease for any other 
    cause or for the same cause occurring at any other time.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.32   Will BLM give me an opportunity to remedy a violation of 
    the lease terms?
    
        Yes. If you own or control, directly or indirectly, any interest in 
    any lease in violation of any of the provisions of the Act, BLM will 
    give you 30 days to remedy the violation or to show cause why the 
    Attorney General should not be requested to institute proceedings in a 
    court of competent jurisdiction to:
        (a) Cancel the lease;
        (b) Forfeit the interest so owned;
        (c) Compel disposal of the interest so owned or controlled; or
        (d) If a lease is issued improperly, and requires amending, it will 
    be subject to administrative cancellation and BLM will issue an amended 
    lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3513.50   What happens to a bona fide purchaser if the lease 
    assigned to him or her is subject to cancellation?
    
        (a) If you are a qualified bona fide purchaser, BLM will not cancel 
    your lease or your interest in a lease even if we had decided to cancel 
    your predecessor's lease. However, as purchaser, you are responsible 
    for ensuring that the lease is in compliance with the terms and 
    conditions required by BLM.
        (b) BLM will promptly take action to dismiss any party who shows it 
    is a bona fide purchaser from any legal proceedings to cancel the 
    lease.
    
    Subpart 3514--Noncompetitive Leasing--Fringe Acreage Leases and 
    Lease Modifications
    
    
    Sec. 3514.11   If I already have a Federal lease, or the mineral rights 
    on adjacent private lands, may I lease adjoining Federal land that 
    contains the same deposits without competitive bidding?
    
        Yes. If the adjoining Federal lands are available for leasing, you 
    can lease them noncompetitively, even if they are known to contain a 
    deposit of the mineral you are leasing. BLM will either issue a new 
    lease for these lands (fringe acreage) or add the lands to your 
    existing Federal lease (modification).
    
    
    Sec. 3514.12   What do I need to do to obtain a lease modification or 
    fringe acreage lease?
    
        (a) You must file three copies of your application with the BLM 
    office with jurisdiction over the lands. No specific application form 
    is required.
        (b) Your application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable filing 
    fee of $25, and an advance rental payment in accordance with the rental 
    rate for the mineral commodity you are seeking. If you are seeking to 
    modify an existing lease, BLM will base the rental payment on the rate 
    in effect for the lease being modified.
    
    [[Page 54403]]
    
        (c) Your application must:
        (1) Reference the serial number of the lease if the lands adjoin an 
    existing Federal lease;
        (2) Contain a complete and accurate description of the lands 
    desired;
        (3) Show that the mineral deposit specified in your application 
    extends from your adjoining lease or from private lands owned or 
    controlled by you; and
        (4) Include proof that you own or control the mineral deposit in 
    the adjoining lands if they are not under a Federal lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3514.15   What does BLM do with my application?
    
        BLM can issue or modify a lease under this subpart only if we 
    determine that:
        (a) The lands are contiguous to your existing Federal lease or to 
    non-federal lands owned or controlled by you;
        (b) The new lease is not in excess of maximum size allowed in a 
    lease, as specified in Sec. 3503.37;
        (c) The acreage of the modified lease, including additional lands, 
    is not in excess of the maximum size allowed for a lease, as specified 
    in Sec. 3503.37;
        (d) The mineral deposit is not in an area of competitive interest;
        (e) The lands applied for lack sufficient reserves of the mineral 
    resource to warrant independent development; and
        (f) Leasing the lands will conserve natural resources and will 
    provide for economical and efficient recovery as part of a mining unit.
    
    
    Sec. 3514.20   Are there any fees required to modify my existing lease 
    or obtain a fringe acreage lease?
    
        Before BLM issues a new fringe acreage lease or modifies your 
    existing lease, you must pay a bonus bid in an amount determined by BLM 
    based on an appraisal or other appropriate means, but not less than $1 
    per acre or fraction of an acre.
    
    
    Sec. 3514.21   What terms and conditions apply to fringe acreage leases 
    and lease modifications?
    
        Your fringe acreage lease is a new lease. Therefore, BLM may impose 
    terms and conditions different from those in your original non-Federal 
    lease, if any. BLM will issue a modified lease subject to the same 
    terms and conditions as in the original lease.
    
    Subpart 3515--Mineral Lease Exchange
    
    
    Sec. 3515.10   May I exchange my lease or lease right for another 
    mineral lease or lease right?
    
        Yes. If BLM concludes that operations on your preference right or 
    outstanding lease are not in the public interest, or that operations on 
    the lands to be leased in exchange would be in the public interest, you 
    may relinquish your current lease or preference right in exchange for a 
    mineral lease of other lands of equal value for any leasable or 
    hardrock mineral covered by this part.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.12   What regulatory provisions apply if I want to exchange a 
    lease or lease right?
    
        (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this 
    subpart and the relevant provisions of 43 CFR part 2200 apply to 
    exchanges.
        (b) Exchanges involving the issuance of coal leases, coal lease 
    bidding rights or coal lease modifications are subject to the 
    regulations in 43 CFR part 3400, subpart 3435 rather than to the 
    regulations in this part.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.15   Under what circumstances will BLM consider initiating an 
    exchange?
    
        (a) BLM will notify you that we are prepared to consider exchange 
    of a mineral lease if you relinquish your existing leasing rights.
        (b) BLM may seek to exchange any part or all of the lands under 
    your preference right lease application(s) or lease(s).
        (c) BLM must find that the exchange is in the public interest under 
    both of the following criteria:
        (1) The benefits of production from your existing lease or 
    preference right lease would not outweigh the adverse effects, or 
    threat of damage or destruction to agricultural production potential, 
    or scenic, biological, geologic, historic, or other public interest 
    values such as recreational use; archeological or historic values; 
    threatened or endangered species; proximity of residential or urban 
    areas; study for potential inclusion in the wilderness or wild and 
    scenic rivers systems; and value for public uses, including public 
    highways, airports, and rights-of-way from lease operations; and
        (2) The lands proposed for exchange are free from hazardous waste 
    as defined under the authorities of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 
    1251), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901) and the 
    Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act 
    (42 U.S.C. 9601).
    
    
    Sec. 3515.18   Will I be notified that BLM is considering an exchange?
    
        Yes. The notice you receive will:
        (a) State why BLM believes an exchange would be in the public 
    interest;
        (b) Ask whether you are willing to negotiate for an exchange;
        (c) Contain a description of the lands for which BLM would offer 
    exchange terms; and
        (d) Allow you to describe the lands on which you would accept an 
    exchange lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.20   Can preference right lease rights be exchanged?
    
        Yes. In order to have a right that can be exchanged you must have 
    timely submitted a preference right lease application. If you have 
    demonstrated a right to a lease, BLM may, in lieu of issuing the 
    preference right lease, negotiate for the selection of appropriate land 
    to exchange and establish lease terms for those lands.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.21   What types of lands can be exchanged?
    
        The lands to be leased in exchange for your existing rights must 
    be:
        (a) Subject to leasing under the authorities of this part; and
        (b) Acceptable to both you and BLM as a lease tract containing a 
    deposit of leasable or hardrock minerals of equal value to your 
    existing rights.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.22   What if the lands to be exchanged are not of equal 
    value?
    
        If the lands are not equal in value the grantor or the Secretary, 
    as circumstances require, may equalize the value by making a monetary 
    payment to the party receiving the property of lesser value. Such 
    payments cannot exceed 25 percent of the total value of the land or 
    interest transferred out of Federal ownership. The parties may mutually 
    agree to waive the monetary payment, if the Secretary determines that:
        (a) A waiver will expedite the exchange;
        (b) The public interest will be better served by the waiver than by 
    the payment; and
        (c) The amount to be waived is no more than 3 percent of the value 
    of the lands being transferred out of Federal ownership, or $15,000, 
    whichever is less.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.23   Might I be required to submit additional information?
    
        You must be willing to provide geologic and economic data to enable 
    BLM to determine the fair market value of your preference right or 
    lease to be relinquished.
    
    [[Page 54404]]
    
    Sec. 3515.25   If I agree on the lands to be leased in exchange, what 
    happens next?
    
        After you and BLM agree on the lands to be leased in exchange, BLM 
    will publish a notice of the proposed exchange in the Federal Register 
    and in a newspaper(s) in the county(s) where both the preference right 
    or lease lands and the proposed exchange lease lands are located. The 
    notice will include:
        (a) The time and place of a public hearing(s);
        (b) BLM's preliminary findings that the exchange is in the public 
    interest; and
        (c) A request for public comments on the merits of the proposed 
    exchange.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.26  When will BLM make a decision on the exchange?
    
        After the public hearing BLM will prepare a written decision that 
    issuance of the exchange lease is in the public interest. BLM will then 
    process the exchange lease.
    
    
    Sec. 3515.27  Will BLM attach any special provisions to the exchange 
    lease?
    
        The terms will contain:
        (a) A statement that you quitclaim and relinquish any right or 
    interest in your preference right lease application or lease exchanged; 
    and
        (b) A statement setting forth BLM's finding that the lease issuance 
    is in the public interest.
    
    Subpart 3516--Use Permits
    
    
    Sec. 3516.10  What are use permits?
    
        Use permits allow you to use the surface of lands not included 
    within your lease for purposes associated with the proper development 
    of your mineral deposits. Use permits are not prospecting permits.
    
    
    Sec. 3516.11  What commodities allow use permits?
    
        Use permits are issued only in support of phosphate and sodium 
    leases. For phosphate leases, BLM may issue you a permit to use up to 
    80 acres on unappropriated and unentered lands. For sodium leases BLM 
    may issue you a permit to use up to 40 acres.
    
    
    Sec. 3516.12  What activities can I conduct under a use permit?
    
        Phosphate use permits authorize you to conduct activities to 
    properly extract, treat, or remove the mineral deposits. Sodium use 
    permits authorize you to occupy camp sites, develop refining works and 
    to use the surface for other purposes connected with and necessary to 
    the proper development and use of the deposits. BLM cannot grant use 
    permits on National Forest System lands.
    
    
    Sec. 3516.15  How do I apply for use permits?
    
        You must file three copies of your application in the BLM office 
    administering the lands you are interested in. There is no specific 
    form required. Include a nonrefundable $25 filing fee and the first 
    year's rental. Calculate the rental in accordance with Sec. 3504.15.
    
    
    Sec. 3516.16  What must I include with my application?
    
        Provide specific reasons why you need the additional lands, 
    describe the lands applied for, provide any information demonstrating 
    that the lands are suitable and appropriate for your needs, and provide 
    evidence that the lands are unoccupied and unappropriated. Your 
    application must also contain an agreement to pay the annual charge 
    identified in the permit.
    
    
    Sec. 3516.20  Is there an annual fee or charge for use of the lands?
    
        Yes. You must pay the annual $1 per acre rental, or $20, whichever 
    is greater, on or before the anniversary date of the permit.
    
    
    Sec. 3516.30  What happens if I fail to pay the annual rental on my use 
    permit?
    
        Your use permit will terminate automatically if you fail to pay the 
    required rental within 30 days after BLM serves you a written notice of 
    the rental requirement.
    
    Subpart 3517--Special Provisions Applying to Hardrock Minerals
    
    
    Sec. 3517.10  What are development contracts and processing and milling 
    arrangements?
    
        Development contracts and processing and milling arrangements 
    involving hardrock minerals are agreements between one or more hardrock 
    mineral lessees and one or more other entities to justify large scale 
    operations for the discovery, development, production, or 
    transportation of ores.
    
    
    Sec. 3517.11  Are leases and permits covered by approved agreements 
    exempt from the acreage limitations?
    
        Yes. Hardrock mineral leases and permits committed to development 
    contracts or processing or milling arrangements approved by BLM are 
    exempt from acreage limitations.
    
    
    Sec. 3517.15  How do I apply for one of these agreements?
    
        No specific form is required. Submit three copies of your 
    application to the BLM office with jurisdiction over some or all of the 
    lands in which you are interested. Include the following information:
        (a) Copies of the contract or other agreement affecting the Federal 
    hardrock mineral leases or permits, or both;
        (b) A statement showing the nature and reason for your request;
        (c) A statement showing all the interests held in the area of the 
    agreement by the designated contractor; and
        (d) The proposed or agreed upon plan of operation for development 
    of the leased lands.
    
    
    Sec. 3517.16  How does BLM process my application?
    
        (a) BLM considers whether the agreement will conserve natural 
    resources and is in the public interest.
        (b) Once the agreement is signed by all the parties, BLM will 
    approve it.
    
    
    Sec. 3517.50  Can I collect mineral specimens for non-commercial 
    purposes?
    
        You may collect mineral specimens for hobby, recreation, 
    scientific, research or similar purposes. You do not need a prospecting 
    permit from BLM for these activities. However, the surface management 
    agency, including BLM, may require a use permit. That agency will issue 
    the permit, subject to any fees, terms and conditions that the agency 
    may impose.
    
    [FR Doc. 96-26398 Filed 10-17-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-94-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
10/18/1996
Department:
Land Management Bureau
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
96-26398
Dates:
You must submit your comments by January 16, 1997. BLM may not consider comments received after this date in developing the final rule.
Pages:
54384-54404 (21 pages)
Docket Numbers:
WO-320-1990-01-24 A
RINs:
1004-AC49: Management of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1004-AC49/management-of-solid-minerals-other-than-coal
PDF File:
96-26398.pdf
CFR: (280)
43 CFR 3504.15
43 CFR 3504.16
43 CFR 3504.17
43 CFR 3504.20
43 CFR 3504.21
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