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1. How much gold can be found on these mining claims? |
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Our mining claims are located in the richest (and proven) gold bearing regions in the United States. Simply put, gold is all around these regions, in the rivers, streams, dry gulches, high benches and bars, and still eroding out of the slopes. These regions were home to thousands of prospectors who combed the hills and valleys looking for that next mother lode. When considering where to prospect, one of the safest bets is to look for signs of old mining activity, such as flumes, mine dumps, old diggings, hydraulic operation sites, and especially tailing piles. It is important to understand that even the most effective large mining operations actually recovered only 60%-70% of the gold they dug up. The rest went back into the rivers, streams, and tailing piles. This was acceptable in those days as they focused on moving as much material as possible. | Prospecting for gold for our generation is much different that it was back then. There are volumes of historical data at our disposal, and matched with modern recovery detection and recovery equipment, we actually stand a greater chance of recovering more gold than our historic mining ancestors. Similar to the housing industry (location, location, location), every one of our properties is surrounded by proven gold bearing land. In some cases, our properties border historic placer and lode mines that recovered millions of dollars in gold. A few of our properties even border active gold mining operations. Here are some links concerning prospecting on old mining sites: Nugget Shooter (www.nuggetshooter.com): More on Tailings Ganes Creek Gold: Incredible nuggets found in tailing piles. The Nugget Hunter: Some good tips about being patient and knowing what to look for.
2. Is all the gold in the rivers and creeks? |
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Water, as an incredible force of nature, is a natural accumulator and classifier of heavy material, such as gold and platinum. The incredibly rich lode mines in these regions were found by the old timers when they located placer gold deposits and followed the gold bearing streams up to the source in the mountains. Placer mining operations have been very successful both in and out of current day waterways. Eons ago, the river ran a different course, and gold was deposited sometimes hundreds of feet away from the current day stream channel. These "ancient rivers of gold" have been known to provide some very excitint pay streaks. Finding these ancient riverbeds is normally very rewarding! | The smaller streams and gulches can contain incredible gold deposits which have been accumulating with each annual rush of spring thaw. Drainage areas, especially those directly below documented mines, have been known to produce phenomenal gold discoveries. Every square foot of these naturally created long toms should be thoroughly examined with multiple methods of prospecting.
3. How do I choose the best unpatented mining claim? |
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Choosing a mining claim is not easy because they all look great and all have incredible gold recovery potential. Our goal is to provide you with an unpatented mining claim that fits your prospecting goals and recreational desires. A prospector wishing to utilize only a metal detector may not be as interested in a claim containing large streams or a massive length of creek. Those prospectors interested in dredging will want properties with the most possible length of creek or stream. Privacy is also a consideration we take into account. Once you contact us with your desires, we'll be able to better help point you towards an unpatented mining claim which we feel best suits your desires, even if it is one that we do not own. | An Unpatented mining claim is a specific part of Federal land that is open to mineral entry and proven to contain a valuable mineral deposit. It is a specific land parcel which an individual or group has asserted a right of possession after submitting the required legal documentation. This right is restricted to the extraction and development of a mineral deposit. The government still owns the land, but you obtain the rights to extract the minerals.
4. What kind of prospecting can I do on my claim? |
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Each unpatented mining claim has different physical and geological attributes. You are able to employ various means of recovering gold based on these characteristics and your prospecting desires and interests. Metal detecting is very exciting in these regions, and nugget discoveries continue to be reported as more and more prospectors take to the hills with more technically advanced equipment. Tailing piles of hand-stacked cobles provide excellent detecting potential. Prospectors continue to do well utilizing power sluices and settling ponds up on the ancient benches and bars. These ancient rivers can contain incredible pay streaks, and very notable discoveries have been made hundreds of feet away from current day stream channels. Visit this link for more about these ancient river beds | Some prospectors prefer to get behind the nozzle of a suction dredge and effectively process material directly from the bedrock foundation of the rivers, streams, and gulches. Panning and sluicing are also popular prospecting activities. Exposed cracks in bedrock are excellent gold traps during flood stages. Moss-filled cracks are known to contain fabulous nuggets that have been trapped for the ages. Droughts and seasonal periods of low water provide exceptional gold sniping opportunities as areas normally covered with water are now readily accessible for detailed inspection. Our mining claims contain unlimited prospecting potential, and each method should be considered as a means to recover gold from your unpatented mining claim.
5. How much gold can I recover? |
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This is a very common question that miners get asked. The only way to recover gold on your mining claim is to get out there and look for it! The prospecting activities you choose and how hard you work will determine how much gold you recovery. Granted, some lucky prospectors happen to discover incredible nuggets right away, and others may take a decade to uncover their first "big one". New prospectors don't tend to be very patient, and most folks still think that an ounce a day should be the norm. The bottom line is that you must work at recovering gold. It will not just jump into your gold pan. Put the time in, explore the property completely and utilize every prospecting method possible. Gold prospecting is not for you if you are not willing to work! |
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| Bedrock outcroppings surrounding the streams and gulches are
littered with moss-filled crevices and cracks. These natural gold traps have been
hiding gold for centuries, and smart prospectors know to carefully investigate every single one! |
6. Can I visit and test the claim before purchase? |
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Absolutely! You may visit each of the properties we offer. We fully encourage potential buyers to walk each property they are interested in to get a better feel of the mining claim. You must contact us before you head out so that we can provide you with written permission and a map of the claim. This is important because it is illegal and punishable by law to prospect on another person's mining claim without permission. You may test the claim using only a gold pan and shovel. Motorized equipment, river sluices, and metal detectors are not permitted to use for testing purposes. These rules are in effect to preserve the integrity of the claim for the future owner. |
7. Can I finance my purchase? |
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Our goal is to make the opportunity of claim ownership available to all walks of life. We offer a variety of financing options based on your needs and budget. Our "zero percent" interest rate stays constant throughout the life of your loan. Please visit our Financing your purchase link below for more information. |
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| With every spring comes a rush of water from the melting snow and
ice covered mountains. The rivers, streams, and gulches swell with this enormous annual surge. This picture shows debris 5' off the ground that has been caught in a tree. This marks the normal spring high water mark. During this time, everything is moving down the valleys and gulches, including gold! Wise prospectors go back to low pressure areas they discovered in previous years to recover a new deposition of gold. |
8. Can I prospect on my claim as I am making payments? |
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Yes, you may prospect on your claim as you are making payments. We want you to get onto your property as soon as possible and begin to enjoy the benefits of gold prospecting. This privilege is granted for the life of your payment plan and remains in effect as long as your payments are delivered on time and your account is current. While you are paying off your purchase, we ask that you limit your dredge use to models with a suction nozzle of 4" and less. |
9. Can anyone deny me access to my unpatented mining claim? |
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According to Federal law, the owner of an unpatented mining claim cannot be denied access. In some cases, a claim may be located on property that is being used by other entities of the government, such as horse stables or a fill site for fire control. In those cases, there may be a gate on the road leading to your claim. The Forest Service (or whatever agency) must provide you with a key. These situations are rare but easily fixed with simple communication and proof of claim ownership. |
10. Are other people allowed to recreate on my unpatented mining claim? |
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Yes! Remember, as the owner of a mining claim on federal land, you legally own the rights to the minerals and the right to recover them. Others may in fact swim, fish, hike, and camp in any part of a national or state forest. You do, however, reserve the right to post signs that indicate that the property they are on is also a federal mining claim, and that the removal of any minerals is strictly forbidden by law. Some prospectors prefer unpatented mining claims away from common recreation areas. However, your privacy is normally preserved by the vastness of the national forest and the abundant recreational opportunities for people in other areas of this great expanse. |
11. Can I camp on my mining claim? |
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Yes! Camping within our national forests and on your mining claim is perfectly legal and represents a great way to enjoy the full beauty of our forests. Campfire permits are required in most national forests if you are camping outside of a designated (improved) campsite. These permits are normally free and can be obtained at the local Forest Service office. Please contact the Forest Service to obtain information about the disposal of waste and gray water. Also, it is important to be aware of the current fire risk status as the National Forest may suspend campfire permits if the risk of wildfire becomes too great. Some claim owners prefer to camp in refined campsites provided and maintained by the Forest Service. These campgrounds are abundant in this area, and there are normally a few to choose from within a few miles of your claim. Some have running water, bathrooms, phones, showers, and electric hookup capability. | |
Northwest Prospects fully supports all efforts to keep our National Forests beautiful and enjoyable for all. When enjoying this public land in our National Forests, it is important to prospect and camp in a responsible manner. Plan in advance, minimize campfire impacts, and respect wildlife and vegetation. Here is a helpful link about being responsible while enjoying the great outdoors.
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| Camping on your unpatented mining claim is a great way to enjoy the full compliments of the great outdoors. This is a superb escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Please do your part to preserve this natural beauty by limiting your campsites to areas on your claim that are naturally cleared and lack vegetation. Avoid cutting any plants or trees, and ensure your area is properly maintained and neat in appearance. |
12. What fees are associated with maintaining a mining claim? |
| The guidelines for maintaining an unpatented mining claim on federal land is actually quite easy to understand. First, an annual Maintenance Fee is due to BLM each year by 1 September. This fee ($140) keeps your claim in active status, and failure to pay this fee will result in your claim being closed. Another option (for owners of 10 mining claims or less) is to submit a "Small Miners Waiver" and perform maintenance work on your claim(s). Secondly, some states (California) charge taxes on mining claims. This annual fee is 1% of the value assessed on your claim and is usually under $40 a year. You will receive the assessment in the spring of each year, and a tax statement will be sent to you in the summer so you can pay the tax. |
We will handle both of these fees while you are paying off your purchase. These fees will be added to your account statement. Once you own the claim outright, you will be responsible for maintaining the legal status of your mining claim. Of course we are here to assist you in this process and want to help you learn how to maintain your mining claim correctly!  Feel free to contact the Bureau of Land Management directly if you have any questions concerning the proper way to maintain your mining claim.
13. What services do you provide? |
| We will ensure that the entire transaction from start to finish is smooth, easy to understand, and most importantly, preserves the legal status of your mining claim. Financing is easy, free of fees or interest, and allows you to get the most claim for your budget.
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If you are financing your purchase:
| We will maintain the claim with both the BLM and the State during your entire payment schedule. You will receive monthly statements (your choice via email or USPS mail) so that you can track the status of your account. Once we receive your final payment and your account has a zero balance, we will take the below steps: 1. You will be sent a preliminary change of ownership report (PCOOR) form. This allows us to legally transfer the deed of the claim from our name into yours (or the names you provide). 2. Upon receipt of this form back from you, we will send the deed to the County Recorder's Office so they can record the transfer of ownership. 3. The County Recorder's Office will record the Deed, apply the County stamp to it, and return it to us. 4. Once we receive it back from the County, we will make a copy of the new deed and deliver that copy to BLM so that they can record the transfer as well. 5. At that same time, we will mail the original Deed back to you, along with your maps and annual BLM maintenance information/forms. 6. This process normally takes about 30-45 days to complete from start to finish, based on the speed of the County Recorder's Office. 7. We are always available to help you if you have any questions when it comes time to file the state taxes (if required) or the BLM Maintenance fee. If you purchase a claim outright: Once we receive your full payment, we will take the below steps: 1. You will be sent a preliminary change of ownership report (PCOOR) form. This allows us to legally transfer the deed of the claim from our name into yours (or the names you provide). 2. Upon receipt of this form back from you, we will send the deed to the County Recorder's Office so they can record the transfer of ownership. 3. The County Recorder's Office will record the Deed, apply the County stamp to it, and return it to us. 4. Once we receive it back from the County, we will make a copy of the new deed and deliver that copy to BLM so that they can record the transfer as well. 5. At that same time, we will mail the original Deed back to you, along with your maps and annual BLM maintenance information/forms. 6. This process normally takes about 30-45 days to complete from start to finish, based on the speed of the County Recorder's Office. 7. We are always available to help you if you have any questions when it comes time to file the state taxes (if required) or the BLM Maintenance fee. |
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