H.R. 2925 would expand the rights of hardrock mining claimants on federal land. Under the bill, claimants would have the right to use and occupy public land without having first discovered a valuable mineral deposit so long as they make timely payments of the required fees to stake and maintain their claim. Under current law, some claimants can have those fees waived, but the bill would not limit claimants mining rights if they received such a waiver. H.R. 2925 also would allow claimants to complete activities on unclaimed public land if the activity is associated with mining operations on claimed land.
