Closed Mining Claims Research Tool

[Mountaineer Matt]

Hey all,

I'm in the process of developing a tool that converts closed claim information from BLM and converts it to a Google Earth file that highlights where dropped claims are on a map. Essentially, it will create a map of claims that were "closed" the previous day. I have searched for other tools that have this capability, with the main tools being Land Matters, Gold Maps, Mine Cache, but they all seem to be updated every two weeks at best, and some of them still reference the LR2000, which was ended in 2023. This leads me to the impression that there is nothing out there that provides this information on a map within 24 hours of BLM updating a claim status.

My question is if anyone knows of any other tool that provides this service, and how frequently it's updated.

I am also looking to get feedback on this idea from the community, and possibly beta testers when I roll it out. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, or have any ideas for a tool like this, I am open to feedback.

 

[Clay Diggins]

Hey Matt,

The BLM mining claim online mapping is months out of date. There are mining claims closed months ago still being displayed as Active claims on the MLRS maps. Not a reliable source.

You will need to process the raw HQ MLRS data to determine recent closures. The MLRS data is made available by the BLM National Operations Center twice a month as a full MLRS database dump. You will need to register to access the data but it's free. The mining claims raw data download is about 35 Gb twice a month. Double that to 70 Gb (140 Gb per month) if you want the case recordation files too. That's as current as you will ever get on mining claims and federal land status in the United States.

Land Matters has the most current claims mapping available anywhere. They also display thousands of current active mining claims that are unavailable anywhere else - including the MLRS, BLM, paid, free and State maps.

Land Matters Claims Advantage Members receive twice monthly closed claims reports and maps - information unavailable elsewhere. You could do that as well with the raw data twice a month.

Those are the facts. I wish you well in your efforts. I like the idea.  If you want assistance with your project or you have questions I would be glad to help.

Barry