Availability Manual Section- MS-3800- Mining Claims under the General Mining Laws

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

July 18, 2016

In Reply Refer To:  

3800 (320) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 08/12/2016

Information Bulletin No. 2016-070

To:                   All Field Officials

From:               Assistant Director, Energy, Minerals and Realty Management

Subject:           Availability Manual Section – MS-3800 – Mining Claims under the General Mining Laws

This Information Bulletin (IB) announces the release of the final revised manual section MS-3800, “Administration of the General Mining Laws.”  The manual section contains general policy for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employees to follow regarding the Mining Law Administration Program (MLAP).  This manual section has been reviewed, finalized, and approved for field use. 

A recent audit by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) found “design flaws in BLM’s policies and procedures” regarding the expenditure of MLAP funds.  This manual section was revised to emphasize BLM’s strict requirements on the appropriate use of MLAP funds.  BLM policies and procedures outlined in these documents may differ from current practices.  Field officials must ensure all BLM employees that work within this program receive this IB and implement the policy contained within the new manual section.    

For additional information, you may contact Mitchell Leverette, Chief, Division of Solid Minerals, at (202) 912-7113, or your staff may contact Adam Merrill, Geologist, at 202-912-7044.

Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:

Michael D. Nedd                                            Robert M. Williams

Assistant Director                                           Division of IT Policy and Planning,WO-870

Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management