Over the Divide

January 2014 by Scott Harn

Exploration, Development and Taxes

May 2007
Further demonstrating the importance of seeking professional assistance and advice are the tax rules governing the expenses of a mining company. The tax treatment of mine exploration and mine development costs is confusing, complex and often overlooked or ignored—except by the ever-vigilant Internal Revenue Service.

Underground Geologic Mapping

February 2000
Mapping geology underground is not difficult if one knows the procedures. This article presents the procedures that will allow any miner to produce a geologic map of their workings.

Forest Service v. Michael & Linda Backlund

December 2010
On Tuesday morning, August 26, 2010, my clients Michael and Linda Backlund were forced to plead guilty to a charge of violating 36 CFR §261.10(b), which criminalizes maintaining a residence on Forest Service land without authorization “when such authorization is required.” This is a new regulation pursuant to which virtually anything, even a tent, is an unlawful “residence” unless authorized in advance.

Melman on Gold & Silver

January 2008
Not being a psychiatrist, this writer is not aware of the specific term for a condition laymen refer to as “split personality.” However, whatever that term might be, it would be wholly appropriate for the news background during the past month. We were first subjected to one news story after another that suggested that our economic world was on a truly shaky foundation—and then, suddenly, we were “blessed” with a barrage of positive developments.

GATA Update

March 2001
GATA’s claims of gold market manipulation “were publicized by the South African press and were presented to important South African officials,” stated Murphy in a recent press release. Here are a few of the highlights:

Legislative and Regulatory Update

July 2004
• Enviros lose in Utah, but is this a win for miners?
• BLM slates July meetings for Cortez Gold Mine
• ESA comments needed
• NMFS hatchery policy angers ESA critics

Landowners See Potential Gold Mine in Uranium Ore

December 2007
A group of Pittsylvania County landowners sitting on 92 million pounds of uranium ore wants Virginia to end its 25-year ban on uranium mining.

Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill   • Ask the Experts: Big rocks or small cobbles?   • Ask the Experts: Quartz rock and the chance of gold in my area of New Hampshire?   • Ask the Experts: Equipment and gold locations in Colorado   • Ask the Experts: Silent partners and mining—is it worth the risk?   • Sierra County Gold—Part II   • The Silver Islet Mountains of Utah   • Gold Placers of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska   • Alternative Gold Leaching Methods   • Prospecting for Diamonds in Kimberlite   • Additional Note Regarding "Strategic Metals—Part II"   • Take a Kid Detecting   • Melman on Gold & Silver   • Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices

Free:
Legislative and Regulatory Update   • California Gold Adventure