Magazine

PLP and Mining Districts

PLP Update

July 2021 by Scott Harn

Public Lands for the People (PLP) provided two updates that our readers need to be aware of.

First, a friend (and member of PLP) advised them that the Tahoe National Forest has embraced PLP’s recent call for reclamation dredging.

PLP has developed a plan to get dredgers back in the water by embracing the fact that suction gold dredgers can provide a valuable service by reclaiming waterways.

Suction gold dredgers are in the unique position to extract and remove mercury, lead, and other contaminants from America’s waterway. PLP laid out a plan of action, and is providing specific instructions on how to establish a partnership that qualifies as a reclamation entity that can dredge in states like California, and the Tahoe National Forest is “on board.” (You’ll have to join PLP to receive instructions on how to establish such a qualifying partnership.)

Second, PLP reminded us that there is such a thing as a “paper hanger.” A “paper hanger” is an individual or entity that files a claim over an existing claim, and then sells or attempts to sell that claim via online companies like eBay.

PLP northern director Clark Pearson stated they have received numerous complaints from prospectors and miners who have purchased such a claim and then learned that the claim is invalid.

The lesson learned is that you should never purchase a claim on eBay without first testing that claim for its mineral potential and without checking the status of the claim with the Bureau of Land Management and with the County Recorder where that claim is located.

There is absolutely no excuse for failing to adequately check the status of a claim. With the price of gold floating between $1,750 and $1,900 per troy ounce, there are plenty of swindlers who will try to take advantage of your lack of research.

The message here is, “Buyer Beware!” Consider this a friendly reminder to do your homework before buying a mining claim.