Why This Matters
The CLAIM Act of 2025 updates the fees for maintaining mining claims and provides exemptions for small miners. It ensures that fees reflect the distance from protected areas and inflation over time.
If you own a mining claim, your maintenance fees could change based on how close you are to protected areas.
Affects: Hardrock miners and small mining operators across the United States.
What changes is this bill making?
1. This bill changes the fees for maintaining hardrock mining claims based on their distance from protected areas. 2. Claims located within protected areas will require a fee of $1,100, while those farther away will have lower fees. 3. The bill allows for fee adjustments every five years to keep up with inflation. 4. Small miners are exempt from certain fees and assessment work requirements. 5. The Secretary of the Interior will use the fees collected to manage mining laws.
Who is affected?
Hardrock miners and small mining operators across the United States.