Federal Mineral Leasing Act

The Federal Mineral Leasing Act, enacted in 1920, governs how the U.S. government manages the leasing of public lands for mining of minerals like oil, coal, and natural gas. It establishes procedures for lease sales, ensuring fair competition and setting terms for royalties and revenue sharing. The goal is to balance resource development with environmental and public interests, providing a legal framework that allows responsible extraction while generating income for federal and state governments.