The Mining Act of 1872 (United States)

The Mining Act of 1872 is a U.S. law that governs the exploration and extraction of minerals on federal land. It allows individuals and companies to stake claims for mining, primarily for gold, silver, and other valuable minerals. The act stipulates that claimants can own the extracted resources after paying a small fee and following certain regulations. Its goal was to encourage development and settlement in the West. However, it has faced criticism for environmental impacts and outdated provisions, prompting calls for reform to balance mining interests with ecological and community concerns.