ARIZONA MINING PERMITTING GUIDE - AZGS Document Repository

State Lands - Locatable Minerals
Arizona State Land Department
1616 West Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-542-4628
www.land.state.az.us
Arizona Mining Permitting Guide
PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS OR FILINGS:
Mineral Leases - Locatable Minerals (base and precious metals and certain industrial
minerals)
LEGAL AUTHORITY:
A.R.S. §§ 27-231 through 27-256
CONDITIONS REQUIRING PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS OR FILINGS:
Mineral Lease:
Description: Mineral leases are issued for a period of 20 years with a preferred right to renew
the lease for an additional term of twenty years. Mineral leases grant the exclusive right to
conduct mining operations on the land covered by the lease.
A Mineral Development Report, which is a comprehensive document, comprised of a
geologic evaluation, economic feasibility, environmental assessment, mine operation and
reclamation and closure plans, must be submitted with the mineral lease application. An
archaeological survey and biological evaluation is required.
Authorization: Prior to conducting any mining operations on the land covered by the lease, the
lessee must receive authorization from the Department in the form of approved Mine
Operation and Reclamation and Closure Plans.
FEES:
An application fee of $500 is required for each mineral lease application. The lessee is also
required to pay for an appraisal of the property (A.R.S. § 27-234). Appraisal costs can vary
but typically cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Rents and royalties are based on the
aforementioned appraisal and in the case of rents will vary directly with surface values. Rents
are typically assessed at 5 percent of land value while production royalties range from two
percent to eight percent of gross mineral values. A minimum annual royalty, based on the
proposed production, is required.
AVERAGE PROCESSING TIME:
The issuance of a mining lease generally requires six to nine months from the time of
application. Approval of a Mine Operation and Reclamation and Closure Plans may require
60 days from the date of receipt.
FORMS:
www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/mineral_leasing.htm
www.land.state.az.us/programs/operations/applications.htm#appMineral
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