Code of Federal Regulations Title 43. Public Lands:  Interior § 43.3809.101 What special provisions apply to minerals that may be common variety minerals, such as sand, gravel, and building stone?

(a) Mineral examination report. On mining claims located on or after July 23, 1955, you must not initiate operations for minerals that may be “common variety” minerals, as defined in § 3711.1(b) of this title, until BLM has prepared a mineral examination report, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Interim authorization. Until the mineral examination report described in paragraph (a) of this section is prepared, BLM will allow notice-level operations or approve a plan of operations for the disputed mining claim for—

(c) Determination of common variety. If the mineral examination report under paragraph (a) of this section concludes that the minerals are common variety minerals, you may either relinquish your mining claim(s) or BLM will initiate contest proceedings. Upon relinquishment or final departmental determination that the mining claim(s) is null and void, you must promptly close and reclaim your operations unless you are authorized to proceed under parts 3600 and 3610 of this title.

(d) Disposal. BLM may dispose of common variety minerals from unpatented mining claims in accordance with the provisions of § 3601.14 of this chapter.