Compiled Laws, Chapter 750. Michigan Penal Code § 750.538

Sec. 538. (1) Any sales, transfers, or shipments of copper or silver ore, bullion, pig, or copper or silver in the raw or unmanufactured state in any county of this state where copper and silver are mined, by any person not engaged in the business of mining or producing copper or silver ore, bullion, pig, or copper or silver in the unmanufactured state, shall be unlawful unless and until a memorandum thereof shall be filed with the county clerk of the county where such sale or transfer shall take place, giving the names of the parties, the dates, consideration, and origin of the copper or silver so sold, transferred, or shipped or offered for sale, transfer, or shipping; and in all cases where the origin of the copper or silver is not known, no sale, transfer, or shipment shall be made without a certificate being attached to such memorandum of sale duly signed by the county clerk, constable, or deputy sheriff, stating in substance that he or she has investigated the source or origin of the copper or silver offered for sale, transfer, or shipment, and that in his or her opinion the articles have not been stolen, and that the parties thereto have a right to sell, transfer, and ship the same.

(2) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00.