New Mexico Statutes Chapter 69. Mines § 69-3-12.1. Annual labor and annual filings

The owner of an unpatented lode or placer mining claim shall, prior to December 31 of each year following the calendar year in which such claim was located, file for record in the office of the clerk of the county in which the mining claim is located either a notice of intention to hold the mining claim (including but not limited to such notices as are provided by law to be filed when there has been a suspension or deferment of annual assessment work), an affidavit of assessment work performed thereon or for the benefit thereof, (stating, among other facts, that the assessment work was performed before 12:00 noon of September 1 of that calendar year) or a detailed report relating to geological, geophysical or geochemical surveys. An affidavit of assessment work shall set forth the time when such work was done and the amount, character and cost thereof, together with the name of the person who performed such work. The affidavit, when made and filed as herein provided, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated. The failure to make and file the affidavit as herein provided, shall, in any contest, suit or proceeding touching the title to such claim, place the burden of proof upon the owner of the claim to show that the work has been done according to law.