General Information Request Process

SQL Database

This has the information for our county property files, county and collection map files, and claim files. Usually we would look into both property files (pf table) and map files (mf).
The claim files (claim main) have basic information about claims that appear, however nominally, in other files (mostly maps). These have primarily geolocation information. We don’t tend to start a search from this table.

-Searching the pf table

Typically we search “any part of field” to allow for the variants that might occur in either the naming or the entering of the name. If you are starting with a name of a mine:
You can begin refining by county, especially if it is a very common mine name like Copper Queen
The mining claim field is the field for the mine name. In addition to searching here for a name, you will want to look at associated names.
Inquiries sometimes start with TRS information.
Using Selection will help refine the search.

-Searching the mf table

Tony includes the property or the collection in the mine name. This hasn’t always been true, so you might have to use geolocation information from claim main or pf.
Otherwise, the search process is similar to property files.

Publications Search

In the Historic folder on the mining archives server, open Publications folder. The database “NU-PubListing” will help locate publications from MBMG and other agencies located in our building. The Billings office also has a library.
Our libraries in the NRB are located in our office (217), in Kaleb Scarberry’s office (209) or upstairs across the hall from GWIC.

BLM GLO

This is a good site to check for images of original documents and maps.

*Files are located at \\mbmgs1a\Historic\Information Requests References (as of July 2021)

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Montana Hard Rock Mining Information

To find "Closed Claims" go here. There is a tutorial about how to use this site.

To look for township, rangd and section for a claim, please use the Montana Cadastral site.

To view information about specific claims patents, view the GLO Records.

Montana Department of Environmental Quality regulates mining in the state.

Another resource to locate information about mining and minerology. Also connecting with your local mineral clubs will help you learn more about mining opportunities in your ares.

Useful Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Publications/Sales

Applied Gold Placer Exploration and Evaluation Techniques
Montana Placer Mining BMPs (Best Management Practices): Guidelines for Planning, Erosion Control, and Reclamation
Gold placers of Montana (reprinted 1987)
Resources for Placer Mining

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Mineral Water Rights Ownership

To find out ownership of mineral/water rights, contact the clerk and recorder office of the county.

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Helpful Websites Index

Montana Cadastral
Earthpoint
Montana Board of Natural Gas & Oil
USGS Features Locator
USGS Maps
Convert to WGS84
ProQuest Digital Sanborn Maps
Data Preservation & Conservation Information
Northeast Document Conservation Center
Library of Congress Information
NGS Coordinate Conversion and Transformation Tool
Montana State University Geographic Unit Converter
Download Google Earth Pro
Atlas of Historical County Boundaries
BLM General Land Office Records
USGS Aerial Photo Search
University of North Texas Library
USGS Publications
Hathi Trust Digital Library
Library of Congress, Chronicling America
Wyoming State Geological Survey Publications
Internet Archive
National Archives
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Publications
USGS National Minerals Information Center
USGS Mineral Resources Online Spacial Data
Montana Diggings
Commodity Information