Assessment Work

Abstract

The statutory statement on assessment work is found in 30 U.S. ∫ 28 as follows: “On each claim located after the 10th day of May, 1872, and until a patent has been issued therefor, not less than $100 worth of labor shall be performed or improvements made during each year.” The purpose of the requirement is to promote the development of the mineral discovery, and therefore assessment work must tend to outline, develop, or exploit the ore body. The assessment year begins at noon September 1 but no assessment work is required for the year in which a claim is located.

“Failure of a mining claimant to comply substantially with the requirement of an annual expenditure of $100 in labor or improvements on a claim... will render the claim subject to cancellation.”

43 CFR 3851.3 [a]