| We get a lot of requests for gold claim maps in Alaska. There are maps available, but they are not to be trusted except as a general guide to where the activity is. The maps are usually on a scale that does not allow for the exact location of claim lines. Maps of this sort are only a snapshot of the claims the day they are printed. In most areas where there really is some gold, however, the claims tend to last for decades, so where you see claims they probably still are. It's the ''unclaimed'' areas you must beware of. They may have been claimed since the map was put out. However, the State of Alaska has finally acted to help correct this situation. The new Mining Claims Information website allows you to get up-to-date maps online showing mining claims and land ownership of any area in Alaska! The site is slow, so be patient, but the wait is worth it. It is recommended that you always use this site before visiting a new area to avoid being on a mining claim without permission. Please note that the claim locations are approximate. If you are working very close to a mapped claim, you still should obtain the original claim information from the State or Federal offices to get an exact location. Also be aware that there is some lag time in new claims being shown on this site. We have one big piece of advice. If you are going to a place you know gold has been found historically, always assume it is claimed unless you have proven otherwise. Following this simple advice will help insure unpleasant situations do not occur!
The Official Minerals Policy of the United States of America United States Code Sec. 21a. National mining and minerals policy; ''minerals'' defined; execution of policy under other authorized programs The Congress declares that it is the continuing policy of the Federal Government in the national interest to foster and encourage private enterprise in (1) the development of economically sound and stable domestic mining, minerals, metal and mineral reclamation industries, (2) the orderly and economic development of domestic mineral resources, reserves, and reclamation of metals and minerals to help assure satisfaction of industrial, security and environmental needs, (3) mining, mineral, and metallurgical research, including the use and recycling of scrap to promote the wise and efficient use of our natural and reclaimable mineral resources, and (4) the study and development of methods for the disposal, control, and reclamation of mineral waste products, and the reclamation of mined land, so as to lessen any adverse impact of mineral extraction and processing upon the physical environment that may result from mining or mineral activities. For the purpose of this section ''minerals'' shall include all minerals and mineral fuels including oil, gas, coal, oil shale and uranium. It shall be the responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior to carry out this policy when exercising his authority under such programs as may be authorized by law other than this section.
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