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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

H. R. 643: A bill to amend section 37 of the Mineral Leasing Act relating to oil shale claims, and for other purposes. One Hundredth First Congress, First Session, January 24, 1989, May 14, 1989

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OSTI ID:5659514

Certain oil shale mining claims filed under the General Mining Law of May 10, 1872 that were maintained in compliance with that law were upheld by section 37 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Since almost none of the oil shale claims have been developed for their oil shale in the intervening 69 years, Congress wishes some final resolution of these claims so that Federal lands affected may be properly managed for their mineral resources. Therefore this bill would require holders of claims to elect either to apply for a lease for the deposit or to apply for a patent and develop the deposit. A lease would be good for 20 years or for so long as oil shale or associated minerals are produced annually in commercial quantities. A patent requires diligent efforts toward the production of oils shale or associated minerals each year that commercial production is not attained. Payments in lieu of diligent development are allowed equal to 5000 dollars per year payable to the Secretary of the Interior.

OSTI ID:
5659514
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English