Exploration and Exploitation of Reserved Lands.
Section 8
SEC. 8. Exploration and Exploitation of Reserved Lands. - When lands within reservations, which have been established for purposes other than mining, are found to be more valuable for their mineral contents, they may, upon recommendation of the Secretary be withdrawn from such reservation by the President and established as a mineral reservation. When practicable, prospecting and exploration of minerals in reserved lands may be undertaken by the Bureau of Mines or by any proper government agency. Said reservation shall be opened to mining by the Government or its instrumentality or by any qualified person through competitive bidding under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Secretary, or through contracts of service with any party or parties, domestic or foreign, duly qualified as to organization, finances, resources, experience and technical competence, subject in any case to the approval of the President. In the event that the proper government agencies cannot undertake the prospecting and exploration of minerals in the reserved lands, qualified persons or corporations may be permitted to undertake such prospecting and exploration in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary. The right to exploit therein shall be awarded by the President under such terms and conditions as recommended by the Director and approved by the Secretary, Provided, That the persons or corporations who undertook prospecting and exploration of said area shall be given priority.