Drilling and Exploration by the Bureau of Mines on Registered Mining Claims.
Section 95
SEC. 95. Drilling and Exploration by the Bureau of Mines on Registered Mining Claims. - In accordance with the mineral policy of the Government, the Bureau of Mines shall give priority to the exploration, development and exploitation of critical and/or valuable commercial minerals needed to meet urgent national demands and economic development, and for this purpose, the Bureau of Mines may conduct exploration and drilling work not only in public lands and government reservations, but also within claims located and recorded by private parties and using for such purpose its funds, personnel and equipment. In the latter case, and in the event that commercial deposits are proven by such exploration and drilling work, such private parties shall reimburse the Bureau of Mines of all the expenses it incurred in exploring and drilling said mining claims, or part thereof, based on a schedule of reimbursement approved by the Secretary upon recommendation of the Director. The lease which may be granted covering the area so explored and drilled shall contain stipulations as to the term of payment five (5) years from the date of the lease, and with surcharges not exceeding twelve per centum (12%) per annum on the total expenses incurred by the Bureau of Mines. The declaration of location form to be used in locating and recording mining claims, shall contain a proviso recognizing the authority of the Director or his representative to enter the mining claims located and recorded by private parties, and may conduct such exploration work within the area when in his opinion it is to the best interest of the country that the Bureau of Mines undertake such work.