California Claim Jumps The Rights Of Miners On Federal Land

October 26, 2016 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

The State of California prosecuted PLF Client Brandon Rinehart for using a suction dredge — basically a vacuum — to mine for gold on his claim in a federal forest. The state has banned the use of this equipment everywhere, including on federal property. The only means available for the miners who hold these claims is using a shovel and pan, which isn’t commercially practicable.