43 C.F.R. § 3505.10
What is a prospecting permit?
Cite as 43 C.F.R. § 3505.10 (2026)
(a) A prospecting permit gives you the exclusive right to prospect on and explore lands available for leasing under this part to determine if a valuable deposit exists of:
(1) Phosphate;
(2) Sodium;
(3) Potassium;
(4) Sulphur;
(5) Gilsonite; or
(6) A hardrock mineral.
(b) Prospecting permits are not available for asphalt.
(c) You may remove only material needed to demonstrate the existence of a valuable mineral deposit.