Since 1966 the State of Minnesota has offered leases of its nonferrous metallic mineral interests for exploration and development according to Minnesota Statutes and Rules. Primarily this is accomplished through a public competitive bid offering known as the Public Metallic Mineral Lease Sale. In some cases private mineral exploration companies have obtained negotiated state leases. Currently there are 191 active state nonferrous metallic minerals leases located within 6 counties in the northern-half of Minnesota. There are a total of 9 companies holding state nonferrous metallic mineral leases. Targeted minerals for exploration include copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), platinum group metals (PGM - group of 6 metallic elements), titanium (Ti), and gold (Au).
Purpose and policies
Policies and fiduciary responsibilities related to leasing of state managed mineral rights for nonferrous metallic mineral exploration.
Purpose and policies »
Public lease sales
Information about the state's public nonferrous metallic mineral leases sales. DNR has been offering leases in this manner since 1966.
Public lease sale »
Negotiated leases
Private exploration companies can also request the DNR to lease state managed mineral rights outside of a public lease sale.
Negotiated leases »
Exploration plans and regulations
Minnesota's regulations and reclamation rules related to metallic mineral exploration.
Exploration plans and regulations »
Lease activity reported annually
How many active state nonferrous metallic mineral leases are there? Where are they located?
Lease activity »
State nonferrous metallic mineral leasing web map
Web map displaying active and historic state nonferrous leases along with lease sale, negotiated lease requests, and land use screening data
Web map »
Real estate terminology
Defining the surface, mineral, and severed estates.
Real estate terminology »
History of leasing and drilling
DNR analysis of 50 years of state nonferrous metallic mineral leasing and drilling. What is the percentage of state leased parcels that had exploration drilling?
Leasing history »
Further reference
Publications
View or download a selection of publications from Lands and Minerals Division including those related to mining and minerals.
Publications »
GIS data and maps
The Lands and Minerals Division has a history of creating, maintaining, and sharing spatial datasets and digital print maps.
GIS data and maps »