How to Know If Your Mining Claim Is Worth Selling, Holding, or Partnering
So… you’ve got a mining claim.
Now what?
Maybe it was passed down in the family. Maybe you bought it years ago. Or maybe you staked it yourself after finding something promising. Either way, you’re asking the same question we hear from folks all over the West:
“Is this thing actually worth anything — and what should I do with it?”
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a smarter way to figure it out — without throwing it up on Craigslist or leaving it to collect dust (and BLM fees).
Let’s walk through the three paths most claim owners face — and how to know which one’s right for you.
First: What Do You Really Own?
Before you do anything, it’s worth taking a good hard look at what you’ve actually got.
Is it a lode or a placer claim? Is it legally accessible? Is it in a known geologic formation? Has it ever been worked before?
We’ve seen too many folks try to market or develop a claim based on hearsay — only to find out they’re missing paperwork, location markers, or a key geologic factor that buyers care about.
If you’re not sure how to gather the basics, don’t stress. This is exactly what we help with. We offer affordable Claim Review Packages that pull all this together so you can make informed decisions from a real foundation.
Option 1: Sell It
If you’re no longer working the claim, don’t plan to, or just want to cash out — selling might be your best move.
That said, selling a claim isn’t as simple as uploading a photo and waiting for the offers. Buyers today want data, not just dreams.
What helps sell fast and at full value:
Recent photos or drone footage
Map of claim boundaries + access routes
Any kind of assay or geologic data
A well-written listing with the right keywords
If your claim has those things, you’re ahead of the game. If not — good news — that’s our specialty.
Option 2: Hold It
Plenty of folks choose to hold. And for good reason:
Maybe you're waiting for the right market conditions. Maybe you want to do more exploration. Maybe you’re not quite ready to let it go.
That’s totally valid — but don’t just sit on it. Consider investing in a LIDAR map, geology summary, or baseline documentation while you hold. These assets increase both the claim’s real and perceived value — and make your eventual sale much easier.
Option 3: Partner or JV
This is the least talked-about but often smartest option: forming a Joint Venture with someone who has the capital or equipment to help work the property.
In a JV, you keep ownership but share the upside. We’ve helped dozens of claim owners prep JV decks, market to investor networks, and negotiate terms that protect their rights.
Not every claim qualifies — but if yours has a story to tell and potential to scale, this could be the golden middle ground between selling and sitting.
A Quick Reality Check on Today’s Market
We’re in an age of data-driven buyers.
Whether it’s a recreational buyer, a small-scale operation, or a capital group, they want proof:
Host rock details
Regional geologic context
Water access
Proof of past production
Clean claim paperwork
Without those? You’re likely getting lowball offers — or worse, no traction at all.
So… What’s the Move?
If you’re still unsure, that’s OK. You’re not alone.
Most claim owners don’t specialize in valuation, geology, or marketing. That’s why we built our free 15-minute claim review — a no-pressure call where we help you figure out what your options really are.
👉 Click here to schedule it.
Or just give us a ring at 507-456-1083 and we’ll walk you through it.
Want to Get a Head Start?
We also put together a resource that’s been downloaded by hundreds of claim owners across the western U.S.:
📝 The Claim Seller’s Field Guide: 7 Keys to Maximize the Value of Your Mining Property
Totally free. No strings. Just the stuff we wish every client knew before listing.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect answer for every claim. But there is a better way to make the decision.
Our job is to bring clarity, confidence, and a path forward — whether that’s helping you sell, explore, or build something that lasts.
You don’t need to figure it out alone. We’re just a message away.
