Idaho § 47-701 - Reservation of mineral deposits to state - Terms defined
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 47-701 — Reservation of mineral deposits to state - Terms defined, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47-701. Reservation of mineral deposits to state - Terms defined
(1) The terms "mineral lands," "mineral," "mineral deposits," "deposit," and "mineral right," as used in this chapter, and amendments thereto shall be construed to mean and include all coal, oil, oil shale, gas, phosphate, sodium, asbestos, gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, antimony, geothermal resources, salable minerals, and all other mineral lands, minerals or deposits of minerals of whatsoever kind or character.
(2) Such deposits in lands belonging to the state are hereby reserved to the state and are reserved from sale except upon a rental and royalty basis and except when the surface estate is identified by the state board of land commissioners as having the potential highest and best use for development purposes, such as residential, commercial or industrial purposes. Except for the aforementioned purposes, the purchaser of all other state land shall acquire no right, title or interest in or to such deposits, and the right of such purchaser shall be subject to the reservation of all mineral deposits and to the conditions and limitations prescribed by law providing for the state and persons authorized by it to prospect for, mine, and remove such deposits and to occupy and use so much of the surface of said land as may be required for all purposes reasonably incident to the mining and removal of such deposits therefrom.
(3) An exchange of state land consummated by the board under authority of section 58-138 , Idaho Code, shall not be considered a sale of state lands. The transfers of mineral deposits heretofore made in such exchanges are hereby approved.
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 47-701
What does Idaho Statutes § 47-701 cover?
Section 47-701 ("Reservation of mineral deposits to state - Terms defined") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Idaho § 47-701?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 47-701" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 47-701 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.