Mining claims in Arizona dropped by 9,000 in 2014

Mining claims on federal lands in Arizona decreased by approximately 9,000 in 2014 from their highest level in at least a decade, to the lowest level since 2008.  The causes may be in part the lower commodity prices last year, but the federal land agency fee increases may be the bigger factor, with marginal or low priority claims being dropped, particularly by small companies and individuals.