Minerals

The state of Utah recognizes and declares that the beds of navigable waters within the state are owned by the state and are among the basic resources of the state, and that there exists, and has existed since statehood, a public trust over and upon the beds of these waters. It is also recognized that the public health, interest, safety, and welfare require that all uses on, beneath or above the beds of navigable lakes and streams of the state be regulated, so that the protection of navigation, fish and wildlife habitat, aquatic beauty, public recreation, and water quality will be given due consideration and balanced against the navigational or economic necessity or justification for, or benefit to be derived from, any proposed use. As the state of Utah holds mineral title to the resources beneath the beds of navigable lakes and streams, the division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands manages the mineral estate of these lands for the benefit of the people.

Utah Code Section 65A-6-2 authorizes the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to issue mineral leases and manages mineral resources under the beds of navigable lakes and streams (Sovereign Lands) and delegates the authority to manage other land-managing state agencies mineral interests, except Trust Lands Administration minerals (SITLA), on behalf of the agencies. Other state lands mineral and energy resources managed by the Division include lands owned by Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.

The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands promulgated rules from 65A-6-2 that are used to manage the state’s mineral and energy resources. Specifically, Utah Administrative Rule Section R652-20 governs the nomination, bidding, and leasing process of subsurface mineral and energy resources. In 2024, the Utah legislature passed the Great Salt Lake Preservation Act HB 453, and from this legislation the Division wrote Utah Administrative Rule Section R652-21 which specifically governs surface brine resources of Great Salt Lake. These rules and the most recent Lease Offerings for Simultaneous Bids are linked below.