If you have ever happened upon the remnants of a collection of cabins, an abandoned cemetery, or even an entire ghost town while hiking in the back country, they were likely built or supported by mining. Stay Out Stay Alive is a private organization dedicated to changing the way that the American public views mining and abandoned mines.
Mining’s reputation has been tarnished over the years. The truth is that the American West was built by independent miners. Since the 1800s, these intrepid individuals were instrumental in establishing the small towns from the heights of the Rockies all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and the fruits of their labor often developed them into the metropolitan centers that they are today. Mining also allowed farms and ranches struggling through droughts and famines to break even and remain afloat.
For over 200 years, the independent miner has been an integral part of the American story. We encourage you to bookmark this site and visit once we are fully up and running. Stay Out Stay Alive will be your single source for mining news, history, and resources to help you rediscover this fundamental part of American industry and even get started on your own mining claim. Navigating the bureaucracy of casual use mining on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Forest Service can be daunting, but our guides will help you through the process of locating and filing a claim, finding and mining gold and other minerals safely, and get you up to speed on all the applicable mining laws.
If you have ever dreamed of striking it rich in an underground tunnel, panning a stream leisurely in your free time, or are just curious and want to learn more about the brave souls that came before us, come back and visit to rediscover the roots of the American West.
Our comprehensive resource guides will guide you on your journey to casual use mining on public land. Our Mining 101 series includes:
Stay up to date with latest news and events in the mining world.
The American West is full of stories of intrigue, desperation, and the human experience. Take a look through our library to relive some of these adventures and discover the sometimes forgotten background that makes up the world we know today.
Stay connected with links to organizations and action groups dedicated to preserving mining history and the use of public lands.