Regulations last checked for updates: Feb 09, 2026

Title 43 - Public Lands: Interior last revised: Dec 18, 2025
§ 3503.37 - Is there a limit to the acreage of lands I can hold under permits and leases?

Yes. The limits are summarized in the following table:

Commodity Maximum acreage for a permit or lease Maximum acreage of permits and leases in any one State Maximum acreage in permits and leases nationwide
(a) Phosphate2,560 acresNone20,480 acres.
(b) Sodium2,560 acres5,120 acres (may be increased to 30,720 acres to facilitate an economic mine)None.
(c) Potassium2,560 acres96,000 acres (larger if necessary for extraction of potassium from concentrated brines in connection with an existing mining operation)None.
(d) Sulphur640 acres1,920 acres in 3 leases or permitsNone.
(e) Gilsonite5,120 acres7,680 acresNone.
(f) Hardrock Minerals2,560NoneNone.
(g) Asphalt640 acres2,560 acresOnly available in Oklahoma.
[64 FR 53536, Oct. 1, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 50449, Aug. 18, 2000; 90 FR 33312, July 17, 2025]
source: 64 FR 53536, Oct. 1, 1999, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 43 CFR 3503.37