Indian Mineral Leasing Act of 1938
From Open Energy Information
| Statute Name | Indian Mineral Leasing Act |
|---|---|
| Year | 1938 |
| Url | 
|
| Description | Provides for leasing of minerals on tribal lands |
| References | IMLA[1] United States v. Navajo Nation[2] |
The Indian Mineral Leasing Act of 1938 (IMLA) provides that “[u]nallotted lands within any Indian reservation,” or otherwise under federal jurisdiction, “may, with the approval of the Secretary [of the Interior (Secretary)] … , be leased for mining purposes, by authority of the tribal council or other authorized spokesmen for such Indians.” 25 U.S.C. § 396a. The Act aims to provide Indian tribes with a profitable source of revenue and to foster tribal self-determination by giving Indians a greater say in the use and disposition of the resources on their lands.