Oil, gas, coal and other minerals on Indian lands were worth $3.5 billion in fiscal year 2011, the Government Accountability Office said in a report today.

The GAO analyzed leases at the Interior Department as part of a review of activities on federal and Indian lands. While federal lands make up the bulk of resource development, the report showed an increase in activity on Indian lands.

In fiscal year 2011, for example, Indian lands produced 19.4 million oil barrels, up from 13.2 million in fiscal year 2010. Natural gas on Indian lands produced 140 million gallons, up from 130 million in the year prior.

The increase in activity meant more revenues went to tribal governments and Indian beneficiaries. The GAO said $538 million was disbursed to Indian Country in 2011, up from $408 million in 2010.

According to the report, 57 million acres of tribal and Indian lands are overseen by DOI.

Get the Story:
Mining firm profits from public lands remain a mystery, new GAO study shows (The Washington Post 12/12)

Government Accountability Office Report:
Mineral Volume, Value, and Revenue (November 15, 2012)