§ 617.
(d)
Gain from dispositions of certain mining property
(1)
General rule
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if mining property is disposed of the lower of—
(A)
the adjusted exploration expenditures with respect to such property, or
(B)
the excess of—
(i)
the amount realized (in the case of a sale, exchange, or involuntary conversion), or the fair market value (in the case of any other disposition), over
(ii)
the adjusted basis of such property,
shall be treated as ordinary income. Such gain shall be recognized notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle.
(2)
Disposition of portion of property
For purposes of paragraph (1)—
(A)
In the case of the disposition of a portion of a mining property (other than an undivided interest), the entire amount of the adjusted exploration expenditures with respect to such property shall be treated as attributable to such portion to the extent of the amount of the gain to which paragraph (1) applies.
(B)
In the case of the disposition of an undivided interest in a mining property (or a portion thereof), a proportionate part of the adjusted exploration expenditures with respect to such property shall be treated as attributable to such undivided interest to the extent of the amount of the gain to which paragraph (1) applies.
This paragraph shall not apply to any expenditure to the extent the taxpayer establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that such expenditure relates neither to the portion (or interest therein) disposed of nor to any mine, in the property held by the taxpayer before the disposition, which has reached the producing stage.
(3)
Exceptions and limitations
(4)
Application of subsection
(5)
Coordination with section 1254
(h)
Special rules for foreign exploration
In the case of any expenditures paid or incurred before the development stage for the purpose of ascertaining the existence, location, extent, or quality of any deposit of ore or other mineral (other than an oil, gas, or geothermal well) located outside the United States—
(1)
subsection (a) shall not apply, and
(2)
such expenditures shall—
(A)
at the election of the taxpayer, be included in adjusted basis for purposes of computing the amount of any deduction allowable under section 611 (without regard to section 613), or
(B)
if subparagraph (A) does not apply, be allowed as a deduction ratably over the 10-taxable year period beginning with the taxable year in which such expenditures were paid or incurred.
(Added [Pub. L. 89–570, § 1(a)], Sept. 12, 1966, [80 Stat. 759]; amended [Pub. L. 91–172, title V, § 504(b)], Dec. 30, 1969, [83 Stat. 632]; [Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX], §§ 1901(a)(89), (b)(3)(K), (21)(C)–(E), 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, [90 Stat. 1779], 1793, 1797, 1834; [Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 201(d)(9)(D)], formerly § 201(c)(9)(D), § 224(c)(8), Sept. 3, 1982, [96 Stat. 420], 489, renumbered § 201(d)(9)(D), [Pub. L. 97–448, title III, § 306(a)(1)(A)(i)], Jan. 12, 1983, [96 Stat. 2400]; [Pub. L. 99–514, title IV], §§ 411(b)(2)(B), 413(b), Oct. 22, 1986, [100 Stat. 2226], 2228; [Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1007(g)(7)], Nov. 10, 1988, [102 Stat. 3435]; [Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11801(a)(27)], (c)(13), Nov. 5, 1990, [104 Stat. 1388–521], 1388–527.)