How claims work in Alberta
Alberta works differently from B.C. and Yukon: there is no placer claim-staking map for individuals. The Crown owns nearly all mineral rights, metallic-minerals tenure is issued by Alberta Energy and Minerals, and activity on the ground is regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). "Claims for sale" in Alberta means metallic and industrial mineral permits or leases — confirm the tenure type and status with the province before paying anyone.
From the Alberta panning guide
Alberta works differently from B.C. and Yukon: there is no placer claim-staking map for individuals to check. The Crown owns nearly all mineral rights, metallic-minerals tenure is issued by Alberta Energy and Minerals, and activity on the ground is regulated by the AER under the metallic and industrial minerals rules. For a recreational panner the practical questions are land access and equipment class, not claims — the province's placer mining tool kit lays out both.