The apex is the uppermost edge or crest of a vein, lode, or ore deposit where it comes closest to the surface or outcrops. In mining law, proving ownership of the apex grants the miner the right to follow the vein downward on its dip, even if it crosses under the surface boundaries of an adjoining property.
Heard on the job
We staked the claim right over the apex of the quartz vein to secure the extralateral rights.
Insider tip
The legal concept of the 'apex law' caused countless historical mining disputes when veins branched or merged underground.
Also heard as
- outcrop
- suboutcrop