The use of a metal detector is a valid method of prospecting for mineral (metal) deposits.Many objects found with a metal detector are not considered mineral deposits, but often fall under the category of heritage resources, treasure trove, lost items or trash.

With the European settlement of the Black Hills area beginning in the 1870's, many of the early settlements, ranchers, mines and cabin sites are now considered heritage resources, which is protected under federal law from excavation and collection.

Treasure trove is classified as any "valuable quantity of money, unmounted gems or precious work metal in the form of coins, plate or bullion of unknown ownership, purposely hidden" (this does not include recent coinage). If a person with a metal detector located a trove, under federal law they must stop excavating and contact a forest service officer who will take precautions to protect the site and make determinations about ownership of the trove,  "finder keepers" is not the law of the land when federal land is involved, and heritage resources and treasure trove materials are involved.

Lost items or trash are materials of a dig

that could include modern-day money, if these materials are found in an area that is not considered historic and an owner is not identified, then the finder may be allowed to keep the items.