### Question
Can you define what lease means?


### Answer
**Lease** is defined as the following in *43 U.S.C. § 1331*:

> any form of authorization which is issued under section 1337 of this title or maintained under section 1335 of this title and which authorizes exploration for, and development and production of, minerals

#### Citation:
  - *43 U.S.C. § 1331*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 28-MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS > SUBCHAPTER III-OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS**

