Pursuant to the provisions of ANCSA, the United States has conveyed certain federal lands covered by the Act to Alaskan native corporations. Appellants are three miners, two of whom have valid mining claims on land that was conveyed to native corporations, and one who appears to have a mining claim on land not conveyed. The action was originally brought as a class action. Class certification was denied by the district court.
I. Does ANCSA allow the federal government to convey land covered by the Act which is subject to valid mining claims?
II. Assuming the first issue is answered in the affirmative, is the time limitation on the ability to patent placed on valid mining claims under�43 U.S.C. � 1621 (c)�constitutional?
III. Did the district court commit error in denying class certification?
Defines where disputes must be litigated (state vs. federal), which affects cost, leverage, and practical enforceability for shareholders.