The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Bureau of Mines, is directed to establish and maintain a research laboratory at Reno, Nevada, for research and investigation and as a center for information and assistance in matters relating to the mining, preparation, metallurgy, use, and conservation of the rare and precious metals of the Sierra Nevada mining region and pertaining to other problems affecting the mining industry of the said region.
The Secretary, acting on behalf of the United States Bureau of Mines, is authorized to acquire land and interests therein; to receive and accept money and property, and services as a gift, bequest, or contribution; and may conduct activities or projects in cooperation with any person, firm, agency, or organization, Federal, State, or private. Money so received is deposited in the Treasury of the United States in a special fund for disbursement by the United States Bureau of Mines and remains available for the purposes for which received and accepted until spent.
