What is the ruling on searching for minerals in public places owned by the state in a non-Islamic country, and what is the ruling on buried gold jewelry that may be found?

First: The ruling on searching for minerals in unowned lands in non-Islamic countries is permissible, unless the laws of that country prohibit it. If there are conditions, they must be fulfilled.

Second: Minerals found have different rulings: 1. Raw mineral connected to the earth: Zakat (definition) is obligatory on it, a quarter of a tenth (2.5%) of the mineral itself if it is gold or silver, or of its value if it is otherwise. Zakat becomes due immediately upon extraction, without waiting for the passing of a [full] year (hawl). 2. Buried treasure bearing a sign indicating it is a rikaz (from the pre-Islamic era of ignorance): One-fifth (20%) of it must be given to the beneficiaries of Zakat, whether found in Muslim or non-Muslim lands. 3. Treasure, jewelry, or similar deposits in the earth that do not bear a sign indicating they are a rikaz: Its ruling is that of a lost item (luqata). It must be publicly announced, and ownership is not acquired until after the announcement. Zakat becomes due on it after ownership is acquired and a [full] year (hawl) has passed.