ORS 517.440: Lessee, licensee, or operator of mine deemed bailee of yield until payment of lessor and workers.

Any lessee, licensee, or person other than the owner, who operates or works a mine, lode, mining claim, or deposit yielding metal or mineral of any kind, has custody and control of whatever metal or mineral may be produced in such operation or work, as bailee only and not as owner, until the sum due the lessor is paid and the wages due from such lessee to the lessor or to any worker who has performed labor under contract of service on, in or about such mine, lode, mining claim, or deposit are wholly paid.