FAQs

Mineral rights refer to the ownership of subsurface resources like oil, gas, or other minerals beneath a piece of land. These rights can be bought, sold, inherited, or leased—often separately from the surface land. Understanding what you own is the first step toward making informed financial decisions.

Mineral rights give the holder the ability to explore for, produce, or lease the underground resources on a property. In many states, mineral rights are considered a separate form of property ownership and can be severed from the surface rights.

Ownership is often inherited or acquired through a land purchase, but it’s not always obvious—especially if rights were separated from surface land generations ago. The best way to determine ownership is by reviewing deeds, wills, or conducting a title search through property records.

Mineral rights give you the right to extract and profit from the minerals beneath the land, while surface rights only cover the land above ground. You can own one without the other, which is why understanding both is key.

You can still sell or lease your mineral rights even if you don’t own the surface land. Many people own mineral rights separate from the surface rights, and leasing the mineral rights doesn’t give the lessee the right to use the surface land.

When you sell your mineral rights, you transfer ownership of the subsurface resources to the buyer. You may receive a lump sum or payments over time, depending on the agreement. Selling means you no longer have claim to the rights or any future production.
Selling mineral rights depends on your financial goals, whether you want to simplify your estate, and the current market value. We can help assess whether selling is the right option based on current and potential production.

 Leasing involves granting a company permission to explore and produce minerals on your land, typically in exchange for an upfront payment (bonus) and royalties from production. We can assist with the paperwork and ensure you get the best possible terms.

 Fees and taxes vary depending on your location and transaction type. When selling or leasing, you might be subject to capital gains taxes, royalty income taxes, or transaction fees. We can help clarify the financial implications before you make a decision.

 Absolutely! We specialize in helping clients understand and manage inherited mineral rights, including paperwork guidance, title research, and determining the best course of action—whether it’s holding onto the rights or exploring sale or lease options.