Mineral Law Classes

In This Course

What is considered a Mineral?

The strictest definition of a “mineral” is a solid inorganic substance of natural occurrence having a definite chemical composition and physical structure.

What minerals am I searching for?

Coal, oil, gas, metals, sand, precious metals, hydrocarbons, etc.

Course Topics Include:

• Split estate of Mineral Law.

• Federal, State, Railroad, & Private Mineral ownership.

• Mineral definition and case law.

Being uncertain of Mineral Right ownership may affect both the buyer and seller. Imagine how your buyers may react when a mining operation begins in their front yard, or when the drilling rigs move into their fields?

• Mineral ownership MAY NOT automatically transfer from deed to deed.  Mineral and Surface ownership are separate estates and either one can be conveyed with no concern for the other.  Mineral ownership, Leases, and Royalties may not be discovered during Title Commitment.

• Seller may not even be aware of the fact they only possess the surface ownership.  Properties with a split estate may be less valuable and/or attractive to a potential Buyer.

• Your Buyer may generate income from the minerals on the property only to discover they owe royalties to another party or worse case, have no right to the income at all.