Mineral Rights are property rights to exploit an area for the minerals it harbors. Mineral rights can be separate from property ownership. Timber Rights are an interest in a property’s timber that allows one to buy or sell the interest in the timber separately from the land.

At what depth do mineral rights begin?

How far down the mineral rights go depends on the mineral and technology used. The average depth of open-pit mining – a surface mining technique used to extract metals such as nickel, copper, uranium, and coal – is between 100–500 meters. For deep mining, the average depth is 2.8–3.4 kilometers.

What does it mean when owner retains mineral rights?

Also known as a mineral estate, mineral rights are just what their name implies: The right of the owner to utilize minerals found below the surface of property. Besides minerals, these rights can apply to oil and gas. Interestingly, mineral rights can be separate from actual land ownership.

What do you need to know about mineral rights on a property?

If a Real Estate Agent or Seller tells you there is no longer a Reservation of Timber Rights on the property, insist on a deed stating there are no longer Reserved Timber Rights on that property. Minerals can include anything of value that can be extracted from underneath a parcel of land.

What do you need to know about timber rights?

Before you buy property, be sure to look into any associated timber rights. When buying land a person should always inquire about timber rights. This relatively old legality allows individuals to own all or part of the standing timber on any given piece of property — without actually owning the land on which it grows.

Where can I go to check my mineral rights?

If “mineral rights” is not a specialty you can use to search, then look for attorneys who specialize in real estate, property, or land use. Go to the Recorder of Deeds office. You can begin your title search by going to the office for the county where the land is located.

How does a conveyance of mineral rights work?

Generally, a property conveyance transfers rights to both the surface land and mineral reserves below until the mineral rights are sold. In this case, the mineral rights transfer with the property to you.