Mineral Title

Mineral title refers to the legal ownership of minerals beneath the surface of land. In the United States, mineral rights can be severed from surface rights, creating a "split estate" where different parties own the surface and subsurface.

• Severed vs. Unified: Minerals may be owned together with or separately from surface rights
• Chain of Title: The historical sequence of transfers establishing current ownership
• Fractional Interests: Mineral ownership can be divided among multiple parties
• Leasing Rights: Mineral owners may lease their rights to exploration and production companies

Mineral title examination is the process of researching and verifying ownership of mineral rights, essential for acquisitions, drilling permits, and mining operations.