Mineral Rights Explained: What Americans Own and Value

Many Americans own oil and gas mineral rights without understanding their significance. In the U.S., land ownership divides into surface estate and mineral estate, with severance often happening in oil-rich states like Texas and Oklahoma. In parts of the Permian Basin, over 99% of properties have severed mineral estates. This guide covers ownership, leasing, and potential scams, emphasizing the value and rights associated with mineral ownership, as well as the legal frameworks protecting surface owners during drilling operations.