How can I know if I own the mineral rights to the 20 acres that we purchased 10 years ago in Kern County CA? I’ve been contacted by an oil company requesting permission to survey the land to see if they want to drill there.
Lee: I know in Texas that the Surface Estate and Mineral Property can be treated separately. It depends whether or not any or all of the minerals were reserved by the seller at the time of purchase. I would review the deed and see if any minerals were reserved. Is it an oil company or seismic company wanting a seismic permit? The seismic company will deal with the surface owner and contract as to fee’s and damages. You need to find out if you own any minerals and determine what your net mineral acres are that you own.
