We have recently purchase mineral rights to 40 acres in Placer County up near Foresthill, California. My husband seems to believe we also own the land too. It is stated in the purchase agreement that no permanent structure is aloud but you are able to camp, build non-permanent structures and mine the land. All of this is confusing to me. If we do not owe the land, who does? How do we find out who owns the forty acres? I am so confused. Does anyone know anything about all this?
Kathlynn:
If you purchased the mineral rights to this 40 acres, you will need to properly record this transaction at the County Clerk's office. Many individuals own the minerals but don't own the surface rights.
Kathlynn:
Charles is correct that you may have solely purchased minerals rights. It sounds, however, as if you may have purchased National Forest land or something similar which grants you a license to use the surface to mine for the minerals that you purchased, but with no permanent structures allowed. Given the Placer County area and the restriction on permanent surface use, it sounds as if the minerals you are allowed to take are limited to those that can be mined rather than those that require permanent pumping units, such as would typically be required to obtain oil.
Good luck in your new purchase.
Sounds like you purchased an unpatented mining claim.