Mitsui is in process of drilling within lands that we own oil, gas & mineral rights. I understand vertical hole is complete and fracking is in process for horizontal drilling. I have been contacted by a landman that is representing “the attorneys” and requested confirmation of our royalty ownership. Additionally he has requested that we sign a RATIFICATION OF OIL,GAS AND MINERALS LEASE for the lease that was signed by the land owners a few years ago. The ratification document does identify the tracts for which we hold a deed. It also includes that by signing we “desire to adopt, ratify and confirm said Lease and any further amendments to insofar as it covers any present or future right, title and interest…” and “hereby grants, leases and lets the above described lands unto Lessee, subject to and in accordance all terms of the Lease…”. I am totally unaware of the content of the land owners lease. Given this I have declined to sign the ratification document. I have been advised by the landman that refusal to sign could result in not receiving royalties. Is this statement correct? Is there legal precedent that the Lessor must comply and is the validation process of royalty ownership normally handled by a Landman versus the Lessors legal team? What actions should I be proactively taking to ensure recognition of royalty ownership and future income from those royalties?