Buddy,
I would think these rates paid per acre you and others are quoting are for the surface owner only? I had never had a seismic company contact me regarding a mineral permit for permission until today. I would not have thought they need permission of the mineral owner. Is this something they pay the mineral owner also for or just surface owner? Do they need only one of or part of an undivided interest owner to sign or give permission?
I'm with you, the money is in the ground, just curious though.