Surface, Sub-Surface, and mineral rights?

General Mineral Rights Discussion
1

Hey everyone,

I had a question on what the difference is between surface and sub-surface?

We sold a ranch some years back but retained all sub-surface rights, including mineral. Just recently, we were approached by a company to begin drilling for oil and gas.

I was looking at Google Maps and it looks like there’s a pipeline running through there already; so should we have been notified of this? Does this still constitute surface rights? Suggestions?

Thanks.

2

Nathan:

I will hazard a guess at this one but first, the surface refers to the landowner or surface owner and the sub-surface relates to the minerals (oil, gas, etc.) which exist under the surface. A pipeline crossing the area would fall under the jurisdiction of the surface owner. They are generally compensated for the right of way in regards to pipelines crossing properties. Your sub-surface or mineral rights will take effect when you lease, etc. for oil and gas exploration.