Legal Guidance For Mineral Rights In The Permian Basin
The prolific Permian Basin primarily drives the mineral industry in West Texas and eastern New Mexico. This area is renowned for its vast oil and natural gas reserves, making it one of the most productive regions for minerals in the United States. In addition to hydrocarbons, the region also produces a variety of nonfuel minerals, including potash and copper, and industrial minerals like stone and aggregate. Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin & Browder, Inc., provides the mineral industry and landowners with knowledgeable legal and business guidance backed by decades of experience.
Based in Midland, our firm has a legacy of excellence stretching back to 1936, both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. Our attorneys handle cases of all sizes, working hands-on with clients to negotiate and draft mineral and royalty deeds, joint venture agreements, operating agreements, seismic acquisition agreements, hydrocarbon purchase and sale agreements, and preparing and filing mineral liens.
Different Types Of Mineral Deposits That Can Establish Mineral Rights
If you own land or are considering purchasing property in Texas or New Mexico, that property may have mineral rights. Mineral rights refer to the legal ownership of the minerals beneath the surface of a piece of land. Mineral rights are different from surface rights. Surface rights are the legal right to own the land but may not necessarily include the mineral rights underneath the land. Here are some common types of deposits that can yield legal rights to minerals:
- Oil deposits: Oil is a valuable resource, and ownership of oil deposits can significantly increase the value of mineral rights. Due to the complex processes involved, extraction requires legal consideration.
- Natural gas deposits: Similar to oil, natural gas is a major energy source. Owning these deposits can be lucrative, but it also involves understanding and complying with various regulatory and environmental issues.
- Coal deposits: Coal mining rights can be a significant aspect of mineral rights, especially in areas with historical coal deposits. Understanding the environmental implications and regulations is essential.
- Metallic minerals: Metallic minerals include gold, silver, copper and iron. These deposits can attract interest from mining companies, and owning these rights can offer substantial economic benefits.
- Non-metallic minerals: Non-metallic minerals include minerals like limestone, gypsum and salt. They are often used in construction and manufacturing, providing steady demand and value to mineral rights holders.
Our mineral rights attorneys offer comprehensive representation to help you navigate the complexities of mineral rights. Whether you are seeking to acquire, sell or lease mineral rights, we can provide you with legal guidance and advice that will allow you to protect your rights and interests.
Comprehensive Legal Guidance And Representation For Mineral Rights
We are well-known for our legacy of excellence in the oil and gas industry. Still, we have the same rigorous approach to transactions and disputes involving minerals. Our Midland mineral rights lawyers have experience skillfully representing clients with their mineral rights, including:
- Negotiating and drafting contracts: Our business lawyers can assist with transactions, like negotiating and drafting leases, purchase agreements, sales and other contracts related to the exploration and extraction of minerals.
- Title examination and due diligence: Our real estate lawyers can conduct thorough title examinations to ensure that our clients have clear and legal ownership of the mineral rights in question.
- Regulatory compliance: Regulatory compliance is critical when it comes to mineral rights law. Our experienced mineral rights lawyers advise our clients on relevant federal, state and local regulations governing mineral extraction and land use.
- Environmental issues: Our attorneys stay abreast of environmental laws. We counsel clients on environmental regulations and guide them through legal challenges related to environmental impact.
- Royalties and payments: We facilitate royalties by setting up and managing royalty agreements to protect our clients and make sure they are receiving fair compensation for extracted minerals.
- Tax implications: Our business lawyers can provide insight into the tax implications of owning and profiting from mineral rights.
- Estate planning: In addition to protecting our clients’ mineral rights, we can facilitate their inclusion into an estate plan to ensure the smooth transfer of ownership to heirs.
As seasoned negotiators and litigators, our attorneys also represent clients in their mineral rights disputes. They first will attempt to negotiate a resolution to your conflict. However, in the event your dispute requires mediation, arbitration or even litigation, we will protect your interests as we work on your behalf to resolve your disagreement.
Contact Our Mineral Rights Attorneys
Our mineral rights attorneys help protect our client’s interests and maximize the value of their mineral assets. Contact Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin & Browder, Inc., to schedule an appointment with a mineral law attorney. You can send us a message through our firm’s contact page or call 432-741-3803 or toll-free 800-749-7675 to schedule an initial consultation.