These can range from a couple of years to more than 10 years. However, there can be many other variables from one lease to another and from one region to another that are buried in the fine print. You certainly can’t assume upfront that you will regain your mineral rights.

What is a mineral lease agreement?

Mineral Lease — a contract between a mineral owner (the lessor) and a company or working interest owner (the lessee) in which the lessor grants the lessee the right to explore, drill, and produce oil, gas, and other minerals for a specified period of time.

Are mineral rights taxed?

Are Mineral Rights and Royalties Taxable? Any income you earn from the sale or lease of your land’s mineral rights is taxable. Income, severance and ad valorem taxes are some of the taxes you might need to pay.

What happens to mineral rights when lease expires?

Major elements. It is possible for a mineral right owner to sever and sell an oil and gas royalty interest, while keeping the other mineral rights. In such case, if the oil lease expires, the royalty interest is extinguished, its purchaser has nothing, and the mineral owner still owns the minerals.

How are royalties calculated for a mineral lease?

Royalties are calculated as a percentage of the revenue from the minerals extracted from your property. For example, if oil is selling for $60 per barrel and the you negotiated a 1/16th royalty, you would receive $3.75 for every barrel of oil recovered from your land. Royalty payments are subject to federal, state and, sometimes, local taxes.

How are bonuses paid in a mineral lease?

Lease bonuses are paid as a set dollar amount for each acre of land in the transaction. For example, if you had 100 acres and the lease bonus was $100, the total payment would be $10,000. There are two parties involved in mineral leases. As the mineral owner, you are known as the “lessor”.

How can I get mineral rights for my property?

A lease agreement to the minerals. You may have contracted for a lease. A lease generally lasts for a specific set of time. While the lease is in force, you have the right to enter the property and determine if there are suitable minerals. You may also mine the minerals for the duration of the lease.