What is the main characteristic of mineral rights?

The main characteristic of mineral rights is the rights to underground resources. This encompasses the legal entitlement to extract and use natural resources such as metals, minerals, and fossil fuels located beneath the surface of a property. Mineral rights can be separate from surface rights, meaning that one party can own the surface land while another party holds the rights to the minerals below it. This distinction is significant in real estate because it affects transactions and property value.

Understanding mineral rights is essential in real estate, particularly in areas where resource extraction is prevalent or where valuable minerals exist. It's important for landowners and buyers to be aware of who holds these rights, as they can impact land use, development, and potential income from resource extraction.