The Mineral Rights Podcast: Mineral Rights | Royalties | Oil and Gas | Matt Sands

In this episode of the Mineral Rights Podcast, we provide a comprehensive checklist for mineral owners on handling division orders. From what division orders are, how to verify your decimal interest is correct, when to get professional help, and best practices for documentation. This essential guide helps ensure you get paid correctly from the start so you can protect your interests when a new well begins producing. As always, the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we tackle a diverse set of listener questions submitted by Jim, Greg, Shelly, Sean, Denny, and Christie. Questions range from hedging strategies against oil price fluctuations to taxation of royalties held in suspense, resolving payment discrepancies, tracking down mineral ownership documentation, and managing working interests. As always links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news, we discuss moves by the Trump administration to accelerate energy project approvals and development of critical minerals like lithium, latest Arkansas lithium developments, how the industry is responding to falling oil prices and economic uncertainty from tariffs.  Meanwhile, natural gas prices remain stable, providing some security for royalty owners during a period of oil price volatility, and we give an update on the current drilling activity across major U.S. basins! As always, links to the articles discussed can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's episode, we answer listener questions submitted by Jonathan, Stephen, Lisa, Michael, Nancy, James, and Greg.  From interpreting well production tests, cost of mineral rights valuations, emerging lithium opportunities in Pennsylvania, concerns about missing royalty payments after an operator bankruptcy, understanding why your well was shut in, timing mineral sales around the election and lithium rights in leases, and filing mineral deeds after a surface property sale.  As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's mineral rights news episode, we analyze the unexpected OPEC announcement of plans to raise output by 411,000 barrels per day starting in May 2025 coupled with tariffs that sent oil prices tumbling 7%.  We also examine how the Trump administration's new tariff policies are reshaping global energy markets, particularly for LNG exports, and discuss the implications of secondary tariffs targeting countries importing Venezuelan oil. Plus, we review the latest rig count data showing a potential shift toward natural gas production in several key basins. As always, links to the articles discussed can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's episode, we answer a diverse set of listener questions submitted by Nathan, Darion, Holly, Richard, Julie, Joe, and Margaret.  Questions range from valuing mineral rights portfolios across multiple states to verifying division orders, keeping mineral interests within families, researching active leases, buying minerals and royalties, and the complexities of Texas Relinquishment Act lands. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news, we discuss how the energy landscape is being dramatically reshaped by policy decisions from the Trump administration, including the repeal of methane regulations, new tariffs on energy imports, and sanctions affecting Venezuelan crude. These changes come as OPEC+ begins unwinding production cuts, creating a complex mix of supply pressures that could affect both oil and gas prices. While oil has dropped to around $66 per barrel, natural gas prices have strengthened considerably. For mineral owners, these developments create both challenges and opportunities—tariffs on foreign crude could stimulate domestic production in certain regions, and we give an update on the current drilling activity across major U.S. basins! As always, links to the articles discussed can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Rare earth minerals or elements might sound exotic, but they're increasingly vital to modern life and global geopolitics. As the United States seeks new sources of these critical materials—including a potential deal with Ukraine that's making headlines—mineral rights owners across America need to understand what this means for their properties. We cover three main topics: What rare earth elements are and why they've become so valuable in the modern economy The geopolitics of rare earths, including the developing U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal and what it means for domestic mining How mineral rights owners can protect and profit from rare earth deposits on their properties There are many resources for researching the rare earth mineral potential of your mineral rights and we provide links to many of them in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's episode, we answer a diverse set of questions submitted by Julie, Tom, Dan, Nicole, Melissa, Erik, and Gary. From how to address post production costs that were improperly deducted by a previous operator, to pooling and what happens if another landowner refuses to lease their minerals, to how to notify your operator about a change in ownership.  We answer these questions and more and address some common challenges mineral owners face when managing their interests. Many of the questions in this episode are covered in my Mineral Management Basics online course, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, and how to determine if you should be getting paid on a well.  As always, links to the resouces mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com. Thanks again to everyone who left a review or who submitted a listener question!  If you have a question about your minerals or royalties, send us an email:  feedback@mineralrightspodcast.com!

In this episode of The Mineral Rights Podcast, we explore several major developments affecting mineral and royalty owners in early 2025. The appointment of Kathleen Sgamma to head the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signals potential changes in federal land management that could benefit mineral owners, particularly those with interests adjacent to federal lands. The episode also covers OPEC's production decisions, significant developments in domestic lithium production, and current drilling activity across major U.S. basins and our updated outlook for 2025. As always, links to the articles discussed can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we explore the sweeping executive orders recently signed by President Trump that signal a significant shift in domestic energy policy. The new administration has declared a "National Energy Emergency" and introduced the "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, marking a dramatic change from previous policies by prioritizing traditional energy production. While these changes primarily impact federal lands, they could have broader implications for all mineral and royalty owners through their effects on energy markets, particularly natural gas prices and LNG exports. Shout out to Greg (and others) for asking for our take on the change in energy policy. As always, the links to the executive orders and other resources mentioned can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we tackle a crucial but often overlooked aspect of estate planning: how to properly store and organize your important documents. We pay special attention to the unique needs of mineral rights and royalty interest owners, whose estate planning often involves additional layers of complexity. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com. Be sure to download my free Estate Planning Document Storage Checklist which outlines the essential Estate Planning Documents and how to store them using the three-tier storage system discussed in this episode.  

In this month's episode, we answer a diverse set of questions submitted by Anna, Robbie, @dnk4559 (via YouTube), Edith, Karen, Tracy, and Brad. The discussion covers important topics including property tax protests in Texas, surface rights conflicts in Oklahoma, inheritance issues with division orders, how to calculate your decimal interest, royalty payment calculations in Louisiana, and working interest complications. Many of the questions in this episode are addressed in my Mineral Management Basics online course, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, and how to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the process of taking over mineral rights management from a professional mineral manager. From why you might consider self-management, the essential steps for making the transition, and how to set up effective management systems, we cover what you should know.  We also share practical tips for staying educated about industry trends and planning for future generations. Whether you're considering taking over management of your minerals or just want to better understand what your current mineral manager should be doing, this episode provides valuable insights for all mineral and royalty owners. As always, the links to the resources discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we discuss major developments that could shape the energy industry in 2025: a pivotal Supreme Court case that could expand oil transportation from Utah's Uinta Basin, major oil companies maintaining financial discipline despite political pressure to increase drilling, the Permian Basin's growing natural gas challenges, and ExxonMobil's innovative plan to power AI data centers with natural gas. And as always we wrap with a look at the latest drilling rig count. As always, links to the articles discussed can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer listener questions from Reuben, Robin, Lacey, Steve, James, George, and Elisabeth about figuring out if you are getting paid correctly, understanding what is going with your Texas property tax bills, getting paid interest on late royalty payments, transferring ownership of royalty interests and how to get paid, understanding why well gets shut-in and what that means, and how to find out how many acres you own in wells shown on your division orders, and more! As always, you can find the show notes with links to the resources mentioned in this episode at mineralrightspodcast.com.

https://mineralrightspodcast.com/mrp-269-understanding-royalty-based-loans-a-guide-for-mineral-owners/While borrowing against oil and gas royalties isn't widely discussed among mineral owners, it is an important financing option for those receiving regular royalty payments. This practice, known as Reserve Based Lending (RBL), has been common in the oil and gas industry for decades but is now becoming more accessible to individual royalty owners. Understanding how these loans work, their requirements, and their risks can help large mineral owners make informed decisions about leveraging their royalty income without having to sell their valuable mineral interests.  We also discuss other options for borrowing against modest royalty income, but that may come with counterparty risk to consider. As always, links to resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.  

In this month's news episode, we discuss two important cabinet picks that will have the biggest impact on mineral & royalty owners, the latest major oil & gas company to dip their toes into the Arkansas lithium boom, an update on the Arkansas lithium royalty rate application, and the latest rig count! As always, you can find the links to the articles mentioned in this episode in the show notes which can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized the Biden administration's new tax on methane emissions from oil and gas operations, raising important questions for royalty owners about potential impacts on their royalty payments in the form of additional post-production deductions.  And while this rule may get overturned by the GOP majority in the house, in the meantime operators may still need to report emissions for 2024. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this week's episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Natural gas currently trades at a massive discount to crude oil based on its energy content.  While oil has been hovering at around $70 per barrel, natural gas trades at just over $3 per thousand cubic feet (mcf).  We talk about how this pricing disconnect is creating opportunities as two major new demand sources emerge: AI data centers requiring reliable power and innovative gas-to-liquid technologies that can convert natural gas directly into gasoline and other fuels. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer listener questions from Candido, @kidcurry4107, and Kent about royalty deed scams and how to make sure a seller owns what they say they own, forced pooling and becoming a non-consenting mineral owner, how to download offset well data and perform due diligence on an investment, and how to determine interest on late payments. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's Mineral Rights News episode, we cover the launch of a tokenized mineral rights investment platform called "Elmnts" on the Solana protocol, the latest advancements in the Southwest Arkansas lithium project, what Trump winning the election could mean for the oil and gas markets, plus the rig count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

When you grant a portion of your royalty right to someone without granting any of the other rights, you are granting what is called a Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI).  It does not “participate” in the ability to receive bonus payment or delay rentals, or the executive rights.  A Non-Participating Royalty Interest or NPRI allows the owner to receive a portion of the royalty payments from any oil and gas that is sold but does not give them the right to lease the associated mineral rights.  In this episode, we dive into the world of NPRI's and the difference between "floating" and "fixed" NPRI's and what you need to know if you own an NPRI or if you own mineral rights that are burdened by an NPRI. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer listener questions from Joyce, Steve, Bruce, Lydia, Sandra, Gary, and Sandra from strategies for minimizing taxes on royalty income, different ways to invest in mineral rights, including using 1031 exchanges, and guidance on calculating ownership interests and royalty payments.  We also touch on the intricacies of negotiating oil and gas leases, tracking down mineral rights ownership, and managing inherited mineral interests. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

https://mineralrightspodcast.com/mrp-261-mineral-rights-news-october-2024/In this month's news episode, we discuss two major stories about the Arkansas lithium extraction boom, a man is caught stealing royalties from a mineral owner, OPEC's forecast on the phasing out of oil, and the latest rig count!   As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

In this episode, we provide an exclusive sneak-peak of the upcoming National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) convention in Houston from October 16-19, 2024 where you'll get the chance to meet Matt and network with other like-minded mineral & royalty owners. This annual event offers mineral and royalty owners a unique opportunity to network, learn from industry experts, and stay updated on the latest trends and issues affecting their interests. The convention features a mix of educational sessions, covering topics from basic mineral ownership to advanced industry trends, as well as opportunities for professional certifications and valuable networking. Links to the special discount codes and to register for the event can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer questions from Jacob, Jean, Steve, Suzyyne, and Jill. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news episode, we discuss the proposed lithium royalty rate in Arkansas, oil price prognostications, and how the market is finally realizing that natural gas demand can only go up from here. As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into the controversial plans to store nuclear waste in America's busiest oil field, the Permian Basin. Did you know that there is already an existing nuclear waste storage facility that has been operating for 25 years on the New Mexico side of the Permian?  We discuss the pros and cons of this proposed facility and why several oil & gas companies are opposed to the plan. As always, links to the resources and articles mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

As a royalty interest owner, you need to be on the lookout for a new type of deceptive scam that's been making the rounds - the "term royalty deed" scheme. This tricky tactic is preying on unsuspecting mineral owners, so it's crucial to understand how it works so you don't fall victim. Experts in the mineral rights space have been sounding the alarm on this scam, which involves a particular unscrupulous landman acquiring what appears to be a simple one-year "term royalty assignment" from mineral owners. However, the fine print in these agreements is where the deception lies. Listen to learn more. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's Mineral Rights News episode, we discuss the controversial expansion of the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, a bipartisan bill that aims to speed up approval of new energy projects, and the surprising forced Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings against a gas operator in East Texas, plus the rig count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Pam, Les, Rebecca, "buttacupss7" (YouTube comment), Greg, and Al.  This episode was filled with questions ranging from negative royalty "payments", horizontal pooling, how to interpret your oil & gas lease, getting started with mineral investing, API numbers, and more. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Pennsylvania's natural gas fields have the potential to produce a significant amount of lithium - enough to make a real dent in US demand. There are regional differences that could affect production strategies. And while there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits are substantial.  We dive in to this and more. As always, links to the reports and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Currently, the United States is experiencing a natural gas boom. We have so much gas that in some areas, prices have even gone negative. This oversupply has led to wasteful practices like flaring, where excess gas is burned off at well sites.  Did you know that based on energy content alone, natural gas should be priced at about one-sixth the price of oil. However, gas is currently trading much lower than this ratio would suggest. This price disparity creates an opportunity for innovative solutions.  We talk about how an amazing technology that has been around for over 100 years is being piloted in the Permian Basin to convert excess natural gas to valuable products like gasoline.   As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Ben, Mark, Jennie, and David. This episode was filled with a wide variety of questions from how to value non-operated working interests and how to find a buyer, the differences between different types of oil & gas interests, lease washouts, how to find production data for Oklahoma, and the DIY method to get interests transferred to your name, and more. As always, links to the resources mentioned in the episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Happy Independence Day and happy Episode #250! In this month's Mineral Rights News episode, we discuss an important new endangered listing for rare lizard could slow oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin, a report on the production forecast for 2025, and a surprising lithium discovery in Pennsylvania, plus the rig count! As always, links the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

I had a great conversation with Registered Professional Landman, Ryan Fairbanks, recently.  We discussed a wide range of topics including what it is like to be an independent landman to how other oil and gas professionals and mineral/royalty owners can benefit from networking with their peers.  Ryan also talks about his podcast, the Landman Pivot Podcast, and how a learning mindset can prepare us for whatever is next in life. As always, links to the resources and how to connect with Ryan can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

https://mineralrightspodcast.com/mrp-248-how-to-find-oil-gas-lithium-info-for-arkansas/(opens in a new tab)In this episode we show you how to find oil & gas (& Lithium) info using the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission website.  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, how to find out the lithium potential of your mineral rights, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this episode as well as the different types of mineral and leasehold interests, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, be sure to check out my Mineral Management Basics Online Course. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Who owns the minerals beneath roads, could U.S. oil mergers help stabilize prices, the outlook for natural gas, what OPEC+ did, and the rig count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com!

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Heidi, Greg, Sarah, Nikki, Eric, and a listener who wishes to remain anonymous. This episode was filled with a wide variety of questions from the difference between MCF and MMBtu's and how to audit gas royalties, Lithium, leasing the minerals and surface rights, going through ancillary probate in New Mexico, wastewater disposal issues and earthquakes, getting information from a previous operator, and more. Some of the listener questions in this episode are addressed in my Mineral Management Basics online course, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity.  Thanks again to everyone who left a review or who submitted a question!  If you have a question about your minerals or royalties, send it to feedback@mineralrightspodcast.com and we may feature it in an upcoming episode! As always, resources mentiond in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

  In this episode, we take a deep dive into the future of energy and why the world is going to need more affordable, reliable energy in the coming decades - not less.  With net zero by 2050 as the goal, what is this likely to mean for oil & gas production in the future?  Be sure to watch the accompanying YouTube Video to see the charts and other visuals we discuss throughout this episode.   As always, links to the the video and other resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Tom, Anita, Ronnie, Karen, and Raegan.  This episode was filled with a wide variety of questions from tips for locating missing minerals and royalties, dealing with non-payment by an operator, educating yourself (and others) about minerals, if your minerals might be prospective for lithium, and how to determine if your operator drilled a new well in time before the primary term of your lease expired, and more. Be sure to check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com for links to the resources mentioned in this episode!

In this month's Mineral Rights News episode, we give an update on the refilling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the BLM withdraws 220,000 acres of federal land from future oil, gas, and mineral development in Colorado, the state of Alaska sues the federal government over Pebble Mine takings claim. And the Rig Count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

You may see that one or more of the wells on your property is listed as "shut-in" or "plugged and abandoned" on the state oil & gas commission website and wonder what this means for your future royalties.  In this episode, we explain some of the main reasons wells can end up getting shut-in and whether they can be restarted.  We also explore scenarios where an operator may re-enter a previously abandoned wellbore instead of drilling an entirely new well. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Tyler, Margaret Ann, Nate, Gene, Robert, Anna, and Allen.  This one was interesting because we talked about some new topics like:  how to underwrite a mineral rights investment, the Haynesville Shale, minimum thresholds for royalty payments, Oklahoma Senate Bill 212, secondary market for non-operated working interests, educating yourself (and others) about minerals, and more.   As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we show you how to find oil & gas info using the Wyoming Oil & Gas Conservation Commission website.  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this episode as well as the different types of mineral and leasehold interests, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, be sure to check out my Mineral Management Basics Online Course. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

The Osage Nation forces a company to remove wind farm in Oklahoma, Saudi Aramco CEO keeps it real at CERAWeek, NM looks to raise royalty rates in the Permian. And the Rig Count! Tribal sovereignty trumps wind in Oklahoma - POLITICO Big Oil Sets the Agenda on CERAWeek's Opening Day - Bloomberg New Mexico halts some oil-field lease sales in standoff over royalty rates in Permian Basin | AP News Rig Count As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com  

In this episode we show you how to find oil & gas info using the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources - Oil & Gas Division website.  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this episode as well as the different types of mineral and leasehold interests, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, be sure to check out my Mineral Management Basics Online Course. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

The interpretation and application of the regulatory takings principle have evolved over time, but the fundamental principle remains: the government cannot take private property (including mineral rights) for public use without providing just compensation to the owner.  In this episode, we talk abut cases where mineral owner's property rights were taken by govenment regulation and what protections we have to ensure that we receive "just compensation." As always, links to the resources we mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

How have oil & gas production been affected by the Texas wildfires? Colorado legislators propose phase out of new oil & gas wells by 2030, and is underground hydrogen the next big thing?  And the Rig Count! Has Oil and Gas Production Been Affected by the Texas Wildfires? | Rigzone Colorado is set to consider a ‘fossil fuel phase-out.' Here's why that's a big deal. Underground hydrogen deposits spur excitement in Washington Rig Count   As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Dave, Bill, Monica, Mary, Katie, Kelly, and David.  We cover a lot of ground including:  surface use agreements, helium, leasing, dormant mineral rights, how to read a legal description, orphan wells, prior period adjustments vs. recoupment, how to calculate your net acreage and decimal interest in a well, and more! For links to the resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at: mineralrightspodcast.com. Many of the questions in this episode are addressed in my Mineral Management Basics online course, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, and how to find missing royalties.