A mineral deed transfers all ownership rights in the assets under the surface of a tract of land—including oil, gas, coal, hydrocarbons, metals, and minerals—from the grantor (seller) to the grantee (buyer). The transfer also includes all rights to receive royalties, profits, or payments related to the assets under the surface of the land.
In California, a mineral deed is a legal document that transfers ownership rights of minerals and other subsurface assets from the grantor (seller) to the grantee (buyer). This includes not only the physical minerals but also the rights to any royalties, profits, or payments derived from the extraction and sale of these resources. The mineral rights can be sold separately from the surface rights, which means that the ownership of the land above ground can be retained by one party while another holds the rights to the minerals below. When executing a mineral deed, it is important to clearly specify the minerals or substances being conveyed. The deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and properly acknowledged before it can be recorded with the county recorder's office where the property is located. Recording the deed provides constructive notice to the public of the transfer. California law also requires a preliminary change of ownership report to be filed with the deed. It's advisable for parties involved in such transactions to consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with all state regulations and to address any potential environmental or regulatory issues that may arise from the transfer of mineral rights.