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 Kentucky, a mineral deed is a legal document that conveys ownership rights of subsurface minerals—such as oil, gas, coal, and other valuable resources—from the grantor to the grantee. This type of deed typically includes the transfer of extraction rights and the right to receive any royalties, rents, or profits derived from the minerals. The deed must be in writing, contain a clear description of the property, the specific minerals being conveyed, and must be signed by the grantor. Additionally, the deed must be acknowledged before a notary public and recorded in the county clerk's office where the property is located to be valid against third parties. Kentucky law requires that the deed adhere to legal standards for conveyances, including the statute of frauds, and may be subject to severance taxes imposed on the extraction of minerals. It's important for both grantors and grantees to understand the implications of a mineral deed, including potential environmental liabilities and tax obligations.