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 Massachusetts, a mineral deed is a legal document that transfers ownership rights of subsurface assets, such as oil, gas, coal, hydrocarbons, metals, and minerals, from the grantor to the grantee. This type of deed includes the transfer of rights to any royalties, profits, or payments that are derived from the extraction and sale of these subsurface assets. The mineral deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and must contain a clear description of the property and the rights being transferred. It must also be acknowledged by a notary public and recorded with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located to be effective against third parties. Massachusetts follows the traditional property law principles, and the transfer of mineral rights is subject to state statutes and case law governing real property transactions.