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 Michigan, a mineral deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of minerals and associated rights from the grantor to the grantee. This includes not only the physical minerals beneath the surface, such as oil, gas, coal, and metals, but also the rights to any royalties, profits, or other payments that arise from the extraction and sale of these minerals. The deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and should clearly describe the property and the extent of the mineral rights being transferred. It must also be recorded with the register of deeds in the county where the property is located to be effective against third parties. Michigan law requires that the deed adhere to legal standards for property transfers, including proper identification of parties and a legal description of the land. The transfer of mineral rights can be complex, often involving considerations of existing leases, future extraction potential, and environmental regulations.