It's a mineral right, not a surface right. They can't do anything on the surface (including building the well) unless they obtain surface rights (a separate pro

It's a mineral right, not a surface right. They can't do anything on the surface (including building the well) unless they obtain surface rights (a separate process). Mineral rights are there so they can investigate if there is oil and if they find it they can claim it without having to worry about other people claiming it. If you only lease when you know there is oil then this disincetivises prospecting, this way you lease first then prospect. If there is nothing underground then the lease is useless to you (you can't do anything with the surface and there is nothing underground). https://bwab.com/surface-rights-vs-mineral-rights-whats-the-difference/ https://bwab.com/surface-rights-vs-mineral-rights-whats-the-...