MS HB878

Mineral estate title reverts to the surface estate owner after 10 years of continuous or interrupted surface ownership, effective July 1, 2011.

Surface estate owner must file a statement of claim with the chancery clerk after the 10-year period elapses and title reverts to the State of Mississippi.

Surface estate owner must notify the mineral estate owner by personal service or, if the owner cannot be found, by publishing notice for three consecutive weeks in a local newspaper and mailing notice within 10 days of first publication.

Mineral estate may be redeemed by the surface estate owner within 30 days after notice is given, with the chancery clerk recording the redemption and making a marginal notation on the original mineral estate document.

If the 10-year ownership period is interrupted with fewer than 180 days remaining, the period shall not expire until at least 180 days after it resumes.