MS HB179

Mineral estates separated from surface estates after January 1, 2016 revert to the surface owner if no bona fide drilling attempt or actual mineral production occurs within a ten-year period.

The ten-year nonproduction period can run continuously or be interrupted; it restarts the day after drilling/production operations cease or the last shut-in rental payment period ends.

If the ten-year period restarts with fewer than 180 days remaining, it is extended to provide at least 180 days from the restart date.

Oil and gas wells are deemed not in production if located outside the regular governmental quarter-quarter section (oil) or one-half section (gas) where the mineral estate is located.

The act takes effect July 1, 2015.