What are mineral rights associated with real property considered?

Mineral rights associated with real property are considered separate and divisible because they can be owned independently of the surface rights. This means that an individual or entity can sell or lease the mineral rights to another party while retaining ownership of the surface land. This separation allows for transactions that can involve various parties, such as a landowner who may not have the resources or desire to exploit minerals beneath their property. Therefore, mineral rights can be consciously transferred, sold, or retained independently, which exemplifies their status as separate interests in real estate.

This understanding is critical in real estate transactions, as it affects the rights and interests of both buyers and sellers, and highlights the complexities that can arise regarding land use and resource extraction.