Barnett Shale Mineral Management
The Barnett Shale holds a special place in American energy history as the birthplace of the modern shale revolution. Located in the Fort Worth Basin of North Texas, the Barnett was the first major shale play developed using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. As a Fort Worth-based company, Valor has deep roots in Barnett Shale mineral management and provides expert services for mineral owners throughout North Texas.
Location: Fort Worth Basin, North-Central Texas
Primary Product: Natural gas
Key Counties: Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Wise, Parker, Hood
Historical Significance: First major shale play developed using modern techniques
Mitchell Energy's success in the Barnett Shale during the late 1990s and early 2000s proved that shale formations could be economically developed using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. This breakthrough unlocked vast natural gas resources and changed American energy production forever.
The Barnett Shale is unique among major shale plays in that it extends into the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. This has required careful management of urban drilling operations, surface use agreements, and environmental considerations that affect mineral owners.
While new drilling activity has slowed compared to peak years, the Barnett Shale remains an important producing region. Thousands of wells continue to produce natural gas, generating ongoing royalty income for mineral owners with legacy interests in the play.
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates all oil and gas activities in Texas, including the Barnett Shale. Valor helps mineral owners navigate RRC requirements including:
Valor serves Barnett Shale mineral owners across all North Texas counties where the formation is productive:
Comprehensive tracking and verification of natural gas royalty payments.
Monitoring production and compliance for mature Barnett Shale wells.
Expert navigation of Texas Railroad Commission requirements.
Fort Worth-based team with deep Barnett Shale knowledge.
The Barnett Shale is a geological formation in the Fort Worth Basin of North-Central Texas. It was the first major shale play developed using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, pioneering the techniques that launched America's shale revolution. The formation primarily produces natural gas.
The Barnett Shale underlies approximately 20 North Texas counties, with the most active production in Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Wise, Parker, and Hood counties. The play extends into the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, making it unique among major shale plays.
Yes, the Barnett Shale continues to produce significant natural gas volumes from thousands of existing wells. While new drilling activity has declined from peak years, the formation remains an important producing region and mineral owners continue to receive royalty income from legacy wells.
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