Marcellus Shale Mineral Management
The Marcellus Shale is the largest natural gas-producing formation in the United States, fundamentally reshaping the American energy landscape. Spanning the Appalachian Basin across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York, this massive formation produces over 30% of all U.S. natural gas. Valor provides comprehensive mineral management services for Marcellus Shale owners navigating this complex, multi-state resource play.
Location: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York (inactive)
Primary Products: Natural gas, natural gas liquids
Formation Age: Middle Devonian (approximately 390 million years old)
Significance: Largest natural gas producing formation in the United States
Southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia contain the Marcellus "wet gas" window, where production includes significant natural gas liquids (NGLs) like ethane, propane, and butane. Wet gas production typically generates higher revenues per Mcf due to the value of extracted liquids.
Northeastern Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia produce primarily "dry gas" (methane) with minimal liquids content. While individual wells may produce less revenue than wet gas wells, operating costs are often lower and production can be substantial.
Marcellus Shale mineral owners may have interests across multiple states, each with distinct regulatory frameworks:
Valor's multi-state expertise ensures your Marcellus Shale interests are properly managed across state lines.
Marcellus Shale leases often contain provisions that significantly impact mineral owner returns:
Comprehensive tracking and verification of gas and NGL royalty payments.
Ensuring deductions comply with your lease terms and state law.
Expert navigation of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio regulations.
Review of lease provisions affecting royalty calculations.
The Marcellus Shale is the largest natural gas-producing formation in the United States, located in the Appalachian Basin. It extends across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York, producing massive volumes of dry gas and wet gas (with natural gas liquids) depending on location.
Dry gas areas produce primarily methane with minimal natural gas liquids, while wet gas areas produce methane along with valuable NGLs like ethane, propane, and butane. The southwestern portion of Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia are known for wet gas production, which typically commands higher values.
The Marcellus Shale is most actively developed in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with production also occurring in Ohio. New York has Marcellus deposits but has banned high-volume hydraulic fracturing. Each producing state has different regulatory requirements that affect mineral owners.
