Montana Mineral Rights Management
Montana has emerged as a significant oil-producing state thanks to the prolific Bakken formation in the Williston Basin. Eastern Montana's portion of the Bakken has seen tremendous development, creating substantial value for mineral owners. Valor provides comprehensive mineral management services tailored to Montana's unique regulatory environment and geological opportunities.
The Williston Basin extends from North Dakota into eastern Montana, where the Bakken and Three Forks formations have transformed the region into a major oil producer. Montana's Bakken counties, including Richland, Roosevelt, and Sheridan, have seen significant horizontal drilling activity and production growth.
Southeastern Montana shares the Powder River Basin with Wyoming. This basin produces coalbed methane and conventional oil and gas, providing diverse production opportunities for mineral owners in counties like Big Horn and Rosebud.
Central Montana contains various conventional oil and gas fields, including production from the Sweetgrass Arch region. While not as active as the Bakken, these mature fields continue to provide steady production for mineral owners.
The Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation (BOGC) regulates oil and gas development in the state. Valor helps mineral owners understand and navigate BOGC requirements including:
Montana's Dormant Mineral Act provides a process for surface owners to claim mineral rights that have been abandoned. Mineral owners should take steps to preserve their interests by:
Valor helps Montana mineral owners understand and comply with dormant mineral requirements to protect their valuable Bakken and other mineral interests.
Comprehensive tracking and verification of royalty payments from Montana operators.
Expert review of Montana oil and gas leases, including Bakken-specific provisions.
Monitoring operator compliance with Montana regulations and spacing orders.
Comprehensive ownership verification through Montana county records.
Montana mineral rights are regulated by the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation, which oversees drilling permits, well spacing, and production reporting. The board ensures operators comply with state regulations for environmental protection and responsible development.
Montana's primary oil and gas production comes from the Williston Basin (including the Bakken and Three Forks formations) in eastern Montana, the Powder River Basin in southeastern Montana, and the Sweetgrass Arch region. The Bakken formation has driven significant development in recent years.
Yes, Montana has the Dormant Mineral Act which allows surface owners to claim unused mineral rights after a period of abandonment. Mineral owners should record their interests and take steps to preserve their rights. Valor helps Montana mineral owners navigate these requirements.
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