Ohio Mineral Rights Management
Ohio has experienced a renaissance in oil and gas development thanks to the Utica Shale play in the Appalachian Basin. Eastern Ohio counties have seen tremendous horizontal drilling activity, creating significant value for mineral owners. Valor provides comprehensive mineral management services tailored to Ohio's regulatory environment and the unique characteristics of Appalachian shale development.
The Utica Shale is Ohio's most prolific formation, producing significant volumes of natural gas, natural gas liquids, and condensate. The "wet gas" window in counties like Belmont, Monroe, Harrison, and Noble provides some of the highest-value production in the Appalachian Basin.
While the Marcellus Shale is more developed in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, portions extend into eastern Ohio. Some operators target both the Marcellus and Utica formations, maximizing value for mineral owners with interests in both zones.
Often drilled in conjunction with the Utica, the Point Pleasant formation provides additional production potential. Understanding the relationship between these formations is essential for optimizing mineral value in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management regulates all oil and gas activities in Ohio. Valor helps mineral owners navigate ODNR requirements including:
Ohio's Dormant Mineral Act (ORC 5301.56) allows surface owners to claim mineral rights that have been abandoned for 20 years or more. This act has been amended several times and can be complex. To preserve mineral interests in Ohio, owners should:
Valor helps Ohio mineral owners understand the Dormant Mineral Act and take steps to preserve their valuable Utica and Marcellus mineral interests.
Comprehensive tracking and verification of royalty payments from Ohio operators.
Expert review of Ohio oil and gas leases, including Utica-specific provisions.
Monitoring operator compliance with Ohio regulations and unit orders.
Comprehensive ownership verification through Ohio county records.
Ohio mineral rights are regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management. The ODNR oversees well permitting, drilling operations, and production reporting, ensuring operators comply with state regulations.
Ohio's primary oil and gas production comes from the Utica Shale and Marcellus Shale formations in eastern Ohio. The Utica Shale has been the focus of significant horizontal drilling activity, particularly in counties like Belmont, Monroe, and Harrison. Ohio also has legacy production from conventional formations.
Yes, Ohio has the Dormant Mineral Act (ORC 5301.56) which allows surface owners to claim mineral rights that have been abandoned for 20 years. Mineral owners must take action to preserve their interests by recording a notice or receiving production. Valor helps Ohio mineral owners protect their rights.
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