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    A Step-By-Step Guide To Mineral Resources Leasing

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1. Leasing Process

Once an oil and gas lease is signed, Shenandoah begins the process of confirming legal title to the mineral interest. This title review ensures that ownership is properly documented and verified before any payment is issued.

After ownership is confirmed, and if applicable under the terms of the agreement, Shenandoah issues the agreed-upon upfront bonus payment to the mineral owner.

Following lease execution and payment, our team evaluates the property’s development potential, including geological data, operator activity, and drilling timelines. It is important to understand that entering into a lease does not guarantee that a well will be drilled. Development decisions depend on market conditions, operator plans, and overall project economics.

Through modern horizontal drilling technology, wells can often be drilled from a location that may be up to four miles away, significantly reducing potential surface impact to your property.

Under the lease agreement, mineral owners retain a royalty interest, which is a percentage of the revenue generated if oil and/or natural gas production is established. When production occurs, the lease may remain in effect for the productive life of the well—often 20 years or more. As a royalty owner, you are not responsible for any drilling or operating costsassociated with the well.

2. Step-By-Step Leasing Timeline

Leasing your mineral rights is a structured process, but it doesn’t have to feel complicated or uncertain. At Shenandoah Energy, we’ve built a clear, step-by-step approach designed to give you transparency at every stage, from initial evaluation through potential royalty payments.

Our goal is to make sure you understand exactly where things stand, what’s happening next, and how each step protects your ownership and financial interests.

We have included a straightforward look at how the leasing process works. While timelines can vary based on title complexity and market conditions, this framework reflects the typical path from offer to development, with our team guiding you the entire way.

Shenandoah evaluates your property and mineral interest based on location, geologic potential, drilling activity, and current market conditions. If your minerals fit our criteria, we will present a competitive lease offer for your review.

Once terms are agreed upon, Shenandoah prepares and sends a lease packet with all required documents. Our team is available to answer questions and ensure you understand the lease terms before signing.

The mineral owner signs the lease documents and has them properly notarized. This step ensures the agreement is legally valid and ready for recording.

After receiving the executed lease, Shenandoah begins the title confirmation process to verify ownership. This process ensures payments are issued correctly.

Once title is confirmed, Shenandoah records the lease in the appropriate county courthouse to officially document the agreement.

After recording and final verification, Shenandoah issues any applicable upfront bonus payment in accordance with the lease terms. Payment timing depends on title confirmation and processing requirements.

Following lease completion, Shenandoah and its partners evaluate drilling plans and development potential. Signing a lease does not guarantee drilling, as development depends on operator schedules, market conditions, and overall project economics.

When a well is drilled and oil and/or natural gas production is established, mineral owners receive royalty payments based on the lease royalty percentage. Royalties are paid for as long as production continues, which may extend the lease for 20 years or more.

3. Payments & Royalties

When you lease your mineral rights to Shenandoah Energy Partners, mineral owners may be eligible to receive two types of compensation: an upfront bonus payment and ongoing royalty payments if production is established.

Bonus Payments

A bonus payment is a one-time, upfront payment made to the mineral owner in exchange for signing an oil and gas lease. Bonus payments are based on several factors, including property location, geologic potential, nearby drilling activity, and current market conditions.

Bonus payments are typically issued after:

  • The lease has been signed and notarized
  • Ownership has been confirmed through a title review
  • The lease documents have been processed and recorded

Because title verification is an important step, this process may take up to 120 days depending on the complexity of the ownership history.

Royalty Payments

A royalty is a percentage of the revenue generated from oil and/or natural gas production. If a well is drilled and production is established, mineral owners receive royalty payments based on the royalty percentage agreed upon in the lease.

Royalty payments may continue for the life of the well, which can be 20 years or more, as long as production remains active.

No Costs to Mineral Owners

Mineral owners receiving royalties are not responsible for drilling or operating costs associated with the well. Shenandoah and its partners assume the financial risk of development, while the mineral owner benefits from production revenue if the well is successful.

Are you ready to get started? Contact SEP today.

A member of the Shenandoah team is available to answer your questions and provide the information you need to begin the leasing process.
Building strong relationships with our land and mineral owners is a priority, and we welcome any inquiry you may have.