Mineral Rights
According to West's, a mineral right is an interest in minerals in the land, with or without ownership of the surface, including the right to take minerals from the land or to receive a royalty.
This term covers possession interests, entrance rights, and occupation. Such rights can be sold or leased, and can exist with stipulations on certain permissions.
Mine owners have the same responsibilities as property owners when it comes to personal injury incurred in their mine area. They are to be held responsible if damage to water quality, flooding of the land or mine, or removal of the lateral supports should occur.