The Mineral Rights Podcast: Mineral Rights | Royalties | Oil and Gas | Matt Sands

When U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, headlines focused on the country's massive oil reserves—reportedly 303 billion barrels, the largest in the world. But as we dig deeper into the technical realities of Venezuela's extra-heavy crude, the crumbling infrastructure, and the geopolitical chess match unfolding in our hemisphere, a different story emerges. While Energy Secretary Chris Wright told oil executives that Venezuela could increase production by just 300,000 barrels per day in the near term—barely a blip in global markets of 106 million barrels daily—China has been building satellite ground stations, selling military hardware, and using debt-for-oil arrangements to gain a strategic foothold in America's backyard. This episode reveals why the Venezuela intervention may have far less to do with oil production and far more to do with countering Chinese influence, pressuring Canada in upcoming trade negotiations, and controlling a critical piece of Western Hemisphere infrastructure that was slipping into Beijing's orbit. Links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer questions submitted by Nathan, Lisa, Bill, Tina, Rose, Linda, and David.  From dealing with an unresponsive Oklahoma producer who won't pay royalties and won't return calls or emails—a frustrating situation many owners encounter, to what to do when you receive an unsolicited offer to sell your minerals and how to know if it's a fair deal, to lease negotiations and fair lease language, specifically around pugh/retained acreage clauses. These are practical, real-world issues that could save you thousands of dollars if you know how to handle them correctly. Listen to the full episode to hear our detailed advice for each situation. As always, links to the resources supporting each question can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

The lithium boom sweeping across U.S. oil and gas fields promises transformative new revenue streams for mineral rights owners, but the economic reality behind Direct Lithium Extraction projects tells a far more complicated story than the headlines suggest. In this episode, we break down the actual numbers from Standard Lithium's Southwest Arkansas project—including the staggering capital costs, projected timelines, and the critical price assumptions that determine whether these ventures will ever generate royalties for mineral owners. If you own minerals in the Smackover Formation or any region being targeted for lithium extraction, you need to understand these economics before signing any lease or making decisions about your mineral rights. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Happy New Year!  In this month's news episode, we cover several important developments affecting mineral rights owners and the broader oil and gas industry (of course the elephant is the room is the capture of Nicolas Maduro but that happened after we recorded this episode, so stay tuned to next month's news episode for our analysis of those events and how they could affect the oil markets).  This month's discussion ranges from a new federal mineral auction platform that mineral buyers should bookmark, to geopolitical tensions with Venezuela that are creating headlines (but may have limited oil price impact as we saw after the US took over Venezuelan oil production). We analyze the latest price forecasts showing oil likely trading in the $60-$70 range through 2026 while natural gas prices have approximately doubled from last year's lows. We examine early 2026 capital budget guidance from major producers and we break down the latest rig count data. As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of mineral ownership: organization and communication with your heirs. Whether you have a small mineral interest or manage a complex portfolio across multiple states, proper organization isn't just about neat filing—it's about preserving your family's financial future and preventing costly mistakes after you're gone. We explore practical systems for documenting your mineral assets, strategies for having productive conversations with family members about your holdings, and critical warning signs that indicate your estate plan needs attention. From simple spreadsheet templates to comprehensive documentation strategies, this episode provides a roadmap for ensuring your mineral legacy doesn't become a burden of confusion and lost value for the next generation. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer questions submitted by @josephlong2991, Maria, Stephen, @robwilliams3602, Susan, Bob, and Wesley ranging from finding shut-in wells in Texas using the Railroad Commission's inactive well aging report, advice on ownership structures and why S Corporations are not common with mineral ownership, payment disputes and division order challenges, royalty payment verification, pooling agreements in Texas, and more! As always, the links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news episode, we examine the latest developments affecting mineral rights owners as 2025 draws to a close. The discussion centers on how major geopolitical events and infrastructure developments are shaping energy markets heading into 2026. Natural gas continues its strong performance driven by surging demand from data centers and LNG exports, while oil prices face downward pressure from increased global supply and potential peace agreements that could bring Russian crude back to international markets. The episode provides you with context for understanding how these macro trends translate into production decisions and royalty payments in the months ahead. As always, we wrap up with an analysis of the latest rig count numbers. Links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we review probate requirements for inherited mineral rights: when they're needed, multi-state complications, and how proven strategies like trusts or LLCs can help you avoid them entirely. As always, this information is being shared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice.  Be sure to contact a qualified attorney to help you make the most of an inheritance situation. Links to the references mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Many mineral owners face a common challenge: they have substantial wealth tied up in mineral rights, but their monthly royalty income has declined significantly as wells age and production drops. In this episode, we explore when it makes strategic sense to sell portions of your mineral portfolio to create more stable cash flow, reduce concentration risk, and diversify into other asset classes like a rental property. We discuss how to identify which properties are at peak value and therefore ideal candidates for sale, the mechanics of 1031 exchanges that allow you to defer capital gains taxes, and practical strategies for finding reputable buyers. And while we generally recommend that you should hold on to your mineral rights, we challenge the conventional wisdom that you should "never sell" mineral rights.  Instead, sophisticated asset management requires understanding your overall portfolio while acting proactively to maximize value to meet your changing financial needs. As always, be sure to check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com for links to the resources mentioned! Disclaimer: This episode and accompanying show notes are provided for general information purposes and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult with qualified legal and financial professionals.

In this episode, we answer questions submitted by Roy, Nancy, Donna, @MadamPickles (via YouTube), Tom, Mark, and Brenda.  From the long-term outlook for Permian Basin production, the complexities of overriding royalty interests, strategies for dealing with offers to purchase mineral rights, understanding when to expect the first royalty check, and navigating the title research process to trace inherited minerals back to specific family members, and more. Links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into what is driving the recent downward pressure on oil prices. The Energy Information Administration released their October short-term energy outlook with a projection that caught our attention. They're forecasting that oil prices could fall to $47.77 per barrel in 2026—a 26% decrease from recent levels. That price sits below the $50 per barrel mark that industry analysts often cite as a critical breakeven point for shale profitability. For those of us who own mineral rights or receive royalty payments, this forecast has real implications worth understanding.  Be sure to listen to the full episode to learn our take on what oil prices are likely to do in 2026 and how this could impact future drilling and your oil royalties. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in the mineral rights and energy world. From an interesting battle over royalties under the Midland, Texas airport, OPEC plans to potentially increase oil output despite demand forecasts weakening, and the latest  developments in the Uinta Basin Railway project in Utah. As always, we wrap up with an analysis of the latest rig count numbers. Links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into what's driving natural gas prices higher and what mineral and royalty owners can expect in 2026 and beyond. We explore how two major forces are reshaping the market: the explosive growth of AI data centers that require massive amounts of electricity, and the continued expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to meet global demand.  We break this all down into real numbers and what it could mean for natural gas prices in 2026 and beyond.  As always for links to the resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this live episode recorded at the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) National Convention in Oklahoma City in October 2025, we answered several live & unscripted questions from other NARO Members.  The recording quality isn't perfect but I think you will get a lot of value out of this episode as we deal with some real questions related to working with operators to learn about shut-in wells, multiple examples of tips and tricks for working with stubborn operators who will not respond to emails or phone calls, as well as several questions related to the ever present issue of orphan wells.  As always, links to the resources and other tools can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most unique and complex aspects of Texas oil and gas development: allocation wells and the state's unique approach to pooling mineral interests. Unlike most oil-producing states that have robust forced pooling statutes, Texas takes a different approach that gives mineral owners more control but creates significant complexity in how royalties are calculated and paid.  As always, more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news episode, we explore "out of this world" developments in energy and mining that could reshape the future of mineral rights. The conversation ranges from asteroid mining to the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence data centers in West Texas, offering mineral and royalty owners fresh perspectives on emerging opportunities in the energy sector. As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we celebrate reaching the milestone of over 300 episodes of the Mineral Rights Podcast!  In this special retrospective episode, we reveal your top 10 favorite episodes on website analytics and download numbers over the past 8 years.  Join us as we count down the top ten most popular episodes that have helped YOU, the listener, navigate this complex world of minerals and royalties. Stay tuned until the end because we also share our personal favorite guest interviews so far. As always, links to the resources and episodes mentioned can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

We're back to answer your questions in our 301st episode.  We tackle diverse listener questions ranging from lithium royalty rates, how to obtain marketable title, to complex Texas pooling regulations, to a success story that led a listener to discover new permitted wells on their minerals. The episode emphasizes the importance of thorough research using state commission websites, understanding the difference between receiving payments and having marketable title, and recognizing that sudden increases in purchase offers often signal upcoming drilling activity worth investigating before selling.  As always, links to the resources mentioned can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, the co-founder of Pebble REI and host of "Land Investing Business Secrets" podcast reveals how his platform now serves both land investors and mineral rights companies. Discover the striking parallels between these two real estate niches, from direct mail campaigns to county records research. Jessey shares his unconventional start (including closing his first deal on the toilet via Facebook Marketplace), real success metrics, and how technology is streamlining property acquisition workflows. Whether you're curious about surface rights or looking for alternative real estate investments that share DNA with mineral rights, this conversation bridges two worlds in ways you won't expect. As always, the links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com. The information contained in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice.

This episode covers several critical developments affecting mineral rights owners, from post-production deductions from royalty checks in North Dakotato Wyoming's controversial proposal for reclaiming abandoned mineral rights. We also discuss the recent Cactus Water Services Texas Supreme Court ruling on produced water ownership and how it provides clarity around hydrocarbons contained in produced water while leaving questions unanswered related to lithium and other valuable minerals.  All this and more!  As always, links to the articles discussed can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.