What do subsurface rights allow a party to do?

Subsurface rights are a distinct category of property rights that specifically pertain to the minerals or resources located beneath the surface of a piece of land. When a party holds subsurface rights, they have the legal authority to explore for and extract minerals or other valuable substances, such as oil, gas, or precious metals, located below the earth’s surface.

This arrangement is significant in real estate and natural resource management, as ownership of land does not automatically include ownership of the resources found beneath it. Therefore, individuals or entities with subsurface rights can lease or operate the extraction of these resources, often generating significant revenue, which makes understanding this concept crucial for title insurance producers and real estate professionals.

The other options reflect rights associated with the surface of the land or airspace but do not pertain directly to subsurface rights. Thus, the correct choice clearly identifies the specific privilege that comes with owning subsurface rights.