When you own a peice of land how far down it is really yours?

Question

Do you only own the surface or is all the way down to the core of the planet?

Answer 1

it varies in different countries.  In México, you own ONLY the use above land surface, any mineral below belongs to fatherland. Water is not yours, Oil is not yours.

Answer 2

if by luck you own the mineral rights, you own beneath the surface, but not really sure how far down that would apply.....more than likely NOT as far as you want--to the center of the earth....

Answer 3

Good question!  I was in a graduate Urban Planning program last year, and asked the same question to a professor.  He said that in most places, you just own the surface of the land, and not the mineral rights underneath it.  Obviously, this makes for some tense situations if oil or important minerals are found nearby.  In some areas of West Virginia, for example, companies actually come in and drill underneath your homes.  Granted, it's pretty far underneath, but I don't think I like the sound of that.

Hope that helps!

P.S.  Wouldn't it be cool if the land rights went all the way down, and everyone could own a little sliver of earth's core?

Answer 4

First, make sure you own the mineral rights to your property.  If you do, everything underneath the property is yours.  There are unscrupulous companies that will try to take minerals or oil out from underneath you.  There are laws against "slant drilling" for oil.  It can be impossible for the average citizen to determine if this type practice is taking place.

Usually, land is leased by oil companies over a wide area.   However, they are limited to a 1/4 section (160 acres) for drilling purposes.  Drilling outside of this boundary is illegal.  The landowners within this 160 acre area share equally from the proceeds of a successful well.

Answer 5

I suggest you read this, as it may cause you to re-evaluate your question:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_dom...

Answer 6

Depends on the deed. Mineral rights are frequently sold separately from surface. Timber rights can also be sold separately. In general mineral rights permit the holder to open only a small hole or shaft to remove the minerals. Disturbing the normal surface usage is usually precluded. Open pit or strip mining usually requires surface and mineral ownership. But it always depends on the deeds.