Understanding Your Options When Royalties Aren't Flowing
Owning mineral rights that aren't producing royalties can be frustrating. You have an asset on paper, but it's not generating income. This guide helps you understand why and what you can do about it.
Non-producing mineral rights are mineral interests that currently generate no royalty income. This doesn't mean they're worthless—it means they're in a waiting period before potential development.
No Lease: Minerals have never been leased to an operator
Expired Lease: Prior lease ended without production
HBP, No Wells: Held by production on other tracts
Shut-In Wells: Wells temporarily not producing
Undeveloped Area: No drilling activity nearby
Many owners of non-producing minerals wonder: "Should I keep waiting and hoping, or should I sell now and move on?" There's no universal right answer, but understanding your options helps.
Not all mineral locations attract operator interest:
Outside proven drilling areas
Unfavorable geology
Limited infrastructure access
Small or fractional acreage
Development happens on industry timelines:
Operators prioritize best acreage first
Commodity prices affect drilling decisions
Capital availability changes yearly
Permit backlogs can delay projects
Non-producing minerals can become producing. Factors that might trigger development:
New Operator Interest: Company begins acquiring leases in your area
Nearby Drilling: Successful wells drilled on adjacent tracts
Technology Advances: New techniques make your area economic
Higher Prices: Rising oil/gas prices expand viable drilling areas
Infrastructure Build-Out: Pipelines extend to your region
These changes can take years—or may never happen. There's no guarantee your minerals will ever produce.
Access cash now instead of waiting
Eliminate uncertainty about future development
Stop paying property taxes on idle assets
Simplify estate for heirs
Invest proceeds in diversified assets
Use cash for current needs
Strong belief development will happen
Nearby drilling activity increasing
No immediate need for cash
Family legacy or sentimental value
Recent lease offer indicates interest
Willing to wait for potential upside
Yes, buyers purchase non-producing minerals. Buckhead Energy evaluates:
Location: Proximity to active drilling areas
Geology: Known formations in the area
Nearby Activity: Permits, leasing, drilling nearby
Acreage: Net mineral acres owned
Title: Clean ownership chain
Buckhead Energy buys non-producing minerals:
No obligation to accept
Free evaluation
Fair market offers
Fast, simple process
Find out what your minerals could be worth. No obligation.
Request a Free EvaluationWe buy producing and non-producing mineral rights
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Mineral rights values vary based on specific property characteristics. Consult qualified professionals before making decisions about your mineral rights.