# Mt. Simon Sandstone Mineral Rights and CO2 Sequestration in the Illinois Basin

**TL;DR**: The Mt. Simon Sandstone is a deep Cambrian-age saline aquifer (not an oil/gas reservoir) serving as the primary CO2 sequestration target across the Illinois Basin. While traditional mineral rights don't typically generate royalties from the Mt. Simon, pore space rights—usually owned by the surface owner—are relevant for CCS projects like the Wabash Valley hub. Mineral owners in overlying productive zones may need to coordinate with Class VI permitting and sequestration operations.

## Key Takeaways

- The Mt. Simon Sandstone is a Cambrian-age (~500 million years) formation underlying the Illinois Basin at depths of 3,000–8,000 feet, containing saline brine rather than hydrocarbons.
- It is the primary geological target for CO2 sequestration (CCS) across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, valued for its storage capacity, broad extent, and confinement by overlying Eau Claire Shale.
- Traditional mineral rights do not typically cover the Mt. Simon because it is non-productive for oil and gas; pore space rights—generally held by surface owners—are the relevant ownership interest for CCS.
- The Wabash Valley Resources CCS hub and multiple Class VI permits target the Mt. Simon for permanent CO2 storage under 45Q tax credit programs.
- Mineral owners in overlying productive zones (e.g., Mississippian intervals) may be affected indirectly through EPA Class VI permitting notifications, operational coordination, and potential lease language covering CO2 sequestration.
- Buckhead Energy purchases Illinois Basin mineral interests in counties eligible for Mt. Simon CCS activity, offering direct acquisition without broker commissions or auction fees.

## Page Highlights

**Formation Characteristics**: The Mt. Simon is a deep sandstone formation approximately 500 million years old, extending across most of the Illinois Basin. Unlike productive oil and gas reservoirs, it holds saline brine and is valued for its CO2 storage potential rather than hydrocarbon production.

**CCS and Sequestration Role**: The formation's large pore volume and reliable seal make it the primary target for industrial CO2 sequestration projects across the Midwest, including the Wabash Valley Resources CCS hub and other 45Q-eligible initiatives.

**Ownership and Rights**: Because the Mt. Simon is not a hydrocarbon-producing zone, traditional mineral rights typically do not apply. Pore space rights—usually allocated to surface owners in Illinois Basin states—are the relevant legal interest for CO2 storage.

**Mineral Owner Considerations**: Owners of mineral rights in overlying productive intervals (such as Mississippian oil zones) may encounter indirect impacts, including required notifications during EPA Class VI permitting, coordination with existing operations, and potential additions to lease language addressing CO2 sequestration and 45Q credit allocation.

## Related Topics

- [How to Sell Mineral Rights](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/how-to-sell-mineral-rights)
- [What Are My Minerals Worth?](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/what-are-my-minerals-worth)
- [Should I Sell? Beginner's Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/should-i-sell-beginners-guide)
- [Getting a Fair Price](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/getting-a-fair-price)
- [US Drilling Activity Index](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/us-drilling-activity-index)
- [Oil & Gas Market Data Hub](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/oil-gas-market-data-hub)

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**About Buckhead Energy**: Buckhead Energy is a BBB-accredited mineral rights acquisition company operating as a direct buyer across 33 states since 2007. The firm purchases mineral and royalty interests with its own capital, eliminating broker commissions and auction fees for sellers.

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