How much are my mineral rights worth?

The value of mineral rights depends on several factors including location, production history, proven reserves, current market prices, and lease terms. Our experienced team provides free mineral rights appraisal using industry-leading valuation methods. Factors we consider include nearby well production, geological surveys, and current commodity prices.

How do I sell my mineral rights?

Selling mineral rights involves several steps: 1) Contact a reputable mineral rights buyer, 2) Review your deed and title, 3) Receive a transparent valuation explaining the offer, 4) Negotiate terms and closing timeline, 5) Complete title work and documentation, 6) Close the transaction. Buckhead Energy streamlines this process with quick closings and competitive offers.

What is the best company to sell mineral rights to?

The best mineral buying company offers fair market value, transparent pricing, quick closings, and professional service. Look for companies with proven track records, positive landowner reviews, and expertise in your specific basin or region. Buckhead Energy has been acquiring mineral rights since 2007, with successful transactions across 33 states.

Should I sell or lease my mineral rights?

The decision to sell or lease mineral rights depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Selling provides immediate cash with no ongoing management, while leasing offers potential long-term income but requires active management. Consider factors like current commodity prices, development potential, tax implications, and your need for immediate capital.

What are mineral rights?

Mineral rights are the legal rights to extract and profit from minerals beneath the surface of land, including oil, natural gas, coal, and other valuable substances. These rights can be owned separately from surface rights. Mineral rights ownership entitles you to lease payments, royalties from production, and the right to sell these assets.

How long does it take to sell mineral rights?

The timeline to sell mineral rights typically ranges from 30-90 days, depending on title complexity and documentation requirements. At Buckhead Energy, we streamline the process: initial evaluation and offer within 7-14 days, title review 2-4 weeks, and closing within 30-45 days of accepted offer.

Aera Energy: Mineral Owner's Guide

Company Overview

Headquarters: Bakersfield, California

Ownership: Shell (52%) / ExxonMobil (48%)

Company Type: Private Joint Venture

Operating Area: San Joaquin Valley, California

Status: Major California producer

Formed: 1997

Aera Energy is a joint venture between two of the world's largest oil companies - Shell and ExxonMobil. Formed in 1997 by combining the California operations of both parent companies, Aera is one of the largest oil and gas producers in California.

The backing of two supermajor oil companies provides Aera with exceptional financial stability and technical resources. This major-company support distinguishes Aera from smaller California independents and can provide mineral owners with confidence in the long-term operation of their wells.

Major Company Backing

Aera is backed by Shell (52%) and ExxonMobil (48%), two of the largest and most financially stable oil companies in the world. This ownership structure provides resources for maintaining mature California fields and ensures reliable royalty payments.

Primary Operating Areas

San Joaquin Valley (Kern County)

Aera operates some of California's largest and most prolific oil fields:

Belridge Field - One of California's largest fields

South Belridge - Heavy oil production

Coalinga Field - Western Kern County

Multiple legacy fields - Steam flood operations

Aera's operations primarily involve enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, particularly steam flooding, to extract heavy crude oil from mature California fields. These fields have been producing for decades and require significant ongoing investment to maintain production.

What Mineral Owners Should Know

Advantages

Major company backing: Shell and ExxonMobil ownership

Financial stability: Resources to maintain mature fields

Bakersfield headquarters: Local presence in operating area

Reliable payments: Major-company payment systems

Considerations

Mature fields: Production generally declining over time

California regulations: Challenging operating environment

Heavy oil: Price discounts compared to light crude

Owner Relations Contact

Phone: 1-661-665-5000

Location: Bakersfield, California

Mail: Aera Energy LLC, 10000 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93311

Frequently Asked Questions

Aera Energy is a joint venture between Shell Oil Company and ExxonMobil, formed in 1997. The company operates exclusively in California's San Joaquin Valley and is one of the largest oil producers in the state.

Aera Energy is owned 52% by Shell Oil Company and 48% by Aera Energy LLC (ultimately owned by ExxonMobil affiliates). This major company backing provides financial stability.

Aera operates exclusively in California's San Joaquin Valley, primarily in Kern County. Major fields include Belridge, Coalinga, and South Belridge - some of California's largest and most prolific oil fields.

Considering Selling Your California Minerals?

Get a free, no-obligation valuation of your mineral rights from our experienced team.

Request Your Free Valuation

Related Resources

California Mineral Rights Guide

California Resources Corp Guide

Kern County Mineral Rights

Berry Petroleum Guide

Top Oil & Gas Operators

Dealing with Operators

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Aera Energy. Contact information and company details may change.