Navigating the Shift in Mineral Rights Dynamics in Tuscarawas and Guernsey Counties

As the frontier of oil and gas exploration pushes into new territories like Tuscarawas County and Guernsey County, landowners find themselves navigating a landscape transformed not only by modern technology but also by the complex dynamics of mineral rights that come with historical mining and drilling activities. This shift in dynamics poses both opportunities and challenges for local landowners.

The recent upsurge in exploration and drilling activities underscores a significant shift to the west for the Utica Shale play. Blaine Grace, Gateway Royalty’s VP of Operations said, “For so long nothing was happening and then all of a sudden, activities are slowly starting to move that way.” He highlighted how, although these developments might not yet be directly impacting all local landowners, the ripple effects are significant. “[Drilling activity] is in parts of counties where we’ve never seen development before.”

This change brings a wealth of opportunities for landowners, particularly as their land’s value could increase significantly with closer drilling activities. “The closer it gets to development, the more your minerals are going to be worth,” explained Mr. Grace. 

However, the introduction of large-scale drilling operations, such as those by Encino, brings complexities. This new region has yet to be tested or have its performance measured. Mr. Grace mentioned, “We’re going to start finally getting our first data point there in Tuscarawas County, and we’ll see how those wells look in relation to some of the other oil wells that they’ve drilled.” This statement signals the beginning of a new era for Tuscarawas County and Guernsey County, which will soon start to gather tangible production data, crucial for assessing the true value of their mineral assets.

Yet, with opportunities also come challenges, particularly the need for comprehensive education on mineral rights. Many landowners may not fully understand the potential implications of drilling near their properties or the true value of the minerals beneath their land. Mr. Grace pointed out, “Landowners in Tuscarawas and Guernsey Counties are going to have questions just like the landowners in Carroll and Belmont Counties did when we first opened our offices there.” 

“Gateway Royalty collects a lot of data on the performance of wells in Eastern Ohio and has a proven track record of being a premier buyer,” he noted. 

This evolving scenario in Tuscarawas and Guernsey Counties illustrates a broader trend affecting rural areas across the United States, where historical and new drilling operations intersect. For local landowners, the landscape of mineral rights is becoming increasingly complex, requiring a nuanced understanding of legal, environmental, and economic factors.

In conclusion, as development encroaches upon these new regions, landowners need reliable information and expert guidance to navigate the intricate world of mineral rights and to capitalize on the emerging opportunities. Gateway Royalty has worked with hundreds of landowners in Ohio and is an active mineral buyer throughout the Utica Shale Play. 

Landowners interested in discussing their options or learning more about mineral rights can call Gateway Royalty at 330-205-5038.