The Mineral Rights Podcast: Mineral Rights | Royalties | Oil and Gas | Matt Sands

Happy New Year! In this month's news episode, we cover several important developments affecting mineral rights owners and the broader oil and gas industry (of course the elephant is the room is the capture of Nicolas Maduro but that happened after we recorded this episode, so stay tuned to next month's news episode for our analysis of those events and how they could affect the oil markets).

This month's discussion ranges from a new federal mineral auction platform that mineral buyers should bookmark, to geopolitical tensions with Venezuela that are creating headlines (but may have limited oil price impact as we saw after the US took over Venezuelan oil production). We analyze the latest price forecasts showing oil likely trading in the $60-$70 range through 2026 while natural gas prices have approximately doubled from last year's lows. We examine early 2026 capital budget guidance from major producers and we break down the latest rig count data.

As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of mineral ownership: organization and communication with your heirs. Whether you have a small mineral interest or manage a complex portfolio across multiple states, proper organization isn't just about neat filing—it's about preserving your family's financial future and preventing costly mistakes after you're gone. We explore practical systems for documenting your mineral assets, strategies for having productive conversations with family members about your holdings, and critical warning signs that indicate your estate plan needs attention. From simple spreadsheet templates to comprehensive documentation strategies, this episode provides a roadmap for ensuring your mineral legacy doesn't become a burden of confusion and lost value for the next generation.

As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer questions submitted by @josephlong2991, Maria, Stephen, @robwilliams3602, Susan, Bob, and Wesley ranging from finding shut-in wells in Texas using the Railroad Commission's inactive well aging report, advice on ownership structures and why S Corporations are not common with mineral ownership, payment disputes and division order challenges, royalty payment verification, pooling agreements in Texas, and more!

As always, the links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news episode, we examine the latest developments affecting mineral rights owners as 2025 draws to a close. The discussion centers on how major geopolitical events and infrastructure developments are shaping energy markets heading into 2026. Natural gas continues its strong performance driven by surging demand from data centers and LNG exports, while oil prices face downward pressure from increased global supply and potential peace agreements that could bring Russian crude back to international markets. The episode provides you with context for understanding how these macro trends translate into production decisions and royalty payments in the months ahead. As always, we wrap up with an analysis of the latest rig count numbers.

Links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we review probate requirements for inherited mineral rights: when they're needed, multi-state complications, and how proven strategies like trusts or LLCs can help you avoid them entirely.

As always, this information is being shared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. Be sure to contact a qualified attorney to help you make the most of an inheritance situation.

Links to the references mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Many mineral owners face a common challenge: they have substantial wealth tied up in mineral rights, but their monthly royalty income has declined significantly as wells age and production drops.

In this episode, we explore when it makes strategic sense to sell portions of your mineral portfolio to create more stable cash flow, reduce concentration risk, and diversify into other asset classes like a rental property. We discuss how to identify which properties are at peak value and therefore ideal candidates for sale, the mechanics of 1031 exchanges that allow you to defer capital gains taxes, and practical strategies for finding reputable buyers. And while we generally recommend that you should hold on to your mineral rights, we challenge the conventional wisdom that you should "never sell" mineral rights. Instead, sophisticated asset management requires understanding your overall portfolio while acting proactively to maximize value to meet your changing financial needs.

As always, be sure to check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com for links to the resources mentioned!

Disclaimer: This episode and accompanying show notes are provided for general information purposes and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult with qualified legal and financial professionals.

In this episode, we answer questions submitted by Roy, Nancy, Donna, @MadamPickles (via YouTube), Tom, Mark, and Brenda. From the long-term outlook for Permian Basin production, the complexities of overriding royalty interests, strategies for dealing with offers to purchase mineral rights, understanding when to expect the first royalty check, and navigating the title research process to trace inherited minerals back to specific family members, and more.

Links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into what is driving the recent downward pressure on oil prices. The Energy Information Administration released their October short-term energy outlook with a projection that caught our attention. They're forecasting that oil prices could fall to $47.77 per barrel in 2026—a 26% decrease from recent levels. That price sits below the $50 per barrel mark that industry analysts often cite as a critical breakeven point for shale profitability.

For those of us who own mineral rights or receive royalty payments, this forecast has real implications worth understanding. Be sure to listen to the full episode to learn our take on what oil prices are likely to do in 2026 and how this could impact future drilling and your oil royalties.

As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in the mineral rights and energy world. From an interesting battle over royalties under the Midland, Texas airport, OPEC plans to potentially increase oil output despite demand forecasts weakening, and the latest developments in the Uinta Basin Railway project in Utah. As always, we wrap up with an analysis of the latest rig count numbers.

Links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into what's driving natural gas prices higher and what mineral and royalty owners can expect in 2026 and beyond. We explore how two major forces are reshaping the market: the explosive growth of AI data centers that require massive amounts of electricity, and the continued expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to meet global demand. We break this all down into real numbers and what it could mean for natural gas prices in 2026 and beyond. As always for links to the resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.