Understanding Fracking
Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly referred to as fracking, is a type of drilling in which tight-rock formations, such as shale, are accessed from the surface with a drill that descends at least a mile. Once the optimal depth is reached, the drill is slowly turned to a horizontal position from which it can continue for several thousand feet. Once these offshoots of the main well have been drilled, they will be cased and cemented and a mixture of water, sand, and additional elements will be pumped through perforations in the well pipe.
The process of fracking allows a single surface site to accommodate multiple wells in order to maximize output without disturbing excess land on the surface.
How Fracking can affect Your Surface Rights
Hydraulic fracturing has allowed mineral production companies to access vast reserves of oil and natural gas that they were previously unable to reach. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. gas production will increase by 56 percent between now and 2040, and this is thanks in large part to fracking. In addition to the national benefits, fracking can affect you personally by:
- Increasing your income tied to production volume
- Increasing the value of your mineral rights by allowing buyers to access more of the minerals and oil on your property
In 2012, shale gas constituted 40 percent of the total U.S. production. The EIA predicts that number will increase to as much as 53 percent by 2040 due to the unprecedented level of access into tight-rock formations that fracking allows.
Contact Us to Learn More about Selling Your Mineral Rights
If you are considering whether or not to sell the mineral rights to your property, our team of representatives can answer any and all of your questions. Learn more about selling your mineral rights today by calling The Mineral Auction at (512) 698-2802.
