The Eagle Ford Basin: What Eagle Ford Mineral Owners Need to Know

Thanks to the state’s vast network of mineral formations, Texas is the leading producer of oil and natural gas in the U.S., pumping more than a quarter of all natural gas and nearly half of all oil in the country. The Eagle Ford Group is one of Texas’s major mineral formations, spreading across much of the southern part of the state.

‍

For mineral owners in South Texas, it’s important to understand how formations like the Eagle Ford Shale could impact your property. Keep reading to learn more about the Eagle Ford Basin and its impacts on mineral rights.

‍

Key Takeaways

• The Eagle Ford Shale is a massive underground rock formation that covers a stretch of South Texas and holds an estimated 8.5 billion barrels of oil.
• Eagle Ford touches just under 30 counties, including Brazos County, Webb County, Maverick County, and Walker County.
• Other major formations in Texas include the Permian Basin, Barnett Shale, Haynesville Shale, and Granite Wash Field.
• This region is ideal for fracking, and increased natural gas production in the region makes now a great time to sell your rights. Keep Texas laws in mind and get help from an experienced mineral broker.

‍

What Is the Eagle Ford Shale Formation?

Technically speaking, the Eagle Ford Shale is a hydrocarbon-producing sedimentary rock formation that formed in the late Cretaceous era, but knowing that may not be very helpful. To put it in plain language, the Eagle Ford Group, also known as the Eagle Ford Formation, Eagle Ford Shale, or Eagle Ford Basin, is a huge underground rock formation holding massive amounts of oil and gas.

‍

Approximately 50 miles wide and 400 miles long, the Eagle Ford Shale is estimated to hold about 8.5 billion barrels of oil, 66 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 1.9 billion barrels of liquefied natural gas. It is located at depths between 4,000 and 12,000 feet beneath the surface, having formed about 100 million years ago. 

‍

Eagle Ford accounts for nearly 10% of all U.S. oil production, generating billions in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs. For landowners in the area, it’s important to consider the benefits of selling your mineral rights.

‍

About the Hydrocarbon Content in Eagle Ford

One important thing to note about Eagle Ford is the relatively high concentration of hydrocarbons in this formation. According to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), which regulates mineral resources, the Eagle Ford Group has a “much higher carbonate shale percentage”, with concentrations being highest toward the south and lower toward the northern end of the formation. As the RRC notes, this makes the formation more brittle and thus ideal for hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

‍

Oil vs. Gas Production From the Eagle Ford Basin

Every day, operators on the Eagle Ford Basin produce roughly 1.1 million barrels of oil and 6.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas. As wells continue to draw liquid oil from the formation, reservoir pressure declines, making it easier to extract natural gas compared to oil. With this in mind, the production of natural gas in the region is expected to increase in the coming years.

‍

Counties Included in the Eagle Ford Group

According to the Railroad Commission of Texas, the Eagle Ford Group touches 27 different counties in Texas, with southern counties including more of the formation. If you live in any of these counties, your property could be holding valuable mineral resources:

‍

• Atascosa
• Bastrop
• Bee
• Brazos
• Burleson
• De Witt
• Dimmitt
• Fayette
• Frio
• Gonzales
• Grimes
• Karnes
• La Salle
• Lavaca
• Lee
• Leon
• Live Oak
• Madison
• Maverick
• McMullen
• Milam
• Robertson
• Walker
• Washington
• Webb
• Wilson
• Zavala

‍

About the Permian Basin and Other Texas Mineral Formations

In addition to the Eagle Ford, Texas is also known for other huge hydrocarbon formations, including the Permian Basin, Barnett Shale, Haynesville Shale, and Granite Wash Field.

‍

• Permian Basin – The Permian Basin, which can be further divided into the Central, Delaware, and Midland Basins, covers part of West Texas.
• Barnett Shale – This formation is found in northwest Texas, stretching toward the heart of the state.
• Haynesville Shale – This basin is found in the eastern part of Texas.
• Granite Wash Field – This formation is found in the panhandle of the state.

‍

What Oil and Gas Mineral Owners Need to Know

If your assets include mineral rights in the Eagle Ford region, then there are things that you need to know to make smart financial decisions. Each of the factors listed below could impact your options and the value of your mineral rights:

‍

• Hydrocarbon Concentration – As we noted, the hydrocarbon makeup of the Eagle Ford makes it ideal for using fracking extraction technologies. Owners should be aware of unique impacts.
• Oil vs. Gas Production – Natural gas may be less valuable than oil production, meaning owners should consider selling now as oil production is expected to fall.
• Texas Mineral Laws – In Texas, there are special rules on things like surface impacts and oil extraction. Texas has especially strong protections for mineral buyers, making it especially important for mineral owners to get expert insights when selling Texas mineral rights.
• Texas Mineral Buyers – Top investors in Texas oil and gas rights include the royalty companies Viper Energy, Black Stone Minerals, and Kimbell Royalty Partners. We can help you find a buyer.
• Signs of Oil – There are a number of potential indicators for underground oil and gas reserves, including seepage, soil discoloration, and odors.
• Environmental Concerns – It’s always worth remembering that oil and natural gas extraction can contribute to climate change. Some Eagle Ford reports leave out the added environmental costs.

‍

Sell Your Texas Mineral Rights With The Mineral Auction

For Texans living in the Eagle Ford region, it’s essential to understand the value that your land may hold. Whether you choose to hold your rights, lease them for royalties, or sell them for a profit, your Eagle Ford location could impact the outcome of your decision. In particular, Eagle Ford mineral rights owners should consider the potential benefits of selling rather than holding in such a high-demand area.

‍

If you want to learn more about your options for profiting from your mineral rights and whether or not selling is the right choice for you, you should consult with an experienced mineral broker like those on the team here at The Mineral Auction. We are committed to helping mineral owners make the most of their mineral rights, and you can count on us to find you a reputable mineral buyer. Reach out to us for more information, and visit our Education page to find more articles and guides for mineral owners.

‍