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.