What conditions must be met for a surface owner to reclaim severed mineral rights under Ohio's Dormant Mineral Act?

In Ohio, the Dormant Mineral Act outlines specific conditions under which a surface owner can reclaim severed mineral rights. The correct option meets all the criteria set forth by the Act, which requires the surface owner to provide proper notice to the holders of the mineral rights, file an affidavit of abandonment, and demonstrate that there has been a period of 20 years in which no minerals have been produced from the property.

The requirement for proper notice is crucial as it ensures that the current mineral rights holders are informed of the intent to reclaim the rights, giving them an opportunity to respond or take necessary action. Filing an affidavit of abandonment serves as the formal declaration that the mineral rights are deemed abandoned under the law, which is a key procedural step. Lastly, the stipulation of 20 years of non-production acts as a safeguard, establishing a significant duration wherein the mineral rights have been inactive, thereby justifying the reclamation by the surface owner.

This combination of notice, an affidavit, and the duration of non-production creates a comprehensive and protective framework intended to balance the rights of surface owners with those of mineral rights holders. Other options may omit important elements like the required duration or notice, thereby not fulfilling all of the statutory criteria.