What does the term "mineral" include in Ohio, aside from traditional minerals?

In Ohio, the term "mineral" encompasses a broader definition that goes beyond just solid minerals to include fossil fuels, specifically oil and gas. This classification is important in the context of property rights and resource extraction within the state.

Fossil fuels are classified as minerals under Ohio law, meaning they are considered part of the mineral estate of a property. This affects how property rights are divided between surface owners and mineral rights holders. For instance, the ownership of land does not automatically grant the surface owner the rights to the oil or gas reserves beneath the land; these rights may be owned separately.

Understanding this interpretation is crucial for those involved in real estate, legal matters, or energy resource management in Ohio, as it influences regulations, leases, or any transactions regarding land and its associated mineral deposits.