Mineral Rights and the Haynesville Shale in Panola County

The Haynesville/Bossier Shale lies under ten East Texas counties. Panola is one of them. This rock formation produces large amounts of natural gas. The Carthage area is a named gas field. Panola County has had oil and gas activity since 1917. Gas output grew sharply in the mid-20th century and again when shale drilling expanded.

In Texas, mineral rights and surface rights can be split. A seller can keep the minerals when selling the land. If that happens, an energy company could drill on your property even though you own the surface. This is called a severed mineral estate.

Before you close on any rural land in Panola County, ask a Texas real estate attorney to check whether minerals are included. The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) is the state agency that oversees oil and gas. It keeps public well records for Panola County. Check its website or call before you buy.