Pennsylvania Mineral Owner's Subordination (of Rights to Make Use of Surface Estate) is a legal agreement that allows the mineral owner to temporarily subordinate or prioritize their rights to use the surface estate to other parties. This means that the surface owner or a third party can have the authority to use the land for various purposes while the mineral estate owner retains ownership of the minerals below the surface. In Pennsylvania, there are different types of mineral owner's subordination based on the specific circumstances and needs of the parties involved. These may include: 1. Temporary Surface Use Agreement: This type of subordination allows the surface owner or a third party to use the surface estate for a defined period. It could be for purposes such as construction, development, or agricultural activities. The mineral owner agrees to subjugate their rights during this period so that the surface owner can utilize the land without disrupting their activities. 2. Surface Lease: A surface lease is a contractual agreement between the mineral owner and the surface owner, allowing the latter to use the surface estate for a specific purpose, such as drilling, mining, or extraction activities. This type of subordination often includes detailed terms and conditions for surface use, compensation, environmental protection, and restoration requirements. 3. Exploration Agreement: An exploration agreement grants permission to an entity or individual to conduct geological surveys, core sampling, or other activities to determine the presence and value of mineral deposits. The surface owner might agree to temporarily subordinate their rights to allow the exploration while safeguarding their property rights. 4. Production Agreement: This type of subordination grants the right to the mineral owner or a third party to extract and produce minerals from the subsurface. The surface estate owner agrees to allow production activities while setting specific conditions, such as environmental protection measures, reclamation plans, and compensation for surface damages caused. It's important to note that each subordination agreement must be legally binding and properly documented to protect the interests of both the mineral owner and the surface estate owner. These agreements often involve careful negotiations and considerations of various factors, such as compensation, duration, and potential impacts on the land, to ensure all parties' rights and interests are protected. Overall, the Pennsylvania Mineral Owner's Subordination (of Rights to Make Use of Surface Estate) allows for a balanced approach between the needs of mineral extraction and the preservation of the surface estate.