Inherited Mineral Rights in Converse County, Wyoming
If you inherited mineral rights in Converse County, Wyoming, you likely own a portion of the subsurface estate in one of the most productive oil counties in the Powder River Basin. Converse County has led Wyoming in crude oil production in recent years and is the site of some of the most active horizontal drilling programs in the basin. Many landowners and heirs in this county have received offers from mineral buyers or discovered their inherited interests only after development began nearby. This page explains how to confirm what you own, how minerals are valued here, and what options are available to you.
Converse County stretches across the southern portion of the Powder River Basin and has seen rapid growth in oil output driven by advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing targeting tight formations.
What Are Inherited Mineral Rights in Converse County?
Inherited mineral rights in Converse County represent ownership of subsurface resources that were separated from surface ownership and passed down through an estate.
Common components include:
Oil and natural gas interests in conventional and unconventional formations
Rights to lease minerals to an energy operator
Rights to receive royalty payments if wells produce
The ability to participate in future leasing or development
Mineral rights are separate from the surface. You may own minerals without owning the surface land, and many owners discover this through royalty checks, paperwork, or unsolicited offers.
Why Converse County Is Unique for Mineral Owners
Converse County is part of the Powder River Basin, one of the most important energy basins in the western United States.
Key characteristics:
Leads Wyoming in crude oil production
Along with Campbell County, accounts for roughly 60% of the state's total oil output
One of the primary targets for horizontal unconventional drilling in the basin
Significant BLM mineral ownership, with over 100,000 acres of yet-to-be-drilled federal lands identified in the county
A major approved oil and gas development project expected to further expand production
Highly fragmented private mineral ownership due to long history of estate transfers and land divisions
Major formations in the area include:
Niobrara
Mowry
Turner
Parkman
Frontier
Muddy Sandstone
Minnelusa
Operators active in the broader basin have included:
EOG Resources
Devon Energy
Anschutz Exploration
Chesapeake Energy
OneRock Energy
Continental Resources
Various private and regional operators
Because Converse County has been a primary focus for recent horizontal drilling campaigns, mineral interests in the county — even smaller or fractional ones — have seen strong buyer interest.
How to Confirm What You Own in Converse County
Before making any decisions, it is critical to confirm exactly what you inherited.
Step 1: Gather documents
Collect estate paperwork, deeds, wills, or probate records that mention mineral interests.
Step 2: Check county records
Visit the Converse County Clerk and Recorder to locate recorded deeds, legal descriptions, and mineral separations.
Step 3: Identify the legal description
Note township, range, and section for each parcel or mineral tract.
Step 4: Clarify interest type
Determine whether the interest is a mineral fee title, royalty interest, or overriding royalty interest.
Step 5: Review spacing and pooling orders
Check whether your land is included in active or past spacing units. Contact the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) for spacing unit details.
Being thorough at this stage prevents confusion later and ensures you know what rights and interests you actually hold.
Do You Need Probate to Sell Inherited Mineral Rights in Wyoming?
In most cases, yes.
Wyoming buyers will require a clear title before completing a purchase. If the prior owner passed away and the minerals were not properly recorded in your name, buyers typically ask for probate or an affidavit of heirship to establish legal ownership.
Probate helps:
Establish a clear chain of title
Protect buyer and seller from future disputes
Ensure payments go to the correct heirs
Even if you are receiving royalty checks, probate may still be required before a sale is completed.
How Mineral Rights Are Valued in Converse County
Mineral rights in Converse County are valued based on several county-specific factors:
Whether the minerals are producing or non-producing
Proximity to active wells or recently drilled horizontal locations
Targeted formations and depth of potential production zones
Operator presence and active lease activity in nearby acreage
Net mineral interest size and royalty rate
Lease status and remaining terms
Whether the minerals fall within active spacing units or permitted drilling areas
Converse County's role as Wyoming's top oil producing county means mineral values here tend to be among the highest in the state, particularly for interests near active development.
Lease vs Sell in Converse County
Common Issues for Converse County Mineral Owners
Mineral owners in Converse County frequently face similar challenges:
Title issues due to missing probate or unclear transfers
Fractional ownership spread across multiple heirs
Confusion about spacing units and pooled acreage
Large amounts of federal mineral ownership complicating private negotiations
Rapid pace of development leading to unsolicited offers that may undervalue interests
Uncertainty about whether royalties are being calculated correctly across multiple formations
Converse County and the Powder River Basin
Converse County is part of the Powder River Basin, one of the core energy regions in the United States. Basin activity, spacing changes, and evolving operator strategy all influence mineral values over time. Understanding your position within this context helps you evaluate options with greater clarity.
To learn more about inherited mineral rights across the region, see our Powder River Basin page.
Simple Next Step
Confirm exactly what mineral rights you own
Gather deeds, probate documents, and any royalty statements
Identify legal descriptions, interest type, and net ownership
Determine whether the minerals are leased, producing, or undeveloped
Evaluate whether leasing, holding, or selling aligns with your goals
FAQ Converse County
How do I know if I inherited mineral rights in Converse County, Wyoming?
Check estate documents, wills, or probate records for any mention of mineral interests. You can also visit the Converse County Clerk and Recorder to search for recorded deeds or mineral separations tied to your family's land.
Are mineral rights in Converse County worth anything if no wells are producing?
Yes. Converse County is the top crude oil producing county in Wyoming. Non-producing mineral rights can still carry significant value if they are near active drilling programs or within spacing units where development is planned or ongoing.
Do I need probate to sell mineral rights in Converse County?
In most cases, yes. Wyoming buyers typically require clear title before completing a purchase. If the previous owner passed away and the minerals were not formally transferred to your name, probate or an affidavit of heirship is usually required.
What formations are active in Converse County?
Key formations targeted in Converse County include the Niobrara, Mowry, Turner, Parkman, Frontier, Muddy Sandstone, and Minnelusa. Horizontal unconventional drilling has been particularly active here in recent years.
Should I lease or sell my mineral rights in Converse County?
Leasing keeps ownership and generates income over time but comes with price volatility. Selling provides a lump sum and removes ongoing management. Given the high level of activity in Converse County, both options can be attractive depending on your situation.