Property Ownership

A Connecticut buyer purchases land and subsequently discovers valuable stone deposits. Who owns the subsurface mineral rights?

AThe state of Connecticut, since minerals are public property
BThe buyer, who owns the surface also owns the mineral rights unless they were separately conveyed✓ Correct
COnly the original land developer
DThe federal government under the Mining Law of 1872

Explanation

In Connecticut and most eastern states, surface ownership typically includes mineral rights (and air rights) unless they were previously severed and separately conveyed. If the deed conveyed a fee simple without reservation of mineral rights, the buyer owns the minerals.

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