This text focuses upon the legal rules that govern development of privately owned mineral rights. This focus reflects the fact that most mineral rights in the United States are owned privately, though the federal and state governments own hundreds of millions of acres. Also, the rules for governmentally owned resources tend to be based on those for private transactions. The text provides the scope and highlights you need to excel in understanding this field. This will enable you to answer exam questions more quickly and accurately, and enhance your skills as an attorney.