Oil and Gas
Mineral Rights and the Haynesville Shale in Panola County
Panola County sits over the Haynesville/Bossier Shale, a major natural gas formation, so buyers here should always ask whether mineral rights are included in a land sale.
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.
Source to confirm: Texas Railroad Commission — Haynesville/Bossier Shale