Mineral Rights
Surface and Mineral Rights Are Often Owned Separately Here
In Winkler County's oil country, the person who owns the land surface may not own the oil and gas underneath it — and Texas law gives mineral owners the upper hand.
Winkler County is in the Permian Basin — one of the busiest oil regions in the U.S. Decades of leasing and selling have split ownership here. The person who owns the land surface often does not own the oil and gas beneath it. If you buy land, read the deed closely to see whether minerals are included.
In Texas, the mineral estate is dominant. That means the mineral owner — or their oil company — can use the surface to drill and produce. They just have to do it in a reasonable way.
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is the state agency that oversees oil and gas wells, permits, and safety. It does not settle lease disputes or royalty disagreements — those are handled in civil court. Use the RRC website to look up wells, operators, and production data for any piece of land.
Source to confirm: Railroad Commission of Texas — Land and Mineral Owners