Intro to Elmnts: What are Oil and Gas Leases?

Imagine being able to secure a stake in lucrative oil and gas producing properties in oil rich areas, in a matter of seconds, and receive monthly royalties directly.

Now, picture that experience backed by the transparency, security and speed of being on-chain. 

Welcome to Elmnts, where traditional oil and gas investing meets blockchain. But before we dive in deeper into what Elmnts is bringing to Solana, let’s go over the basics of the asset class. 

What Are Oil & Gas Leases?

Oil and gas leases are agreements that grant a company the right to explore, drill, and produce oil and gas from a piece of land. These leases are crucial in the energy sector, as they allow oil and gas companies to tap into natural resources under land owned by other people, which in turn provides a steady stream of return for landowners and investors.

When you invest in an oil and gas lease, you are essentially purchasing the rights to a portion of the revenue generated from the oil and gas produced on that land. This revenue generated comes in the form of royalties, which are payments made to the lease owner based on the amount of oil or gas extracted, typically on a monthly basis.

Oil and Gas Investing for Beginners: What Should You Know?

Investing in oil and gas leases might seem daunting, but with the right knowledge, it can be a lucrative venture to explore. Here are some key terms and details to understand before you start investing:

Royalty Interest: Your Key to Earning Returns 

Royalty interest represents the mineral owner’s share of the revenue from the oil and gas produced. This interest is typically expressed as a percentage of the gross production, free of the costs of exploration, drilling, and production. Here’s how royalty payments work:

• How are they calculated? Royalties are calculated based on the amount of oil or gas produced and the prevailing market prices. For example, if the royalty rate is 15% and the lease produces 1,000 barrels of oil sold at $50 per barrel ($50,000 total), the royalty payment would be $7,500 (15% of $50,000).
• When are they paid out? Royalties are usually paid monthly, providing a consistent stream of return.

Lease Terms 

The lease term is the development timeline during which the lessee (the company producing the oil) has the right to explore and produce oil and gas from the land. Key aspects to consider include:

• What is a primary term? This is the initial period during which the lessee must begin drilling operations. It typically ranges from one to ten years. If no drilling occurs during this term, the lease may expire.
• What is a secondary term? If production begins within the primary term, the lease extends into the secondary term, which lasts as long as oil or gas is produced in paying quantities. This could potentially continue for decades, providing long-term income.
• What are renewal options? Some leases include renewal clauses allowing the lessee to extend the primary term under certain conditions, often involving additional payments to the landowner.

Drilling Obligations

Drilling obligations outline the lessee’s commitments to explore and develop the land within a specified timeframe. Some things to understand:

• How does the lease determine when drilling starts? The lessee must start drilling within the primary term. Failure to do so can result in the lease expiring.
• Does drilling have to be continuous? Some leases require continuous drilling to maintain the lease. This means that the lessee must not only start operations but also continue them without significant interruption.
• What about land development? Lessees often submit development plans detailing how they intend to explore and produce oil and gas from the leased land. These plans help ensure that the landowner's resources are developed in a way that they agree with.

Understanding the Value of Your Oil & Gas Royalties

The value of oil and gas royalties can be a significant and dependable investment, offering investors a reliable source of passive income. Here, we provide a few factors to think about when considering the potential value of your oil and gas investment. 

• Production Volume: The amount of oil or gas produced from the lease directly impacts your royalties. Higher production volumes lead to higher payments.
• Commodity Prices: The price of oil and gas in the market fluctuates, affecting the value of your royalties. Keeping an eye on what’s happening in the market can help you anticipate changes in your income.
• Lease Terms: The specific terms of your lease, including the royalty percentage, will determine your share of the revenue.
• Operator Evaluation: The expertise and track record of the operator managing the lease are vital considerations. Experienced operators with a history of successful projects can significantly enhance the efficiency and profitability of mineral extraction.
• Prospective Horizons: Prospective horizons refer to the layers of rock within a geological formation that have the potential to contain oil, gas, or other minerals. The more prospective horizons present, the greater the potential for finding commercially viable deposits.
• Well Performance by Horizon: Understanding the historical performance of wells within the lease area is crucial. This includes data on production rates, decline curves, and the percentage of oil or gas produced by each horizon.

Conclusion

Understanding the intricacies of oil and gas leases is essential for anyone looking to invest in this sector. By grasping the concepts of royalty interests, lease terms, and drilling obligations, you can make informed decisions and maximize your investment potential. Interested in learning more? This article is the first of a primer series on oil and gas investing for anyone interested in exploring mineral rights. Stay tuned for more on the background of commodities investing and how you can be a part of the robust global market for energy. 

‍