Minerals & Water Rights Overview

The Union Pacific Railroad Company has mineral holdings throughout its 23-state region. We have an active mineral lease program and are willing to explore opportunities to lease these interests. We generally do not allow surface use in our mineral leases and typically require mineral lessors to waive any statutory rights they may have to such access.

If you are interested in surface rights for drilling pads, pipelines, power lines, etc. please contact the Utility or Leasing Manager identified here.

Information Required to Obtain a Mineral Lease

If you would like to lease minerals from Union Pacific Railroad please provide the following information in writing to the address or email listed below (we are not able to receive lease applications over the phone):

• Your name, address and phone number
• The exact legal name of the entity that would execute the lease
• The legal status of the entity executing the lease
• A legal description sufficient for recording purposes
• A copy of the granting document where Union Pacific, related entities, or its predecessors acquired the minerals
• A copy of the document where Union Pacific, related entities, or its predecessors sold the surface and retained the minerals (if applicable)
• The terms of your offer
• A map with your proposed drilling unit including but not limited to the following information:
  • Drill Site
  • Proposed laterals (if horizontal)
  • Leasehold in unit including your knowledge of 3rd party leasehold
  • Clear indication of UPRR’s minerals to be leased

Please note that Union Pacific reserves the right to require more information in order to lease minerals.

How to Apply for Minerals & Water Lease         

Most of our mineral leases require the express written consent from Union Pacific Railroad Company prior to any assignment of the lease. Union Pacific Railroad Company is relying on Lessee’s reputation, technology and experience within the industry and is granting rights to Lessee that it would not necessarily grant to others. Accordingly, Lessor may withhold consent for any or no reason at all, including, without limitation, the number of assignees is excessive, an assignee's technical competence or financial ability does not meet Lessor’s criteria or is otherwise inadequate or Lessee refuses to accept responsibility for the performance or obligations of any of its successors in interest.

Depending upon the party identified, Union Pacific Railroad may request documentation in order to review the request for consent.

Procedure

• The request must be printed and completed in its entirety. The Application document in this section is a PDF file, which requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing. Completed applications and a minimum fee of $1,065 per assignee (made payable to Union Pacific Railroad Company, Federal Taxpayer Identification No. 94-6001323) is required. Union Pacific reserves the right to charge higher fees for increased exposure, risk, etc.
• The interest assigned must either be completed as to 100% interest in the lease or the specific percentage being assigned.
• Lessee and Assignee must both sign the request form.
• We are only able to consent to parties that possess interest in the lease. Documentation is required for any gap in title. Please send copies of recorded instruments from the appropriate state or county/parish.
• Please allow a minimum of 30 days for processing.