Rhode Island Subordination of Surface Rights Agreement, also known as Subordination by Mineral Owner, is a legal document that establishes the priority of surface rights over mineral rights in the state of Rhode Island. This agreement allows the surface owner to maintain control and use of their property while acknowledging the rights and interests of the mineral owner. In Rhode Island, there are two main types of Subordination of Surface Rights Agreements: voluntary subordination and compulsory subordination. 1. Voluntary Subordination: This type of agreement is entered into willingly by both the surface owner and the mineral owner. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the surface owner allows the mineral owner to conduct exploration, extraction, or development activities on their property. The agreement may include provisions for compensation, access rights, surface damage mitigation, and other relevant considerations to protect the interests of both parties. 2. Compulsory Subordination: Under certain circumstances, the mineral owner may seek a compulsory subordination agreement to gain access to the mineral deposits located beneath an individual's property without their consent. This can happen when the mineral rights were severed from the surface rights before the property ownership changed hands. In such cases, the mineral owner may possess superior legal rights to develop the minerals, even if it interferes with the surface owner's use and enjoyment of the property. A compulsory subordination agreement would establish the terms and conditions under which the mineral owner can exercise their rights. It is important to note that the rights and obligations defined in a Subordination of Surface Rights Agreement can vary depending on the specific terms negotiated by the parties involved. Some key elements typically addressed in such agreements include: 1. Identification of the parties involved (surface owner and mineral owner). 2. Accurate description of the property, including its legal boundaries and relevant mineral rights. 3. Grant of rights and limitations: The agreement specifies the scope and extent of the mineral owner's rights, including the right to access and use the surface for mineral extraction or related activities. It may also define any limitations imposed on these rights to minimize surface damage or disturbance. 4. Compensation: If applicable, the agreement may outline the compensation the surface owner will receive for granting access or potential damages caused by mineral extraction activities. 5. Surface protection: Provisions may be included to protect the surface owner's property and its condition, such as guidelines for restoration or remediation after mineral extraction, mitigation measures for surface damages, and limitations on surface disturbances. 6. Duration and termination: The agreement defines the duration of the subordination, outlining its start and end dates. It also specifies conditions for early termination, such as non-compliance with the agreement or change of ownership. In conclusion, the Rhode Island Subordination of Surface Rights Agreement (Subordination by Mineral Owner) is a legal document that establishes the priority and coexistence of surface and mineral ownership. Whether entered into voluntarily or compulsory, such agreements protect the rights and interests of both surface owners and mineral owners while allowing for the exploration and development of mineral resources beneath the surface of the property.