What type of royalty is an owner entitled to from minerals produced on their subdivided land in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, when an owner subdivides their land and it includes mineral rights, they are typically entitled to an exclusive royalty. This means that they have the sole right to the economic benefits derived from the extraction of minerals on their property. An exclusive royalty signifies that the landowner has a distinct claim to a portion of the proceeds generated from the production of these minerals, which could include coal, gas, oil, or other valuable substances.

This entitlement is significant because it grants the landowner autonomy over their resources and creates an incentive to effectively manage those assets. The term "exclusive" distinguishes the owner's rights from shared or partial arrangements, thereby ensuring full ownership of the benefits associated with mineral extraction.

The options referring to partial, shared, or joint royalties imply a division of rights or benefits, which does not align with the concept of exclusivity that is provided to landowners in these situations. Thus, understanding this distinction is crucial for landowners when it comes to negotiating leases or contracts related to mineral extraction on their properties.