Who holds and invests proceeds from a lease for unknown, missing, or abandoned mineral owners?

The correct answer indicates that a special receiver of the court is responsible for holding and investing proceeds from a lease concerning unknown, missing, or abandoned mineral owners. This process is essential because it ensures that the financial interests related to mineral leases are managed properly, especially when the rightful owners of these mineral rights cannot be identified.

A special receiver acts on behalf of the court to manage assets and funds when the owners cannot be located. This role typically involves safeguarding the proceeds from any leasing arrangements until the rightful owners can be determined or until specific legal actions are taken to resolve the ownership issues. By appointing a receiver, the court ensures that there is an official and regulated method for handling these funds, protecting both the interests of the mineral rights and the integrity of the financial management process.

In contrast, other choices do not hold this responsibility. For instance, a special commissioner usually focuses on more defined roles in court proceedings, while surface owners do not have the authority to manage proceeds related to unclaimed mineral rights, and municipalities generally do not engage in this particular legal or investment role. Thus, identifying the correct entity that takes on the task of managing these proceeds is critical for ensuring compliance with legal standards and effective resource management.