What allows a surface owner in Ohio to regain severed mineral rights under certain conditions?

The Dormant Mineral Act is specifically designed to address the situation where a surface owner in Ohio can regain severed mineral rights under certain conditions. This act allows a surface owner to reclaim ownership of mineral rights that have not been used for a specified period, primarily when the mineral rights have been dormant and not actively exercised.

The purpose of the Dormant Mineral Act is to promote the efficient use of land and mineral resources while also providing a mechanism for surface owners to regain rights that may have been lost or severed. This is particularly important in areas where mineral resources like oil and gas have gained significant value, and landowners may seek to consolidate their ownership.

The other options do not pertain directly to the restoration of severed mineral rights. The Severance Act primarily deals with the separation of mineral rights from surface rights but does not provide a pathway for restoration. The Mineral Restoration Act, while similar in name, is not recognized in Ohio law as a mechanism for regaining mineral rights. Lastly, the Surface Rights Act primarily focuses on the rights associated with owning surface land rather than the restoration of mineral rights. Thus, the Dormant Mineral Act is the most relevant and effective means for a surface owner to reclaim severed mineral rights in Ohio.