Which of the following describes mineral rights?

Mineral rights refer specifically to the rights to extract and utilize the minerals and other resources located beneath the surface of a property. This distinction is crucial, as it defines the extent of ownership and control an individual or entity has over subsurface materials, which may include oil, gas, metals, and other valuable geological resources. The ability to extract these substances is often separate from surface rights, meaning that owning land does not automatically grant ownership of the minerals contained within it.

Understanding this concept helps clarify property ownership and the potential for resource extraction. For example, in many real estate transactions, surface rights may be sold while retaining mineral rights, allowing for the extraction of resources without interference with surface land use. This specificity regarding subsurface resources is why the answer is accurate in the context of mineral rights.