Kentucky Mineral Rights

Kentucky Mineral Rights date back to 1818 when the Martin Beatty well was drilled in McCreary County. Like many early oil and gas developments, the oil well was found by the salt making industry as they were searching for brine. The oil found here was shipped on the Cumberland River in wooden barrels. The oil mineral rights most productive in Kentucky are found in the Mississippian limestone and sandstone, while the gas mineral rights are produced from the Devonian black shale in eastern Kentucky.

Oil and Gas Companies Active in Kentucky

• Abarta Oil & Gas
• Bretagne
• Investors Energy
• Jacobs Energy
• Journey Operating
• MDM Energy
• New River Energy
• North Coast Energy
• Vinland Energy

Top Oil and Gas Producing Counties in Kentucky

• Adair County
• Green County
• Knox County
• Letcher County
• Metcalfe County

Additional Reading

• Oil & Gas 101 – General information for mineral rights owners. Start here if you’re a newbie.
• Huron Shale - Information for West Virginia and Kentucky mineral rights and royalty owners of the Huron Shale gas play.