subsurfacerights
nounUK /ˌsʌbˈsɜːfɪs raɪts/
US /ˌsʌbˈsɜːrfɪs raɪts/
The legal permission to use the ground deep below the surface of a piece of land.
The mining company bought the subsurfacerights so they could dig for coal beneath the farm.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The legal claim to oil, gas, or minerals found beneath a property.
Homeowners often do not realize they sold their subsurfacerights years ago.
3. The bundle of privileges to tunnel, drill, or excavate under land.
The contract granted subsurfacerights for a subway tunnel beneath the city streets.
4. A separate property interest that can be sold apart from the surface land.
The estate was split, with the subsurfacerights going to the heirs and the farmland to the eldest son.