# mines and minerals

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mines-and-minerals
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The legal title to geological resources in the subsurface of a piece of land, usually by reference to being in the same or separate ownership to the surface of that land.

## Examples

- The farmer owns the land, but not the mines and minerals.
- Before buying the property, the developer checked the deed to see who held the rights to the mines and minerals.
- The complex legal agreement clearly separated the surface rights from the mines and minerals, ensuring the original owner retained control over any potential subsurface resources.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.