Land Rights

Before companies can reach the wealth of resources that lay underground, they must first obtain the rights to the land. Oil and gas companies participate in a bidding and negotiation process to secure rights to the land. There are three sets of rights that must be gained before any oil and gas operations can begin:

• Surface rights allow companies to work on the surface of the land.
• Mineral rights allow companies to explore and produce the resources underground. Most mineral rights are owned by provincial governments. Other mineral rights are owned by federal governments or individual private owners.
• Freehold rights are rights that are not owned by government.

Companies use land agents and other specialty energy asset management professionals to negotiate agreements and contracts with land owners, First Nations and Aboriginal groups, and address any questions or concerns they might have.

For more land management information, visit:

• Alberta Land Surveyors' Association (ALSA) Association regulating the practice of land surveying for the public and the administration of the profession.
• Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB)
  ERCB regulates the safe, responsible, and efficient development of Alberta's energy resources.
• The Centre for Energy Asset Management Studies (CEAMS)
  CEAMS influences and promotes Asset Management skills development for and within the energy sector.
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL)
  CAPL is a professional organization for people involved in all aspects of petroleum land management.
• Canadian Association of Land Administration (CAPLA)
  The Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration serves individuals and organizations involved in petroleum land administration.

Interested in working in the land sector? You have lots of choices! Check out your career options as a Land Agent.