Office of Mineral Resources

Leasing Manual

How to Acquire a Mineral Lease on State and State Agency Lands and Water Bottoms in the State of Louisiana

Step 1. Registration

All prospective leaseholders of state mineral leases shall register certain information and proof of current authorization to do business in the state of Louisiana with the Office of Mineral Resources and thereafter renew their registration annually by January thirty-first (31st). LSA-R.S. 30:125(B). Only those bidders who are registered as prospective leaseholders with the Office of Mineral Resources shall be allowed to bid on state tracts for the purpose of obtaining a state mineral lease. LSA-R.S. 30:127(A).  Transfers or assignments of state mineral leases shall not be granted to prospective leaseholders that are not currently registered with the Office of Mineral Resources. LSA-R.S. 30:128(A).

1. Registration consists of submitting a completed official Prospective Leaseholder Registration Form and an appropriate certificate from the Louisiana secretary of State to the Office of Mineral Resources as follows: individual/sole proprietorship – no certificate required; corporation – good standing certificate; limited liability company – good standing certificate; and partnership – existence certificate.

2. If a current record state mineral lessee fails to maintain his Prospective Leaseholder Registration with the Office of Mineral Resources, the Office of Mineral Resources may levy liquidated damages of $100.00 per day until a renewal certificate is received. LSA-R.S. 30:125(B).