Court Opinion

ID: 9594542
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 00:31:04.100072+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:29:59.511091
License: Public Domain

THOMAS, Justice,
specially concurring.
I agree with the result which is reached by the majority opinion in this instance. Had we let the matter rest with simply a statement that gravel is not included when a reservation in a deed alludes to “mineral and mineral rights,” I would be satisfied. We go on, however, to adopt what we describe as the “ordinary and natural meaning” test. I am somewhat apprehensive that this does create an avenue for future confusion, at least with respect to mineral substances other than gravel. In this regard, I have a good deal of affinity for Justice Rooney’s views.
It seems to me that it is compatible with our precedent to conclude that any mineral substance with inherent value at the time of the conveyance could be recognized as covered by a general reservation. Conversely, those mineral substances that possess only circumstantial value at the time of the conveyance would not be included. I then would define “inherent value” as a value that would result in profit from development whenever the owner chooses to proceed. “Circumstantial value” would be defined as a value that attaches only because of the occurrence of future events, which are not anticipated at the time of the conveyance. In such an instance, development would only be pursued because of a fortuitous event.
I believe that a test such as that would provide a sufficiently objective standard so that any given situation could be resolved by expert testimony. If we are going beyond a holding in this case that gravel is not a mineral, then I would prefer to pursue something beyond the Texas articulation of the “ordinary and natural meaning” test. I am persuaded that such a test will lead to future debate. Probably, any test is susceptible to litigation. My position is that the “inherent value” versus “circumstantial value” test provides a standard *1008that is objective rather than subjective. The adoption of such a standard would facilitate the resolution of future disputes.