What are 'subsurface rights' more commonly referred to as?

Subsurface rights are most commonly referred to as mineral rights, which specifically pertain to the ownership and utilization of resources found beneath the surface of the land. These resources often include minerals such as oil, gas, coal, and precious metals. When a property owner sells or leases their subsurface rights, they typically retain the surface rights unless explicitly stated otherwise. This distinction is crucial in real estate and land use because it impacts how the land can be developed or used, as well as who profits from the extraction of any subsurface resources.

The other terms listed refer to different aspects of property rights. Air rights pertain to the space above the property, water rights concern the access and usage of water resources, and surface rights are related to the ownership and use of the land's surface.