Have you ever imagined yourself rich overnight? Finding oil in your backyard may sound like a dream come true, but before you start planning your fortune, it's important to understand the details of this journey. A oil industry is complex, and the real question is: would you really get rich by finding oil?
In the United States, the oil is yours, but in Brazil? And in the UK, it's a different story. Do you want to know how the laws in these countries can change your life, or put an end to your dreams? You need to keep reading!
Find out now what really happens when you find oil. Don't be fooled by promises of easy wealth - what you'll actually earn will surprise you. Come on, what you'll learn here could change everything.
Underground Property

In many countries, the law says that the subsoil and its mineral resources belong to the state, and not to the owner of the surface. In Brazil, for example, the Federal Constitution states that oil and other mineral resources are the property of the Union.
Licensing and Concessions
To explore for oil, it is necessary to obtain specific licenses and concessions from the government. These concessions are usually auctioned off to oil and gas companies that demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to explore and develop the resources.
This process involves strict regulatory and environmental control to ensure that exploration is carried out in a sustainable and safe manner. Licenses and concessions are an essential part of the oil industryThey ensure that operations are carried out within legal parameters and with a focus on environmental preservation.
Example of Success in Texas with Oil industry
A notable example is the state of Texas in the United States, where many landowners have become millionaires after finding oil on their property. However, the legislation in the US is different from that in Brazil, allowing landowners to also own the mineral resources.
In addition, the infrastructure and oil industry were already well developed in the region, facilitating the exploration process.
Practical example: The Santos Basin
In Brazil, the discovery of the pre-salt layer in the Santos Basin is a practical example of how oil exploration can transform a region. Petrobras, along with other partner companies, has invested billions of dollars to develop the infrastructure needed to exploit these reserves.
This operation has generated jobs, economic development and revenue for the government through taxes and royalties, a clear reflection of the impact of the oil industry in the local economy.
Comparison between Brazil and the United States

The percentage that a Brazilian earns from finding oil on his land is quite different from the percentage that a North American can earn due to the different legislation and royalty practices in each country.
Brazil
In Brazil, ownership of mineral resources, including oil, belongs to the Union, as established by the Federal Constitution. This means that if oil is found on private property, the owner of the land has no direct rights to the oil.
However, they can receive financial compensation for the use of the land, which is usually negotiated as part of the concession contracts. The percentage of royalties varies from 5% to 10% of the value of production, depending on the characteristics of the area and the volume of production.
A oil industry in Brazil operates within a very regulated system, which means that there is significant bureaucracy involved in resource exploitation.
United States
In the United States, the situation is different. In many states, landowners also own the mineral resources found underground. This means that if a landowner finds oil, they can negotiate the terms of exploration and production directly with the oil and gas companies.
Royalties paid to landowners in the United States generally range from 12.5% to 25% of the gross value of the oil extracted. In addition to royalties, landowners can also receive lease bonuses, which are initial payments made by companies in the sector to secure exploration rights.
Therefore, a landowner in the United States has the potential to earn a significantly higher percentage of the profits from oil exploration compared to a landowner in Brazil.
Countries that pay the most royalties Oil
In the US, landowners can receive between 12.5% and 25% of production, a significant percentage of the value extracted. This compensation model has boosted exploration in private areas and has been one of the main driving forces behind the growth of oil industry in the producing states.
In Norway, the royalty structure also favors financial compensation, but with a focus on social welfare. Oil production is largely controlled by the government, and part of the profits generated go to sovereign wealth funds
Countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, although with different models, are still oil powers, offering advantageous payment systems, even though they are centrally controlled by the oil industry state.
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