Exhibit H - Minerals Determination

Exhibit H - Minerals Determination is a supporting document for the West Virginia Appraisal for Conservation Easement contract opportunity. This exhibit provides guidance on determining the presence and significance of mineral rights and subsurface mineral interests on properties subject to conservation easement appraisals. The document establishes the methodology and standards that appraisers must follow when evaluating whether mineral rights exist on a subject property, assessing their current and potential future value, and documenting their impact on the overall property valuation. The exhibit specifies the requirements for identifying active or inactive mineral extraction operations, reviewing mineral leases and deeds, and determining whether mineral interests have been severed from surface rights, all of which materially affect the easement valuation.

The minerals determination process outlined in this exhibit is integral to accurately calculating the conservation easement value, as mineral rights can significantly reduce the appraised value of a conservation easement by preserving economic value outside the easement restrictions. Appraisers are required to document their mineral rights analysis comprehensively, including any limitations encountered in obtaining complete title and mineral information. This exhibit serves as a technical standard to ensure consistency and defensibility in appraisals submitted under this contract opportunity, particularly given the importance of accurate mineral valuation to the state's conservation easement program and potential tax benefit claims.