What is a petroleum landman?

A petroleum landman is a person who acquires subsurface mineral rights for the purpose of exploring for oil and gas. A landman makes sure the company he works for ends up owning the minerals it finds underground.

Obtaining the mineral rights to a piece of land usually involves research and negotiation. The property in question may have many owners. The landman represents the petroleum company. His responsibilities include researching public and private records, reviewing title status, and negotiating with all involved parties. Early in his career, former United States president George W. Bush worked as a landman for a petroleum company.